Where to start........Have you ever been told something so utterly horrifying that you literally laugh in disbelief and instantly dismiss the idea that it could be true? I did exactly that when given the devastating blow that a beautiful friend of mine had been murdered. Murdered. I can barely say the word out loud. Taken by a man so utterly evil and cruel. A monster.

It's a cliché, but you never think of something so horrifying happening to you or someone you know. Certainly not a friend. Not Lauren. 

It's heartbreaking to lose a friend. Utterly devastating to lose her in a sick, senseless act of violence. 

I think of Lauren often. She's on my mind throughout everyday. I hear her laugh and it makes me smile. I'm grateful to have so many good memories of her. If you knew Lauren, you were lucky. She was special, a truly beautiful soul with so much to give. A loyal, loving girl who I wish so much was still here with us now. 

Lauren would probably laugh at the idea of me trying to get up Ben Nevis. But that's exactly what I'm going to do. I'm going to climb Ben Nevis and raise funds to donate to Women's Aid in Lauren's memory. Any donation would mean the world to me and I thank you in advance.