Zahra Jones, 40

Amy and I have known each other for nearly 25 years. We met while working at Habitat in Chester; it felt like meeting a kindred spirit.

We ended up living together because my ex-boyfriend and I had decided to buy a house together (although he wasn’t going to live in it). Amy became interested, too, so we pooled our resources, thinking of it as a three-way investment, with Amy and me living here.

It’s the perfect situation. I call Amy my “life wife” because it’s almost as if we’re a couple. We’re on the same wavelength – it’s as if she can read my mind.

We’re in our 40s and agree that we don’t necessarily want to live like this for ever – we would both like to meet a partner one day. But we’ll always be family. I guess Amy is the nearest thing to a sister I have.

Amy Rich, 44

My personal circumstances have changed monumentally in the past few years. It began with my father dying; then my mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and my 20-year relationship ended. As the foundations shifted, Zahra became my new family and our home became my solid base camp in life.

On the day we moved in, I had to have surgery. Zahra took care of the whole move – then took care of me when I left hospital. I couldn’t have asked for more in terms of support. I can never thank her enough for that.

As far as being a “life wife” goes, I totally get it. I would be very happy for us to continue like this for a couple more years. The partnership we have together makes me feel very fulfilled.

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