BY LUCY ARMSTRONG

Iā€™m 17 years old and that means that, for the last 17 years, Terry Wogan has had an influence on my life at least once every year, whether that be through Children in Need or just by growing up in a house obsessed with Radio 2.

He has been there throughout my life, year in and year out, which is why last Sunday I truly felt like an old friend had died.

One of my own personal childhood memories was when I was around five years old and Sir Terry read out a letter that my dad had written from Iraq to me, my mum and sister on the radio.

We were driving to school and the letter took us completely by surprise ā€“ the legend that was Terry Wogan was reading out a letter from our own personal hero on morning radio.

I was mesmerised and between the three of us I'm sure there were lots of tears and plenty of excitement.

I feel this personal memory of mine reflects a lot of what Sir Terry meant to everyone in the country.

Regardless of age or background, he managed to build a friendship with us all and brought my dad back home to us safely.

Sir Terry inspired us all and I will always be comforted by the memories that he has given me.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you Sir Terry.