have only just learned that Donna passed away in January. It is September now, and my heart feels heavy with the news.
I met Donna when I was sixteen. She, Davie and Christopher became such a significant part of my teenage years, memories that have stayed with me, even through all the years that followed.
Donna was there for me when my boyfriend died, when I was only sixteen myself. I will never forget that kindness.
She took me out for my eighteenth birthday. I remember it so clearly: the Hearts match, pizza on Lothian Road, and then the Rutland Bar at the West End. A day that has stayed with me for all these years.
I later looked after Christopher when the big matches were on. I remember him wearing his mum’s jewellery, and then, of course, losing it. Donna was always so wonderfully laissez-faire about things. And somehow, we found the ring. :-)
Life carried me in different directions. I became a nanny, travelled, moved to Edinburgh, studied art, and eventually became an artist.
Back then, in the 1990s, we didn’t have mobile phones or the internet to keep us connected. Life moved on, and somewhere along the way, we lost touch.
Last year, in 2025, while writing my book, I tried to find Donna, Tracey, David and John. I searched, but without success. I never imagined that I would find out this way.
There is something particularly heartbreaking about discovering that someone who once meant so much to you has gone, and realising that the years have slipped by without another conversation.
Donna, I wish I had found you.
I wish I had known.
But I am grateful for the memories. For the laughter, the kindness, the birthday celebrations, the little moments that somehow remain so vivid after all this time.
You were part of my story, Donna. A part of the girl I was, and the life I went on to live.
And you will always be remembered.
My thoughts and love are with Christopher, and with everyone who loved you.
Anjila xxxxx (little Gems)
Anjila Jack
12/09/2026
