Every girl needs a sister. 25 years ago I got mine. I may not have wanted her back then (suddenly having to share your parents and all the attention is not cool ever, let alone for a two-and-a-half year old), but now, it's impossible to imagine life without her.

To my baby sister,

You may be a year older now, but you’ll always be a baby for me. I hope you know that being your older sister is something that doesn’t just come instinctively, it’s something I’m proud of. Because I’m proud of you. Proud of the things you’ve achieved. Proud of how you succeed at everything you do. Proud of how hard you work in spite of being so bloody brilliant. I’m proud of who you are and who you’ve become.

Even though you're my younger sister you've donned the cap of the elder sibling multiple times. You're my fashion icon, my stylist, my personal shopper. You're my biggest critic and somehow you still make me feel super special when you do and say exactly what I do and say (deny it all you like, you know you do it). Whether it's been skinned knees, jammed fingers or a broken heart, you've always been there for me.

Know that irrespective of how far away we are from each other, how different our time zones may be, how rarely we see each other, I'm always there for you. Know that being your big sister is my biggest and favourite responsibility. Know that you're the only person in the world I would actually kill for.

You, my little one, are destined for greatness. Every time you do something amazing, I take it as a win for me, basking in your glory, always showing off about your awesomeness. And when you’re up there making it big, I’ll be up-front-and-centre clapping the loudest and the hardest.

I hope you're very successful and that you make lots of money (so I can live off of you). I hope you never lose your sense of humour or your sense of style. And I hope you always make the most of everything that comes your way. I hope your every dream comes true. I hope you're always happy. And I hope that no matter where you are or what you're doing, you know just how immensely loved you are.

Happy birthday, dear sister. Welcome to the other side of the 20s. Maybe now you’ll stop using that puppy dog face and those big baby eyes to get your way. But don’t.

I love you.