To Ben, Susan and Agatha, I hope you are all well and that the news of my demise wasn’t too much of a shock. I had originally planned to write a letter before this to inform you of my condition but at the time I couldn’t quite bare it. I’m writing to you for a few different reasons... Firstly, I would like to ask you to take care of my dearest Angela and our daughter, too. I’m writing a letter to her as well but I fear that she won’t read it and that she won’t know my last words for her, so I beg that you encourage her to do so. I am also leaving a letter for our daughter, Frankie, but I have entrusted it to my brother to give to her when she grows up. Of you all, I am only asking that you can support my family at this time as I have supported all of you in your times of need. Secondly, I am formally inviting you to my funeral, my final farewell. I won’t give you a date, I will leave that for my dearest to decide but I do ask that you wear bright colours: you know I dislike the gloom of funerals. Whatever date is set, please don’t make too much fuss of it. It doesn’t need to be for the whole day, a simple service will do. Lastly, please do take care of yourselves. You all have been my friends for as long as I can remember and although the amount of time that is has been diminishing, I know we have been together for at least 35 years (when we went to nursery). I love you all and I hope to see you all again one day but not any time soon. So you all better take care of yourselves so I won’t be forced to meet with you. Thank you my friends for 35 joyous years, I wish we could have had more. With love, Penelope.