BEST FRIENDS forever

Three women open up about the special friendships in their lives

'She's an honorary family member'

Emma Norry, 47, is a writer and wellbeing coach, and lives in Bournemouth with her husband Edwin, 53, and their children Samuel, 15, and Maisy, 13.

Despite having almost nothing in common, Anne-Marie - Amo - is like a sister to me. She's been there for the biggest events in my life and has never let me down. 'Amo is everything I'm not - calm, collected, even-tempered,' I tell my husband Edwin. 'She's the first person I turn to in a crisis or when I need advice. She's so wise.'

We met at boarding school aged 13; I came from a foster home, which had been a bad placement, and Amo's parents were older and ran a nursing home. We were in the same dorm, and from 13 to 16 we were really close - apart from one massive row. I said something that crossed the line and she was livid. I returned to my foster home for the summer and wrote her an apology, but she never received it. Things remained frosty, but we made up one night when we were on punishment together and had to clean the school ovens!

Amo, now 48, got married quite young and I was a witness. We worked together during our 20s, at a nursing agency managed by one of her sisters, and had a brilliant time.

I had a mental breakdown when I was 26, and Amo was there for me. She was studying nursing and moved into psychiatric nursing, and was so supportive. She was at my wedding, helped choose my dress, and was there when my children were born. I've supported her through break-ups and she stayed with us for a while.

We share a love of musicals and since we spent our teen years together, we've grown together. Our dynamic has changed, as has our relationship, but it's interesting as older women to discuss men, sex, money and jobs. Even if we don't speak for a while, it's as if no time has passed when we do. Amo is more than a wonderful friend - she's my family.