I would like to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the following.
My mother Betty. I miss you.
My children Roberta and Dean, for their love and support.
My grandchildren Poppy, Freddie and Ava, for bringing so much happiness into my life.
Simon Trewin, my agent, and Claire Gill of Peters, Fraser & Dunlop, for their invaluable help in starting me on the road to writing this book.
Michael Doggart of publishers Harper Collins, for giving me the chance, and Tom Whiting, my editor, for all his advice and assistance.
And an especially big thank you to the wonderful Julie Welch, who not only helped me to tell my story, sharing many tears and much laughter along the way, and became a friend but who has also given me the confidence and encouragement to try my hand at a novel. I will always be grateful, Julie. Thank you.