Last night, at approximately 11.38 pm, my hot water bottle passed away from a fatally broken seal. It had been ill for a few weeks, but nothing could prepare me for the shock of having to suffer cold toes. I shall miss my hot water bottle. Despite many years of storage at the back of the wardrobe when I had nice cosy central heating or an electric blanket, my hot water bottle has been with me since I was a child, faithfully travelling with me to Cardiff, Reading and London. In recent months, it has played a crucial part in the prevention of frostbite and subsequent loss of toes which may have occurred except for its valuable work in holding nice hot water.

Hot water bottle, may you rest in peace.