I remember when we were first introduced through Nick and how I was in awe of this strong and intelligent woman, she was so stunning and confident (and a biker!) I was only 19 when I first joined Coutts and I joined a great team of guys! You don’t always have friendships with your work colleagues other half’s but Sue and I interacted regularly when she did some work for ECOM. Some of the great advice she shared with me was genuine and heartfelt, she knew I was young and to an extent naive. “Don’t stay in a job long term especially if ur not learning!” “If you feel there is no where to progress in your job, move on and find a job that you can!” “Stand your ground, if you know you are right, don’t allow people to shut you down!” These are just snippets of our conversations but such strong messages that I took onboard and contributed to the confident woman I became.

One of my greatest holidays I ever had was when I had turned 21 and Nick and Sue were living in Miami. Nick had called me at work and asked me if I could test the video conferencing unit in our office, while chatting he told me how much he was enjoying Miami and said I should visit! Me jumping on the invite booked a flight and headed to Miami a few weeks later.

Both Sue and Nick put me up on the most comfortable sofa! Nick was working during the week days so Sue and I got to spend every day together, only now I’m older and look back at what an amazing opportunity of a trip to Miami was and that I really am thankful for all she did for me during that holiday. Sue collected me from the airport, took me shopping, we went to the beach together, she took me to go swimming with dolphins and was always offering to do more. One of my funniest and painful memories was the day we went to the beach and my entire back was sunburned after hours of laying there chatting and not realising. That didn’t stop us still having a fantastic day, we headed over to one of the bars straight from the beach to watch England play in the world cup 98! We had such a laugh as the bar filled up with Argentinian supporters and Sue and I were the only English but that didn’t stop us being the loudest when the singing banter started! I have so many great memories of that trip, not forgetting poor Nick trying to keep a float while Sue and I clung to him while we all tried to swim around our speedboat taking in the beautiful coral reef. I’m so gutted that since relocating to Ireland that we all lost touch but I will never forget your beautiful kind soul and I will remember you always.

Sending my heartfelt condolences and love to Nick and James

Love Christine xxx