I was hugely fortunate that Debbie came into my life when she came to work with me in 2013. Less fortunate is our time together simply wasn't long enough. Many things stood out about Debbie from the get go which included her enormous energy, glass half full approach, scurrying around to get things done all the time, applying logic where confusion would often reign....and above all the loudest laugh from the smallest person and one I will never forget. Perhaps our closeness as friends grew more rapidly due to her illness although I am confident that without it we would have been two girls drinking Pinot in the sun as we loved and appreciated very similar things. We weren't given the opportunity to do that, instead our friendship consisted of discussions on chemotherapy, drugs (not of the recreational type) and a resolute determination to live. Neither of us are known for dressing things up so we struck a deal that we would be open about her condition until the end and I am eternally grateful that we were. During my last conversation with Debbie I told her she had made a profound impact on me in terms of her continual courage even in the darkest of moments. She was a beautiful soul and I told her that seeing her fighting on inspired me to not take this life for granted. That is one of the many legacies she leaves behind and I am eternally grateful that although it was only for a short time she came into my life and made the impact she did. Thank you Debbie, always xxxx