When we first met on LSHTM induction day, I knew straight away that Sarah and I would be friends, kindred spirits even. Though taking different MScs, we both managed to get separated from our respective coursemates after choosing an inopportune time to take a loo break. We’ve been close friends ever since. From London to Southampton to Cambridge to Ottawa, Sarah is my number one go to, not only for medical advice, but for: watching period dramas while eating chocolate/cake, fun nights out, fancy dress inspiration, escape rooms, bottomless brunches, adventures travelling, camping and festival-ing and for help finishing a bottle of wine – anywhere, anytime! I couldn't ask for a more lovely maid of honour.

Shelley is my little sister and first ever friend. We have had our disagreements over the years – what to watch on TV (to this day Pokémon is still way better than Calliou!), what movies to rent at Blockbuster, who Coco the dog loved more (probably was always Mum), who hurt whom to get Mum/Dad’s sympathy (she definitely ninja-kicked me in the stomach that one time) and who was cooler (in retrospect, probably never me). BUT Shelley and I have grown a lot closer over the years. She is my go to for: epic car karaoke to Bette Davis Eyes and the Lion King, cookie recipes, sisterly bonding over shared memories and access to pudgy cuddles from my nephew, Austin.

Alex and I met when I first moved to London after being brought together by fate (aka our mutual friend Michelle). Based on that one coffee date on Oxford Street, I knew we would be long-lasting friends. Alex said it best on her own wedding website description of us – “Always my sounding board, she is my go to when asking questions that start with… am I being crazy?” Also for when I need: decoration and style tips, help finishing a bottle of Prosecco or drinking cocktails, eating chocolate dipped Oreos or sushi, a shopping buddy, boy chat and most importantly, someone who can speak Italian to find out just where in Lake Como our rental car has been towed to.

I met Meaghan when I started working at Public Health England. Though she thought I was too quiet (only at first), we soon bonded over running, work gossip, The Listening Room, looking weird when we were younger and growing up abroad. We’ve been work wives ever since! Meaghan is my go to for: matching American Eagle outfits, long tea breaks, hiking holidays, discussing RuPaul’s Drag Race, Stranger Things or Line of Duty, running challenges (Tough Mudder and 12 races in 12 months), boring run chat (this one time, I bought this oven…), PhD mental health support, and dancing to Justin Bieber. Also when I feel like I want to have a conversation very loudly in the office in an obnoxious North American accent.

Christa and I go way back. We met in St. Albert in the first year of highschool when Christa thought I was annoying. Not a surprise… I was. We first became friends at university when we completed the same BSc programme. Christa has been following me around ever since – from St. Albert to London to LSHTM to PHE. Even though she has returned to Alberta, Christa is always my go to when I want to commiserate about having “bad luck”, burn some calories with Shaun T, discuss statistical techniques in infectious disease epidemiology (it’s as fun as it sounds!), go snorkelling with a watermelon rind (not an octopus) in Tenerife and get a sarcastic dose of reality.

I first met Machi (currently rebranding as Andrea) during our first week at Lillian Penson Hall, when I walked into the lobby and she was sitting there being gorgeous, surrounded by all the good-looking boys. Apparently, she thought I looked fun and we spent the next year partying it up with our LPH crew: exploring London, drinking in the Sussex Arms with all the builders, parading around in fancy dress and getting involved in all the drama. Machi has been a close and constant friend since, who has been here through it all; case in point - we survived Shadwell together. She is my go to for: coffee and lemon tart catch-ups in Angel, fancy dinners, horse-riding tips, insight into the psychology of banker-wankers and serial killers, reminiscing about when we were still in our 20s and Greek food in London.

Katey and I met in highschool; we became friends during our scientific internship placements at the U of A. That summer was spent drinking Slurpees, eating Mr Sub/blue whales and chatting on the quad about Big Brother. Over the years, we’ve made some priceless memories: hanging out watching The O.C. and eating DQ blizzards, enjoying summer BBQ pool parties, camping and fleeing tornados (we don't talk about that time with the toilet paper!), clubbing in glitter and “bar shirts” and holidaying in Mexico, Disney World and Bowen Island. Our friendship has been long distance for the past decade, but Katey is, and will always be, a keeper!