Best friends Melanie and Lisa shed a tear with Guardian Rose award

Rhodesia mates Melanie Heslop and Lisa Hellewell have been best friends for over 35 years and have always been there for each other.

And this week Melanie decided to present Lisa with a Guardian Rose award - from Walkers House of Flowers in the Priory Shopping Centre - for helping her through one of the toughest times of her life.

“She helped a lot when my mother passed away,” a tearful Melanie said.

“She gave up a couple of hours on Christmas Day to help take my mum to the hospital.”

“We went to primary school and comp together.”

“She has always been there for me.”

“We go to the gym together everyday in a morning and then she comes round for a chat and a cup of tea.”

“We go out on trips and socialise all the time.”

“We have never lost touch or had any arguments.”

“I just wanted to thank her for everything she does.”

On Monday 16th March Melanie surprised Lisa with the rose when she came round.

“She know something was up because we didn’t go to the gym but she didn’t know what,” Melanie added.

“I think she was a bit overwhelmed.”

Lisa told the Guardian that she is also so very grateful for everything that Melanie does for her.

“I was a blubbering wreck,” Lisa said.

“I was gobsmacked.”

“I know that when I pick up the phone Melanie would be there for me.”

“We have been close for years.”

“It’s what friends do.”

“She is one in a million.”

“I would just like to thank Melanie because she does a lot for me too.”

A Guardian Rose award is our way of acknowledging and rewarding dedicated individuals and groups in our communities.

If you would like to nominate someone for a Guardian Rose, email [email protected].