Columnist: A friend indeed

And how the two things are inextricably linked. It has also struck me, in a world where anything seems possible, where opportunities to travel, explore and live nearly anywhere, where the strands of friendships become stretched – how fortunate we are to live in an age where physical distance does not mean emotional distance.

Messages of heartfelt sentiment to hilarious anecdotes can float through the airwaves (or whatever waves) in an instant, offering comfort and closeness – a virtual hand outstretched.

When tragedy strikes and these bonds are tested, the online world provides a precious link between those who are scattered across the globe. It also makes you think how easy it is to take for granted the pleasure of real company.

The friends that you say to ‘Sorry, not tonight. I’m tired, how about next week?’ ‘I can’t at the moment but sometime.’

So caught up we are with ensuring we are up-to-date with the latest...everything, we forget to chap on the door of someone close by, spend a moment longer chatting, ask how someone really is, make a loving gesture to those you care about, because soon enough, it could be gone.

I have felt in a week the edifying lift of those who have taken that extra time, reached out and made real a difference.

A caring word, a thoughtful message, a token – no matter how small, shows the importance of friendship through the toughest of life’s tests.

Because, I had a friend who, until recently lived his life completely to the full.

He worked hard, played hard, loved hard and cared hard. And, now those who loved him have peace in the knowledge that he had no regrets, no relationships unattended, no moments wasted and although the preciousness of life has gone, the power of his friendship will live on.

www.justgiving.com/fundraising/H4HeroDavidSeath #nooneisleftbehind