Ellen was the most wonderful companion and friend I could have asked for when I went to Brugge to have my operation. She was there for me, holding my hand all the way through the week over there. Like me, Ellen had always struggled with her weight too. We met on Ward F at the Mater Hospital where I was working as an agency nurse and she was regular staff there.

We had such a laugh together working together those nights and when she agreed to come with me to Brugge I knew I would be in the best company. After we came home she went to her GP and asked to be referred for surgery. She already had diabetes and her blood pressure was not great so she was within the NHS guidelines to receive a referral which took a long time to happen. Her patience paid though, and in March 2009 she went to London's Charing Cross Hospital for her gastric bypass surgery. Since then she has lost most of her weight and landed herself a man in her life too. Ellen, you deserve all the happiness in the world my dearest friend. I love you so much, and thank you so much for being there for me when I needed you the most. You look incredible !!