Last night I had a real treat - a nice girlie evening with two of my oldest friends Julie and Susie. I first met them in 1988 on the same day - they both worked in Client Service at Nielsen when I joined the team as a rookie Account Exec. Instantly I found that the two of them would do anything to help a frightened, nervous wreck like me. We struck up a friendship that I truly believe will last a lifetime. At the time we all lived in Oxford together so we saw a great deal of each other.

It got me thinking about the value of friendship (priceless) and the importance of loyalty (vital). I know, without any doubt whatsoever that Julie and Susie would still do anything in their power to help me and I in turn would do anything for them. We've supported each other through some huge traumas - Susie and I both have painful divorces behind us and Julie has been so brave for the last year looking after her Mum who is seriously ill (though thankfully recovering we all hope). Jules and I both lost our companions, Toby and Bonnington within a few painful months of one another. Even though we don't see each other very often, we are as certain of each others love and friendship as if we were together every day.

So last night was a good gossip, a nice meal and then they went home to Oxford and I set off in the opposite direction to my home of nine years in Sandhurst.

STOP PRESS: I've just heard from Jules that her Mum is now officially in remission so we're all thrilled about that!