Well Sarah, where do I start. Writing this is probably one of the hardest things I have had to do. I have so many memories, which I will cherish forever, that it is hard to even think of them all.

We started working together when we were about 18 as office juniors and it was such a fun time. We became close friends from the start and there was also another Sarah so from then on it was all about the adventures, or maybe mischief, that the three Sarah’s could get involved in! I remember all the nights out at Queens Hall, the cheesy dance we had to do to I think we’re Alone Now by Tiffany, then often going back to yours for Capones to finish the night. It was like a big family and it was just the norm for everyone to be in the pub at lunch together, usually city vaults, and then probably again after work! We were there for each other when it was time to take our driving tests. I remember failing the first time and you were waiting for me in town and to cheer me up and when I passed of course you were there to celebrate. We had our first trip away together to New York and I will never forget the laughs we had. We really did shop until we dropped, saw all the landmarks and hardly slept. I think I needed a week to recover from that! Also the Dalmatians video will go down in history and I keep watching it now.

You concentrated on building your amazing career and I had my daughter Chloe who also adored you. We of course kept in touch all the time and it was lovely to see just how far your confidence at work grew and this was not only through progression but for the respect everyone had for you. You were always the go to person about business or just life in general. You took so many people under your wing and mentored them in their career. I for one would not be where I am today without you.

On the subject of Chloe I remember dragging you to many sea side trips and that water park in Scarborough which you hated! We also caught her bunking of school one time which was meant to be serious but we could do nothing but laugh. It made us feel old thinking she is now 18!

You moved to another company and I followed closely behind. It was a really tough role for you due to various challenges but once again you showed just how amazing you were and overcame it all. I was gutted when you decided to have a bit of a career break as I did not know work without you but on the other had I was so pleased you were taking time to chill. It was about 5 months we did not work together which was the longest it ever was but I still called you every night when I finished so you could talk to me on the journey home like you were there!

When you got your role at LSL you suggested I apply and not long after we were back at the same company again! I have loved seeing you go from strength to strength at LSL/Overdales and again you became someone who everyone would turn too. Car share will always be one of my fondest memories because it really was the best time of the day. You would torture me with either Taylor Swift or Haim on full blast but when I drove it was time for Stormzy or Dave as revenge! We would cry with laughter at you needing to have the vicks over your nose by “onion roundabout” or when we passed Steve the cow. Also how we got waving to” chin man” and it became a daily thing to laugh about! Oh an the time you got me that mask for my birthday and said turn around whilst wearing it and I scared a load of school kids waiting the bus!

What I will say is that I hope you know just how many people loved and cared for you. You had the best team and manager around you and would always tell me how amazing they were and what times you had together. Yes you had lots of colleagues who respected you, but it was more than that, they were friends. I for one don’t know what I will do without you and there will always be an irreplaceable space in my heart which belongs to you my oldest and dearest friend. You just had a gift for getting people to open up and understand them. You had the best sense of humour and could make people laugh with just a look. You loved your family and I am grateful I got to spend time with you Dot & Jo on occasions and come on some shopping trips with you and Dot as being with them was your ultimate happy place.  I often struggled with anxiety and you just knew what to do and say without a word. You were the most generous person I knew and would always put others first.

I am so grateful for every moment we had together and having you in my life was such a blessing.You will never be forgotten. I hope you are at peace Sarah and back with Missy.

Until we meet again, all my love always Sarah xxxxx