I first met Debby when I was working at Staples. I had taken on the role of TeamCare rep and met her at my first meeting. She later told me that her first impression of me was "Who the f$%k is this?!", because I was so mouthy! Of course, we were bound to end up friends after that! 😊 Debby (or Chops, as Matt and I called her) bestowed the delightful nickname of Slapperflaps upon me, which quickly got shortened to Flaps, whilst Matt had ended up being called Baps. The coming together of Chops, Baps and Flaps for tea break became the highlight of the working day. As well as being one of the kindest and most generous people I've ever had the pleasure of being friends with, Debby was so bubbly and fun and would often make me laugh my t*ts off! She could also be serious when needed and was a great listener, who loved to help others whenever she could. We shared a love of swearing, which at one point ended up landing her in trouble from her manager, as a customer complained he could hear us "effing and jeffing" in the background. Oops! 😳 When I quit Staples to return home to Australia, she took the morning off work to see me off, so I didn't have to spend my last moments in the flat alone. We hugged and said a very teary goodbye when I got into the taxi. If I'd have known at the time that would be the last time I would see her in person, I don't think I'd have been able to stop hugging her and would have missed my flight 😭 I love going through the photos from our nights out and remembering the fun times we had, which were extra special when we got to play dress-ups. I have no photos to remember most of the other significant moments with Debby, but I only need to think about her to jog the memories, and often end up giggling to myself when I do. One of my favourite memories of Debby is when we went for a day out at Whipsnade Zoo to take some photos with our fancy cameras. We both scowled at a boy chasing a peacock and then laughed hard when his karma got him and he fell flat on his face! 😂 The lemur enclosure was the highlight of the day, with them jumping over our heads and obliging us with the cutest poses for our photos. Soon after, lemurs became a running joke with us after Debby said something at work one day about knitting a jumper from llama wool, but said lemur by mistake and we ended up crying with laughter, imagining shaved lemurs and fluffy black and white jumpers 🤣 From then on, llamas were called lemurs and vice versa, so whenever I see either, I always think of her. Debby was such a bright spark, who could light up a room (or a pub!), make my worries fade into the shadows with her presence and lift me up with her laughter 🥰 I will love and miss her forever 💔

I first met Debby with Alan at a work colleagues House party, about 25 years ago collapsed chair and curry on the floor later, we all had a laugh 😂. I remember When Debby tried on a Highwasters t-shirt on in front of the band. She was a great lady full of fun,always smiling xx

What would Debby say… We wake with tired eyes and a fuzzy head, Light streams in at the dawn of the day, Getting up seems too much of an ask, But what would Debby say… Eggs on toast, two slices at most, A cuppa to send us on our way, Get your chin up and help some folks, That’s what Debby would say… Traffic jams and all red lights, Who cares as I sing and sway, Three little birds sat on my window, Is what Debby would say… Phone call for help and wisdom, I’m stuck and don’t know which way, Think with your head and act with your heart, I know what Debby would say… Drinks with friends, a quiet, solemn affair, Complaining about life and a shortage of pay, Fix up, look sharp, and stop feeling glum, I’ve heard what Debby would say… I’m not sure I can carry on, I’ve nowhere to turn, My fears I just can’t allay, Think of the good and the great you can do, Our lovely Debby would say… The sun sets with a beautiful sky, The end of another long day, Laters taters, I’m off to sleepy town, That’s what I hear Debby say… You blessed us all with your smile and love, Selfless and caring you stayed, And now you can rest, at peace knowing full well, Debby Hicks, you were special, we say. Miss you. Matt x