We are so lucky to have shared some of Issy’s time with her. It is so hard to face the office knowing she won’t be at her favourite desk by the window, making jokes and sharing her life and light. She genuinely touched the lives of everyone, from people she chatted to whilst making a tea, to those who had the privilege of knowing her – as a sweet, cheeky, positive person beyond a dedicated and hardworking policymaker. I will miss making pacts on a Thursday afternoon to both leave our laptops in the office and come in on Friday, so that neither of us would be the only girl, and I’m so grateful that she always kept her promise, and that gave me extra time with her. She gave wise and kind advice, and she never brought in a boring lunch or came back from a trip without bringing a sweet treat for the office snack drawer. She cared deeply about her work and lived a rich, full life outside of it too. Issy will be fondly remembered as a cherished friend and irreplaceable part of our Manchester group, who are all better off for knowing her. My heart is broken for her family and everyone grieving this unfathomable loss.

All my love, Heather