Rachel joined Haslemere Border AC in 1976, when I was 17 and she was 12 years old. 34 years later and we are lifelong friends, having shared so much in those few years together in the same Athletics Club. Rach comments in our podcast that our connection and friendship was born out of a shared dream and a recognition of this within each other. My nickname then was Star and Rach aspired to run fast like me - and, as the older and for a while faster runner, I was struck by her tenacity, determination and her amazing spirit and belief that anything was possible. With the unfolding years her spirit is undimmed, but now it is also full of the wisdom that has come through life's challenges and having to keep going even when all seems lost. She is an inspiration and a true friend.