Those are simply exquisite! I really must find time to try this recipe. There's an apple tree in the garden of the climbing centre I go to absolutely loaded with delicious apples that no one seems to want. They are quite an unusual Scottish variety, quite tart tasting but aromatic, with red flesh as well as skin. I'll have to ask the climbing centre if they can spare a few.
I'm so sorry about your dear friend's suffering. Depression is so difficult to deal with, and the depressed person often refuses help and seems to want to retreat within themselves. But making it clear that you're there for them is, as you say, the best thing you can do. I suspect - and I have absolutely no proof for this - that many heart conditions are connected with emotional sadness and "broken heart" feelings. I wish your friend the best.