We are saddened to learn that our friend and former Trustee Shirley Metherell MBE has passed away.
Over the years, Shirley generously shared with us her experience of supporting deaf children. In 1981, she and her husband David (pictured above) established The Elizabeth Foundation after their daughter was diagnosed as profoundly deaf at 22 months. Today, forty years on, the charity is the country’s single largest provider of early intervention, educational and support services for preschool children and babies with varying degrees of hearing loss.
Shirley joined us as a Trustee in 2000. Writing in our sixtieth anniversary book in 2012, she said:
‘Just to play a small part in the development of an organisation where everyone including the Trustees, the Consultants and the Specialist Technicians are so committed and passionate about their work, is an absolute joy and privilege.’
We have been very fortunate to benefit not only from Shirley’s expertise but also her kindness and compassion. Thank you so much, Shirley.
A page dedicated to Shirley’s memory can be found at: https://shirley-metherell.muchloved.com/
We send our deepest condolences to Shirley’s family.