Lovely friend, I can't believe you've gone but I have so many memories of our times together. I always felt we were on the same page when we talked about our families and our worries - you never judged, just supported and shared your wisdom. When we first moved to France only you would have thought that what I really needed 2 weeks in, was Greg and Bertie arriving to help in the garden. And it worked - 2 teenagers in the house were a pleasure and a distraction for my boys. We didn't get to spend a lot of time together once I was in France but it didn't matter - when we did meet up it never felt like we'd been apart. I treasure the day we spent together in December, a joyful day of laughing and remembering.

My favourite memories of Helen are of our family holidays in Cornwall, this was taken on ‘our’ beach, Trebawith Bay, so many days spent making sand castles, surfing, picnics and always wine, it’s a blurry shot but captures all the fun and atmosphere with Helen always keen to have a go - here she is with Alice and Hugh (Emmett in the foreground) - I miss those times and my friend Helen but the memories will never leave me. I sent this photo to Helen recently with the caption ‘Is that you Mrs W? GillWhits forever - so much love to you all xxx

I've just been listening to the birds in the garden and thinking of my lovely friend xx