Valerie was the first friend I made when I started primary school and our friendship continued onto grammar school .. we 'fell out' sometimes of course but we always 'made up' again.

I have so many memories of Valerie that it's hard to choose.  An important one is when we were at primary school.  Our teacher would sometimes want a rest and she would choose someone to tell the class a story.  We always wanted Valerie to be chosen.  She could remember all the Enid Blyton stories and could tell them so brilliantly and make them come alive for us.  It was quite amazing how she had a natural talent for not only confidently talking in front of the class but, also, taking on the voices of the people she was talking about... she was also brilliant at dancing and I was so jealous!

My memories of Valerie are that she was good fun, brilliant dancer and good at remembering the words to the latest Hollywood songs.  She was also very caring, thoughtful and  particularly loyal. 

 I haven't said 'goodbye' to Valerie because she'll always be with me.