It has been a comfort to read through the tributes and memories that have been posted, some shared memories from people that I have not seen for many years, some from family, and those from Julia’s close friends and colleagues, all expressing in their personal way the affection and warmth that we all had for Julia. My strongest memory of Julia was the strength of character and selfless determination that Julia showed us throughout her illness. When the going got tough, Julia kept on going – as a mother, sister, daughter, friend or family, often putting the needs of others before her own. When Julia was informed that her illness had become terminal, she had obviously decided that it was important for me that whilst on a family visit, she told me the news in person. I found it a little curious that mum and dad were discretely leaving the room for no apparent reason, but once alone, Julia explained her situation with a directness and sensitivity that only she could have mustered. There was a gentle hug, and a lot of discussion, and at the time I thought that I handled the situation quite well. Looking back however, I realise that really I was trying to avoid saying anything that might upset Julia because I felt that she had enough to deal with, and took a lot of strong mixed feelings away with me. Julia of course, with the perception of a sister, was fully aware of this and a couple of days later was able to put her own tragic situation to one side and call me to check that I was OK. Since Julia passed away, there have been times when life has been difficult - but never as difficult as it was for Julia - and I have asked myself what she would do. Every time, a reply cuts through the self-indulgent worry, a voice with a down to earth directness that brings strength and encouragement. Its usually something like “Stop worrying and get on with it, because I know you can do it” and it wouldn’t feel the same coming from anyone else. Julia will always be with me, and I hope that her courageous spirit will continue to be an inspiration to everyone that she knew and loved.