We've been through a lot together. We met nearly 12 years ago in all places - a Womens' Refuge. When I moved down here the guy I was engaged to dumped me after a couple of months (found out later he'd done that to four other women too ) and I had nowhere to go except the Womens' Refuge. The first time I met Heather she was standing by the sink in the kitchen - and she was black and blue from head to foot Her (now ex) husband beat her to within an inch of her life We've been friends ever since. In fact, we're more like sisters than friends and her two daughters are like nieces to me (and vice versa).

She was Maid of Honour at my wedding a few years ago