Kelvin, Nick and Alex and Carol and Kelvins family.  Friends of Carol.
Today I write from New Zealand, reflecting on the part of Carols life, I know best. Carol and I met in Edinburgh in August 1978, where we studying midwifery.. We have been friends for 42 years. I invited Carol for a gin in my bedroom and that’s how our friendship started..
During the next two weeks  in Edinburgh, we forged our friendship, going out every night, to a festival event and of course to a pub or two. We walked over bodies lying about the Grassmarket on our return to the Nurses Home. Next morning we got up and did lectures all day. Carol always lived life to the full, fitting in many happenings in a day.- She was a great planner and time manager. We flatted together and shared a bedroom for two years in West Saville Tce. Many miles were walked across The Meadows to work and when going out. There was the mandatory attendance at the Golf Inn on Saturday nights, where the night’s party was found. Coming home from work, we often nipped into a pub to meet up with a friend. Carol was never one to lose an opportunity for friendship and conviviality. We hosted dinner parties and parties often. We liberated ourselves from walking by getting bikes. Carol and I and others did trips all over Scotland on our days off. They were happy, fairly care free, fun Jaunts. We travelled to Europe for a month at the end of the course, with Amanda, another friend and had many new experiences.
When I think of Carol, I think of her with her Yorkshire accent, curly shoulder length red hair, her gold jewellery, fur coat ( it was always cold in Edinburgh) and smiling. As has remained one of her enduring traits, Carol even then, was able to dish out the advice and wisdom on almost any subject.
When I returned to New Zealand in September 1980, I only saw Carol and Kelvin once in the following 30 years. We maintained a friendship by writing letters and Christmas cards. Andy, my husband, was able to see Carol and Kelvin several times when he returned to the UK with our children. Carol was always welcoming, hospitable, interested and asking the direct, wry questions.
Since 2010, we have caught up with Carol and Kelvin five times- we had a memorable time with them in the Lake District and when you graciously came to New Zealand in 2012. The other times have all been special and we have been able to meet and enjoy ourselves, as though we have seen each other weekly.
Carol and Kelvin have made a great partnership and wonderful parents. Your love and concern for each other has been so evident and especially in the last two years. Carol adored her boys, Alex and Nick. The family’s care of Carol in the last two years has been heroic. Our deepest sympathy to Kelvin, Alex and Nick and the wider family. We know Carol’s passing leaves a big gap in your lives.
Andy and I will always remember our special friend, Carol. She will have a place in our hearts in New Zealand forever.
 Rest in Peace dear Carol.