Got a text a little while ago from my buddy Simon, regarding his wife, Sue. She had breast cancer a while ago, and surgery to remove the tumours. Had a couple of years of good health after but the cancer returned, and for the past couple of years she's had radiotherapy and all kinds of things to keep it at bay. Today she lost the fight.

Sue and Simon are friends I met through my ex wife; she'd know Sue since childhood, became pen pals, spent holidays together and kept in touch through their teens and eventually, we all became firm friends as adults.

Sue was a superb, wonderful, funny human being with a ready wit, a deep abiding love of animals and a remarkable talent for getting stuff done. She jumped from the security of a humdrum office job to the corporate ladder of finance, made a name for herself as a born leader, then stepped off at a high level to become a well respected lecturer. She loved her job but never let it define her and always valued family and friends - and her pets - above all else.

They say the true test of friendship is if you can go on holiday together and still be friends after. We did, many times. Some of my happiest memories are of the four of us getting ridiculously drunk in some bar in Greece or Spain.

Sue was one of the finest people I have ever known, as is Simon.

RIP Sue McLean 1961 - 2019

So sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend Sam. She, and her husband, sound like the type of friends we all want to keep forever.

I am so very sorry for your loss Sam. I know had sad and horrible the fight of cancer is. Big hugs and comfort to you.

Condolences to you, your family and friends.

My condolences

My condolences. Sorry to hear about your loss

Deepest condolences and white light to you and your friend! I stand beside you.

Thanks, all.

Just got off the phone with Simon. He's doing ok, considering. Has some family and friends nearby helping out with stuff. Will get to know funeral arrangements in a few days.

Good thing was, we spent a long time laughing about the stupid stuff we all got up to when we were all together. Even through bad times, it's good for us to have such great memories to look back on. Simon even thanked me for making him laugh for the first time in ages. Sue may be gone, but far from forgotten.