Maryrose and I first met when she joined Leadenhall School in Salisbury, just before we moved to the Godolphn School. From that first moment, I was struck by her amazing eyes, her lovely freckles and that wonderful smile.
I lived on a farm and very often she would stay the weekend with my family in the country and I would stay in Salisbury with her during the week.
Later we would meet up together in Oxford and London and with a gathering of young children, we had a memorable week at Slaidburn, near the Forest of Bowland.
My trip to Toulouse in 2005 was a very special but poignant time - she was just so so brave.
I have always so regretted that I was unable to be at her funeral - my daughter, Katy, her god-daughter was there and able to tell me what a special, sad but also uplifting service it was.
I will never ever forget one of the most dear, funny, gentle and loving friends I will ever have, who I think of so much and especially today.