Erica was one of my very favourite humans and I have far too many stories to share. We all have hilarious party stories, she was always the heart and soul of any night out, but I wanted to share just how special she was.  Erica was one of the most kind and genuine people I've ever met. No matter what happened, she was always fiercely loyal and really cared for her friends.  When I moved to my first proper flat back in 2004, I was working at Goldmans on a temp contract with Erica, Toni and our friend Dominika who has also sadly passed. I was literally on my own in London and Erica suggested we have a painting / move in party. You can just imagine it, she's explaining how we'd get some wine in, the paint rollers out and just have a ball while getting the place nice and fresh for me. The girls were amazing, and we had a fab weekend, in fact I still have a couple of the plates that they bought me as a moving in present. This is just a small testiment to Erica's character. We'd known each other for a couple of months and yet she (Toni and Dominika) were willing to give up their time to help me out. From the moment we bonded at work we became firm friends for life. Sometimes months or a couple of years would pass without seeing each other but our bond would remain the same. I was also privileged to spend my second maternity leave with Erica in 2017/2018. Our darling Ella and Melina were born a day apart. I remember sharing a 12 week scan photo on WhatsApp with her excitedly sharing one back. A truly heart warming moment. What are the chances of being able to share this moment of your life with one of your best friends?! I'm so grateful for that time.
I will forever cherish her memory and our friendship. Some of my last memories of her are of us laughing and drinking in the garden of her beautiful house, kids playing and her beloved Gary by her side. She was one of the great loves of my life and I will miss her until we are reuinted in the afterlife.  Fly high El, the party won't be the same without you.
With love from Kate xxxx