‘We call each other soul sisters’ We found a hill and rolled down it, ending up in hysterics
Through divorce, loss and dealing with the spotlight of fame, Louise Perry, 53, and Anne Twist, 52, have been bound together by love and laughter.
LOUISE SAYS:
‘Iwas in a dark place when I met Anne. Having separated from my husband, I’d just moved into a cottage with my two daughters, Charlotte and Chloe, who were then five and three. Most of my friends were linked to my marriage, but I was trying to start a new life for myself.
Anne and I walked our dogs in the same meadow and eventually got chatting. She was so beautiful and had an unexplainable aura around her. She was friendly, but I remained cautious because my trust had been knocked.
It took a while for me to open up, but I realised Anne was as lovely as she seemed, and she looked out for me. As we walked, I’d tell her about how I was struggling and she was so supportive.
We soon became inseparable. Her children, Gemma and Harry, were about the same age as my kids and they went to school together. They got on so well and we became like one big extended family, always at each other’s houses.
Anne was married when I first knew her, but she later divorced and we both remarried. I’d met Martin at a local wine bar and Anne met Robin two years later. We were bridesmaids at each other’s weddings and we’d all go for dinner and have weekends away together.
Sadly, Robin died two years ago from cancer. It was devastating, and I was there for Anne through her grief, just as she had always been there for me.
We’ve been through so many huge life events together. Anne supported me when I trained to be a midwife and always reminded me to believe in myself. I’m so much more confident and I owe much of that to her.
Anne’s life changed, too, when her son, Harry [Styles], went on The X Factor and became a huge pop star. With all the joy that brings, there have also been some unexpected challenges along the way, but we navigate all of life’s twists and turns as a team.
I never had a sister, but I see Anne as my soul sister. My little grandson even calls her Nanny Annie. I don’t know where I’d be without her.’
ANNE SAYS:
‘The day my husband died, Louise was the first person I called. It was 5am and she came straight over and stayed for two weeks, holding my hand as I cried.
When I first met Louise, I immediately felt protective of her. Her self-esteem was so low, but I always saw that deep inside she was fierce. She’s small but mighty, and a force to be reckoned with.
There have been so many big changes since our friendship began, but Louise is a constant for me. Gemma and Chloe both live in London, and their friendship is starting to mirror the friendship Louise and I have. I’m a bit jealous, as they have had a 20-year head-start! Harry is very busy, but we love getting together for a big gathering on Boxing Day.
We’ve always ensured that we don’t crash and burn under the weight of life’s seriousness. We love booking spa days together, complete with afternoon tea and plenty of bubbles. The morning before Louise’s wedding, we found a hill and rolled down it together, ending up in hysterics as we reached the bottom.
We often go on holiday together and went to the US in 2018. After spending a night in Nashville, we woke up on our coach to find ourselves outside a really posh hotel. We were in our pyjamas and cowboy boots but had to walk through the main lobby. We kept our heads held high, breezed through in our PJS and burst out laughing when we got to our rooms.
That’s us through and through. We have both had our tough times, but we can always find something to smile about. I know that the bond we share is hard to find, and we’re lucky to have each other.’