Ann- my dearest friend and confidante Ann and I met at University in 1969 where we both were studying science degrees- hers in Biological Sciences and mine in Biology and Chemistry. We shared a flat together and is where she met Pete, my future husband and where we also met Jenny, her beloved sister.We shared many interests, including subaqua diving and had so many happy times in that flat( by today`s standards- or any - it was grotty,) but we loved it.I recall the time we opened a bottle of corked wine without a cork screw and filtered it through a pair of ( clean !!) tights!The bond we shared was instant and has been long lasting. Although she was initially a bit disappointed with her class of degree- due entirely to her avid interest in her research project for her final year dissertation - my father told her that if she really wanted to pursue a career in research she would find a way. And she did! She was entirely suited to this and although our lives took different paths- mine into teaching and raising a growing family of boys and hers into research and raising David, we still kept in regular contact. In the last 10 years or so she often came to stay with us, and we with her. She loved to come up and just talk, walk, see new places and our friends and visit TKMax here which she loved!In July she enjoyed our son`s wedding and in August joined us in Brighton where we were house sitting for some friends, though she wasn`t well we still managed to enjoy the time together.Latterly at the London flat I feel priviledged in having had a few days looking after her following the surgery.We had time to say the many things we needed to say, not least that we loved each other so dearly.During this time I met some of her very special and wonderful friends and I can see why she delighted in their company, because they were all so warm, generous and kind hearted people who I really hope will keep in touch with me.You were all so precious to her.We didn`t know David but of course we felt we did because we had had so many conversations about all our children.We hope he will carry out her wishes to the best of his ability because she loved him so very much.I cannot finish this without a special mention of Jenny who we hadn`t seen for many years but who was close to Ann and with whom Ann spent many happy times.She has carried out Ann`s wishes superbly and with whom we have been able to renew our friendship. She is another precious link to my lovely friend and I was touched when she told me that now I had to be her new big sister. Always here for you Jenny, and Ann will always stay with me. Joyce and Pete Hodge