My name is Eryl Oakes and I was one of Joanne Evan's best friends. I would like to share with you the story of how very brave, inspirational and beautiful Jo was and still is, but now as an angel. 

I remember the first day that Jo walked into my life – she was bubbly, very chatty and one of those people that you don't forget.

It felt like I had known her for a lifetime and from that day onwards we remained best of friends. 

Jo was the life and soul of the party, she was extremely funny and had a great sense of humour. 

Jo struggled somewhat with health problems over the years but she never let it get her down and she always saw a silver lining to every cloud. She had this inner strength that was undeterred and she would bounce back better and with a bigger smile than before even when she was diagnosed with lymphedema, a condition of localised fluid retention caused by a compromised lymphatic system.

For a girl so young to have lymphedema, Jo sometimes had her down days at having to wear bandages on her legs. But her spirit and her strength still was never compromised and she saw the positive in everything. 

That's what I recall when I think of Jo, her big eyes and her cheeky smile and probably the bravest person I have ever met. I remember the day that Jo told me she had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. I just could not believe that the beautiful, young girl before me, my best friend, was telling me that she had six months to live. It didn't sink in for a while and even now she is gone, it still does not seem real. After Jo was diagnosed with terminal cancer, she and Jamie bought their wedding forward and it was held on July 27 – one of the hottest days of the year at Boringdon Hall.

The wedding was beautiful and Jo looked more beautiful and radiant then ever before. She was not feeling 100 per cent that particular day but her strength and her unconditional love for Jamie pulled her through. 

Jo has taught me so much, the meaning of life, the meaning of friendship and the meaning of love. I will carry her memory forever and a day and thank her for teaching me that tomorrow is not promised to anyone, so while we are here we should make the most of everyone we have in our lives and live each day to the full. 

I thank Jo for the memories that will always be with me.