Hospice celebrates achievements of former trustee
The Hospice is celebrating the achievements of a former trustee who 'should never be forgotten'.
Garden House Hospice Care's chairman has led tributes to one of its former chairs and founding members, Sheila Ball.
Steve Mellish described Sheila as a 'pioneer and activist' who worked 'tirelessly' for the Hospice, upon learning of her death last month.
One of the original founders of the Hospice, Sheila first started volunteering in the mid-80s, supporting the fundraising activity and work that led to the charity's opening in 1990.
Steve said: "A pioneer and activist, she worked tirelessly in raising awareness of the need for such a service for the local community, but also in raising funds to get the Hospice up and running. Sheila is recognised and acknowledged as someone who really made a significant contribution to what we are today and should never be forgotten."
Her son, Nick Ball, recalls his mum's dedication to the cause: "I think she was at the public meeting where the need for a hospice was first realised. I remember talking to her a few days after and she was very taken by the idea. There was a brighter light about her when discussing it."
Elected as chair of the board of trustees in 1996, Sheila embraced the multi-faceted tasks which included the responsibilities as a trustee, and representing the Hospice externally, networking and encouraging support, speaking at public engagements, and maintaining contact with all levels of staff and volunteers. During her tenure she saw the Hospice develop and grow, working closely with the medical director, matron and administrator with full support from the teams of dedicated staff and volunteers.
"Most days she was driving off for something to do with the hospice." Nick recollected, adding that when it accepted its first patient in 1990, he and his family wondered whether the pace of her involvement may reduce.
"But Mum was still involved with all sorts of fundraising events and would also go out for photo opportunities and accept donation cheques from all kinds of places,' he said.
Joining the tributes was Trevor Bentham, a fellow founding member of Hospice who remained close friends with Sheila - the pair were members of Benington Art group and visited the cinema together.
"She was in many ways a sister figure, advising me when I was alone," he recalled. "In many ways, we discovered the intricacies of Garden House together as we had no role model to follow - which proved to be a wonderful education for us both. I will always remember her wise advice, and her sense of mischief. God bless her and may she be preparing the hereafter for a fellow miscreant like me!"
Kathryn Hares was a volunteer for the Hospice when she first met Sheila in 1994, and described her as one of the warmest, big-hearted people she has been involved with at the Hospice. Now a staff member working in the fundraising team, she says Sheila was to thank for her decision to seek an employed role.
"Sheila had the ability to make you feel good about yourself and helped me in so many ways.? I will never forget her," she said.
"Like many, Sheila took me under her wing and encouraged and supported me in my journey from volunteer to becoming a member of staff. She was always up for standing with a collection tin and box of sunflower emblems, wearing a sunflower adorned hat, or box of Christmas emblems outside many a supermarket or in our local towns, when it was my job to co-ordinate our wonderful volunteer collectors.
"Her warmth, humour, compassion and passion, patience and above all else, love for our patients and their families was always such an inspiration to me and no doubt to many others. I will always remember her with love and memories of fun and laughter."
Another of the Hospice's founding supporters, Barbara Follett, added: "I was so sorry to hear of the death of Sheila Ball. It was always a pleasure to work with Sheila, her dedication and enthusiasm inspired us all."
Sheila (left) pictured with Barbara Follett and Sir Nigel Hawthorne
After stepping down as chair, Sheila continued as a trustee for a number of years and remained a loyal supporter of the charity she cared so passionately about.
"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and everyone at Garden House Hospice Care I would like to say thank you Sheila for all that you did for us and to her friends and family we send our sincere condolences," said Steve.
Sheila's funeral will be held today (20 April 2023). Her family have asked for donations to Garden House Hospice Care in lieu of flowers.
