My deepest condolences to Natasha's friends and family. 

I truly believed that Tasha would fight this disease. She was one tough cookie and I admired her strong and positive attitude to life. 

I met Natasha on a Creative Writing Course at Central Saint Martins. I was instantly drawn to her beaming smile and we became friends even before the class had began, in a queue waiting to find out what room we were in! I really enjoyed her stories - her bubbly and witty personality shone through them and I looked forward to reading them. I'm so pleased we kept in touch and she got to meet my daughter Tasia (pictured). 

I sent her a WhatsApp today to say I was thinking of her and to see how she is... when the message didn't go through, I had a sinking feeling that she had passed and I hadn't heard. I haven't been keeping up with social media so was devastated to hear the news like this. Although I didn't know her for very long, she has left a footprint in my heart and I'll never forget her. Love Marianna xxxx