Karen, you and I have been friends since we were 12 years old at Westwood High school. We did everything together; went to church, taught Sunday School, went to Youth Fellowship, had sleep-overs, went to discos and went on holiday.

One of my holiday memories is when we went to Wales in your first car - a very old Ford Popular - and you had to change a tyre on a bend - something I couldn't have done at the time but you were always the practical one! We rented a caravan that happened to be right beside the coastal railway line so we didn't get much sleep as the trains would come hurtling by and rocking the caravan - unfortunately not rocking us to sleep! We also spent a week in Paris, with 10 pounds each and no plan as to where we were going to sleep but the address of a friend you had met the summer before. Your ability to speak Fench got us through and it was an amazing week seeing all the sights of that splendid city.

As you know, I met my husband John because of you, Karen. I was your bridesmaid at your wedding to Graham, and John was your best man. It is something I will be forever grateful for.I shall miss your e-mails and photos, Karen. I am so sad that your retirement that you were finding so enjoyable has been cut so short. My friend, you will be sadly missed but always fondly remembered.

Joy