Brookland Rise was where Elspeth and I first met, after school. There I was, bundling my noisy trio into the car when a beautiful, elegant woman, who was shepherding two equally boisterous boys, stopped by us. She had heard us speaking Greek and, to my delight, introduced herself with her Greek surname. We exchanged phone numbers, and a warm friendship subsequently developed between our two families: my Andreas, her Jimmy, our children.

Andreas, felt happy and honoured to be Matthew’s Godfather, a few years later, thus ensuring that the friendship continues.

Elspeth was a warm, wonderful person; I miss her quiet wisdom and the heartfelt smile that lit up her face. She was a much-loved friend, and I’m devastated that she is no longer at the end of a phone.

May she rest in peace.