I was devastated to hear the news about Elspeth. Words are too limiting to describe such a special soul. Elspeth was beautiful, vital, kind, gentle, wise, gracious, and had such a wonderful sense of humour. She was someone whom I admired greatly and inspired me to be a better person. Our families grew up around the corner from each other, us kids went to the same primary school, and as the years went by our families became closer. When Matty became godfather to my son, Elspeth said to me, with a delightful twinkle in her eye, “Well, we’re definitely family now!”. What an honour to know that Elspeth was not only a dear friend but a precious family member. I was truly blessed to have had Elspeth as my ‘other mother’. Over the decades I spent many years living and working away from London, and yet Elspeth had the wonderful ability that whenever we met or talked, no matter how long it had been, it was as if no time had passed at all, it was natural, authentic, there was no awkwardness, we just picked up where we had left off. I used to look forward to the fantastically interesting and stimulating conversations that I enjoyed with Elspeth, and we would invariably end our chats waxing lyrical about our shared pride and joy - that of our beautiful children and, for Elspeth, her grandchildren. I miss her dreadfully. I am so grateful that she was in our lives and that Matty, you were able to give her one last big hug and kiss from me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time, and rest assured Elspeth - your sons are still doing you proud. Nicola xxx