28 | FOREVER Keele there so start pacing nervously , waiting for my new housemates and wondering what they ’ ll be like . I find myself standing at the top of the stairs when I hear the front door open . I see a face peering up at me and I suddenly know that everything will be OK .
Sonal Dack née Patel ( French and European Studies , Class of 1997 ) and Stacey Bell ( French and American Studies , Class of 1997 )
“ I ’ d like to offer an alternative story of platonic love which I think is just as important . I ( Sonal ) had been at Keele for a year and had failed at securing on-campus accommodation . The summer break was almost over , and I realised I had nowhere to live ! One quick call to the student accommodation office later , I was offered a place at a university-owned house in Chesterton . Fast forward to late September , I arrive at the house and discover I ’ m the first one
“ That face belongs to my best friend Stacey . We ’ ve been inseparable ever since ( not literally , but we speak several times a week !). Our friendship has weathered almost every life change you could think of - and we ’ ve laughed , cried , celebrated , commiserated and grieved together over the decades . We don ’ t always agree - in fact , we ’ re so different it ’ s hilarious . Yet in each other we ’ ve found exactly what a lasting friendship needs ; care , understanding , fun and , of course , love . I ’ m always conscious that I sound about 6 years old when I say the words “ my best friend ” but knowing that I have one like her feels like the greatest gift I could ’ ve hoped for . Soulmates come in all forms , and I thank my lucky stars that she ’ s one of mine .”
Carol Botham née Stretton ( Mathematics , Class of 1980 ) and Steve Botham , International Relations ( Class of 1979 )
“ I met my wife at Keele in the 1970s . We were involved politically - I had been President of the Union and she was head of Horwood Hall and we were both involved in the Christian Union . We had a meal in a curry house in Newcastle and walked back up the hill to Keele and love blossomed ! We married in 1980 and had many Keele friends join the celebration . Many years later we find that young love has transitioned to a fantastic partnership shaped by shared values , a sense of fun and a strong commitment to each other . Thank you , Keele .”