I met Sonya initially because Laila and my son Harry were in the same class at Lightwoods. Our friendship blossomed after Sonya offered me a spare ticket at her table at a posh do in Droitwich. We often met at Warley Woods for a stomp and a chat, along with Bonnie (racing around but always coming back when Sonya called her) and I always left with a spring in my step.

Sonya was fun, kind, thoughtful, generous, outgoing and interesting- the kind of person to want her friends to get on well with each other and become friends themselves. She knew everyone of course and I felt as though she was always introducing me to people.

She would often mention something she’d heard on Woman’s Hour/Radio 4 if she thought it would be useful to my work and when I was making some films about education for children with SEND recently, she put in a good word for me with the headteacher at Laila’s school and suggested I film there – which I did (and it was wonderful!)

Sonya had so many challenges especially with her health which seemed so unfair but I never heard her say ‘why me.’  I was and am, in awe of all she managed to fit in. She was an amazing mum to Laila, a supportive friend to many AND so involved in the community – she was always talking about the Hub, Mothership, Fantastic Journeys and Wild Lives.

Sonya was a member of Lit Mums, a book group with a few of us from Bearwood. We take turns at hosting and we always loved it when Sonya did. She was a natural host, and created such a lovely atmosphere (the vibe very much Danish Hygge) with little dishes of nuts and chocolate in amongst all the candles in that lovely house of hers.

I raise a glass of Nosecco to you Sonya – miss you – and sending love to Laila and all your dear ones xxxx