WRITING poetry helped Rachel Goss to cope with rheumatoid arthritis when she couldn’t sleep and, a year after her death, her words continue to comfort others.

Rachel’s poems have been collected and organised into an anthology by Chris and Janet Done, who helped her in the last years of her life.

And it will help to raise money for Arthritis UK and Samaritans.

Both charities played a big part in Rachel’s life, offering vital support during difficult times, and she was keen to fundraise for them.

She used her artistic skills to produce cards and paintings, to sell in aid of Arthritis UK, and volunteered at the Swindon and District Samaritans.

Chris and Janet Done, aged 72 and 71, from Rodbourne Cheney, met Rachel ten years ago when she sang as an alto for the Swindon Choral Society and Swindon Opera.

They quickly became friends after discovering a shared love for classical music.

Now the couple hope to tell the world about the new collection, giving everyone the opportunity to support Rachel’s chosen charities.

The collection includes 37 poems, including a prayer written for Rachel by Janet after she was told by doctors she could become paralysed at any time.

Most of the poems were written during the early hours of the morning to try and distract Rachel from the pain of arthritis.

“It was cathartic for her,” said Janet. “I tried to persuade her to write what she felt.

“It really came out in her poetry.

“She always tried to look on the bright side. She was an amazing person and everyone loved her.”

Rachel, who was 63 at the time of her death, also left another gift behind after choosing to donate organs.

Chris said this was another example of her generosity and selflessness.

He said: “She always thought of other people all her life and even when she was gone.

“She gave her spine to the consultant who operating on her for his research and her kidneys saved people waiting for a transplant.”

Copies of Rachel’s book, entitled Reflections, are for sale at the Samaritans Shop at 5-6 Curtis Street, for £5.

Members of the public can also request a copy from Arthritis Research UK, St Mary’s Gate, Chesterfield, S41 7PB.