Third Sector Leeds were deeply saddened to hear that Heather Nelson has passed away unexpectedly.

Heather was a member of the TSL Leadership Group as a representative of the Culturally Diverse Hub, and her contributions to both TSL and wider community work have been invaluable. Heather’s work as Chief Executive of Black Health Initiative had a huge impact on Leeds, from the recent Black Men’s in Conference event to her longstanding reputation as an honest, tireless campaigner for the equality of access for black people in education, health and social care. Our hearts go out to her loved ones and community during this difficult time.

Some TSL members have shared their tributes:

 

“I was welcomed to Chapeltown by Heather and we worked on a number of ideas and projects together. Supportive as a fellow CEO of a community based organisation we ran some good initiatives for people around health and fuel poverty. Always very very busy but always time to share her insights on what was happening around us.”

Nick Morgan, Chapeltown Citizens Advice Bureau

 

“I was saddened to hear of the sudden and sad passing of Third Sector Leader Heather Nelson, a woman who contributed so much to society and made a difference for so many people in the communities of Leeds. Heather leaves a remarkable legacy, and we will look to celebrate this in the future. Our thoughts are for the family, friends, and colleagues at this sad and difficult time.”

Kim Groves, Chair of TSL

 

“I was so shocked and saddened to hear Heather passed away. I used to work with her on different projects for more than 12 years. My deepest sympathy goes out to you all, her friends and family.”

Ali Mahgoub, Leeds Refugee Forum

 

“My own personal reflection about Heather was that she was a great advocate both for her community and the broader sector. She was intelligent, friendly and articulate. Heather never sought to bridge the gap between resources and opportunities by diminishing others – on the few occasions when our paths crossed from a project perspective, she was for both maximising whatever level of resources were available and sharing these with as many people as possible. Heather was someone who sought to raise up and equalise – whatever the historic challenges and lack of investment that impacted on her community approached the challenge of doing this passionately and with an all encompassing humanity and sense of what could be achieved by being positive. From a personal perspective she always made me feel welcome and part of whatever she was involved in. I will miss her.”

Adrian Curtis, Groundwork

 

“VAL staff and trustees are deeply saddened to hear of Heather’s passing. Heather was a fearless advocate for the needs and aspirations of black communities and challenging systemic inequalities and racism. We owe it to Heather to honour her legacy and continue this work.”

Hannah Bailey, Voluntary Action Leeds

 

“On behalf of Forum Central we wanted to say how terribly sorry we all were to hear the devastating news of Heather’s passing and to express our deepest condolences to all the Staff, volunteers, trustees and BHI community. Heather was such a huge personality and passionate about people across Leeds, West Yorkshire and nationally.

Heather was a leading figure in the sector with seemingly unwavering strength and energy and a clear vision embracing fairness, equality and justice, always supporting and pushing us to do better for the Black community. Heather has been an active member and advocate for Forum Central for many years and it has been an immense privilege to have known her and worked alongside her. We all learnt a huge amount from her over the years, and will greatly miss her. Her passing will be felt not only within the organisations and communities BHI directly worked with, but across the Third Sector and all the communities of Leeds.”

Pip Goff, Forum Central

 

“We are extremely saddened to hear about the passing away of our sister, colleague, and friend Heather Nelson.

Heather was a remarkable individual who supported the VCSE/ Faith sector over many years with her enthusiasm, strength , courage, commitment and voice of reason and positivity.

We will remember Heather for sharing and caring for us all and her ‘voice and influence’ was remarkable in taking matters forward and acting upon a solution-based approach.

Heather will be missed by us all and may she rest in Peace and our prayers also reach out to her dear family and loved ones.

Peace and blessings.”

Sayed Ahmed, Convener of Culturally Diverse Hub

Voluntary Action Leeds