More than £5,000 raised for local charities in memory of Sheffield councillor who died of coronavirus

Pat passed away aged 82 at the city’s Northern General Hospital on Sunday, March 29.

Tributes poured in for the much-loved Labour councillor, who served on the authority for 33 years and was still working hard for residents until as recently as March 17.

Joanna Midgley, her daughter, set up the fundraiser ahead of Pat’s funeral on April 15, so people who could not attend due to restrictions brought in during the pandemic could remember her.

The money raised will go towards three local charities which meant a lot to Pat. They are: the S2 Foodbank where Pat was a regular helper; St Wildfrids Centre which provides support for homeless people; and ASSIST Sheffield, which helps destitute asylum seekers.

So far, 140 people have donated and many left comments of condolences and fond memories.

Amanda James said: "My mum and Pat were close friends for more than 50 years. My mum and dad are devastated by losing her in this way. I grew up with Pat feeding me, and she did exactly the same with my kids. Pat was truly a lovely, generous woman who was an absolute force for good."

Barbara Jackson, another longtime friend and colleague of Pat's, who knew her for more than 45 years, said: "Pat was a warm-hearted and sincere person with no side to her at all. She was dedicated to her role as a councillor and to the whole of Sheffield. She called lots of people she was fond of 'kid’ and I was honoured to be one of those people addressed this way.

“Everyone felt better for being in Pat's company."

Olivia Blake, MP for Sheffield Hallam, said she was a "true friend and an absolute hero who represented the best of us."

Joanna also asked people to remember Pat by doing things she would have liked, such as by having tea and cake, calling a friend for a chat, making scones or crumble and doing something kind for someone else.

To donate to the fund, go to gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-pat-midgley

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