This is such a hard post to write, because I wish with all my heart that Julie was still here and there was no necessity to write this. I first met Julie in the early 1990’s - She was my first ‘Mummy friend’. I’d moved on to the same street as her, and James was a couple of months older than my Son, Gavin, my first child. We hit it off straight away, our husbands had lived facing each other in the same street when they were growing up, so instantly we had a connection. I got to know Julie so well, she was a loyal friend, and what impressed me about her was her great capacity and need to help others . It didn’t matter how busy she was, she always found the time to be helpful and kind. I remember one time when my son, aged about 3, was ill and I had to call the emergency doctor. As soon as the doctor had visited Julie was on the phone to see if everything was ok - I explained everything would be ok and I’d been given a prescription. A few minutes later the doorbell rang and it was Julie - though I’d never asked her she insisted I gave her the prescription and she went and got the medicine needed. I was so grateful for her thoughtfulness and kindness. Julie helped me so much when I ‘hosted’ my first ever birthday party for my Son - Julie stayed in the background, but her help was invaluable. Julie cared so much about her family - She was so organised and always ensured that their needs were met - It was like she came into her own when helping others. Julie was so proud of Laura, Karen and James, but never in a bragging kind of way, just so proud of what they had all achieved. I always knew that Christmas was coming, Julie’s card would always be the first to arrive, actually my Mam always received Julie’s card first!! And I’d ring Julie and say ‘How are you so organised? I haven’t even bought my cards yet!!’ And we’d laugh and she’d tell me all her pickles were ready too and I was always amazed that she could be so busy yet so organised at the same time. I could write so much more about how Julie’s kindness had touched me over the years, but then this post would be even longer than it already is, so I will close by saying that Julie was a wonderful Wife, Mother, Daughter, Grandma, Sister, Friend, and a helpful hand to many - As long as I live I will never forget her, she will always live on in my memories. I am thinking of you all - Steve, Laura, Karen, James and all Julie’s family, May you have the strength to face the dark days, weeks and months ahead. May Julie sleep peacefully in the arms of the angels. Finally, what a better world it would be if we offered help and reached out to others as Julie always did. R.I.P Julie, God Bless you and thank you for being my friend. Lots of Love From Carol xxx