At my mum’s funeral, many neighbours from the housing estate where my parents live paid their respects. I hadn’t seen many of them in years, mainly because I’d moved out. However, one person who surprised me was an old childhood friend. I believe the last time I saw or really chatted to him was the night of our school debs in September 1999 after which I lost touch. We were friends from when my parents moved to the estate so perhaps when we were around five or six years old then.

When his parents entered, I greeted them and noticed he followed closely behind. We’re roughly the same age, he’s just a year older but after years apart I was surprised by his age and grey hair. He offered his condolences, as is normal at removals. It triggered a memory of our childhood, perhaps six or seven, playing with tiny metal cars, ‘dinkies’ and laughing uncontrollably on his parents’ linoleum kitchen floor.

I remember him being a Liverpool supporter and we used to trade Panini football stickers. They were probably bought by our mum’s from the newsagent near the L&N. It’s strange how memories flood back when you see someone after so many years.