I keep starting to write then stopping and starting again. I still cannot believe it. I keep expecting you to pop up on our teams chat with some witty comment to the team that has us in stiches. So I am not going to overthink it and just go for it … Sarah you really were the best manager and an amazing friend too. You had a knack of knowing how to lighten the mood in any room or conversation but you really didn’t know you were doing it. I really wish that you did but then you might have approached things differently and it may not have gone quite the same way. One example is when I was not very well, and at a low ebb. I had told you the situation and messaged you the next morning that I wouldn’t be in work as I wasn’t feeling too good. You responded with the following strange words of wisdom that had me crying with laughter ‘ It’s all a bit **** right now, but why not cheer yourself up and watch Game of Thrones. It is extreme and will definitely distract you from life in general’

You are the most honest person I have ever met too, I mean say it as it is on another level, but again your skill of approach, no one could ever be upset or angry just belly laughs. When I told you I was getting married, you mentioned you had been a bridesmaid multiple times and was happy for me but you were not going to get involved in any wedding planning chit chat because it did your head in. When Lauren joined the team not long after and said ‘ I’m getting married next summer’ I looked at you and thought ‘ please don’t say it’ but yep you said ‘god help me now I have to put up with the two of you chirping on about weddings! We know you secretly loved it though and supported us immensely.

Oh and the time I was annoyed because a cupboard was put next to my desk, I was complaining that people would be loitering next to me which could result in them seeing confidential information. I went for a break and when I came back there was a post it note on my screen saying ‘ Hi Michelle, Sorry you are not happy with me but I hope we can be friends you can even put your files on my shelves if you like, Love from Cupboard’. I just couldn’t be annoyed anymore because you had shown me just how silly I was being in the midst of having a giggle too. You were our very own loved more that words unique manager Sarah!

It’s been an honour to have learned the ropes in Compliance from you and a real privilege knowing you Sarah not only in a work capacity but your true friendship, I’m going to miss you so very much and you will be forever in my heart  xx