Winner of National “Volunteer of the year Award” Dies
We are very sad to announce the passing of Sue Kyle. Sue was born prematurely with asthma and soon developed epilepsy. Later in life brain surgery did reduce the frequency and severity of seizures but unfortunately, one of the side effects of surgery was to adversely affect her short-term memory which can lead to major frustration at times.
She also developed COPD but none of her health issues limited her zest for life or consideration for other people.
She has been a wonderful support for Headway, the brain injury association, especially for local members, making everyone feel welcome. Her kindness made everyone who met her feel special.
As for fund raising, well, Sue and husband John made a brilliant team. They made local businesses aware of the effects of brain injury and through the generous donation of prizes enabled us to continue supporting not only people with brain injury but families and carers too.
In 2018 Sue was voted national Headway Volunteer of the Year. She and John enjoyed a weekend in London and attended the Presentation Luncheon at The Dorchester Hotel. After watching a short video about her, it was announced that Sue had won the award and the entire ballroom gave her a standing ovation—the first time this has ever happened at this annual event.
Around 3 years ago, having battled so many health problems over the years, she was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. Immunotherapy gifted us her company for this extra time together although COVID-19 restrictions meant that she was shielding so recent contact was via zoom meets and telephone. Over the Easter weekend she was overwhelmed by the cancer. On the afternoon of Thursday, 22 April, Sue died at home, where she wanted to be, with John by her side holding her hand. She was pain free and peacefully, quietly slipped away.
We will miss her but remember her with a smile. We send our love and support to John.
A Tribute to Susan (Sue) Kyle has also now been created on the Headway UK website. If you would like to post your own tribute, and/or make a donation in Sue’s memory, you can do this by clicking the following link https://www.headwayinmemory.org.uk/tribute/susan-sue-kyle/.
If you are a UK tax payer you could also gift aid your donation which will increase it’s value to Headway by 25%, at no additional cost to yourself.
If you would like a donation to go to Headway Hull + East Riding then please post a cheque to Headway Hull + East Riding c/o 5 Parliament Street, Hull, HU1 2AZ.
We are passing all cards and sympathies to John along with a note of how much has been raised in Sue’s memory.
Thank you
