CHFT Weekly has some very sad news this week.

Our volunteer Sheila Brierley, aged 90, died last week after an amazing career at CHFT during which she collected a purple ribbon medal from the Volunteers Association to mark her years and years of service to her local hospital.

Charlotte Collinson, Volunteer Co-Ordinator said:  "We were lucky enough to see Sheila on a regular basis in her weekly slot as a Meet & Greet Volunteer. Of course, we didn’t know Sheila for the whole 50 years that she volunteered at HRI, however in the 18 months that Anya Macbeth and I have been privileged to co-ordinate the volunteers, there has never been on occasion when we haven’t been greeted by Sheila’s warm and comforting smile.

"A wealth of knowledge, Sheila guided patients and visitors alike to the many wards, clinics and departments in Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, always offering a friendly word and some cheery conversation. Always putting the patient first, Sheila regularly told us how happy volunteering made her and how it helped to keep her fit and involved with the Trust. Even at the grand age of 90 Sheila was reluctant to retire, but before she did we were lucky enough to celebrate with her along with Owen who couldn’t let the occasion go unnoticed.

"A loss to the Trust, Sheila will always be missed and remembered fondly."

A stalwart in the main entrance at HRI, Sheila featured in CHFT Weekly in March this year when our CEO surprised her with a bouquet. as Charlotte said.

Owen, said: “It was my pleasure and privilege to present Shelia with her flowers. Amazingly, she was still volunteering with us on the eve of her 90th birthday – there with a smile and ready to offer help to everyone. I know, on behalf of our visitors and patients, as well as her CHFT colleagues, she will be very sadly missed and we send our thoughts to her family.”

Her funeral will be at Huddersfield Parish Church on Thursday November 29 at 12.30 pm.