TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved member of the Whitchurch branch of the League of Friends (LoF) to Gobowen's Orthopaedic Hospital.

Vera Lee, staunch supporter and long-time fundraiser for the LoF passed away peacefully earlier this month aged 90.

A member of the branch for 54 years, her association with the LoF began when she took over from her mother in the League's Whitchurch branch in 1966.

Instantly making friends, Vera became a valuable committee member, calm and organised with 'nothing too much trouble'.

As chairman, Vera was a dynamic leader and is affectionately remembered by other members, many of whom she recruited and encouraged to share their skills to raise money for the LoF.

Passionate about fundraising, Vera almost never missed a branch or liaison meeting and continued to enthusiastically take part in every event and street collection on their calendar of activities until lockdown in March 2020.

Sarah Watson-Jones, current LoF Whitchurch branch chairman, lead the tributes.

"We're really going to miss Vera," she said. "She was brimming with ideas and enthusiasm, always determined to take her turn and raise the flag for our fundraising.

"We've been very privileged to have her as a committee member for so long and sincerely thank her family for choosing us to receive all donations in her memory."

A natural communicator and well-known woman in Whitchurch, Vera was born in Oakmere, near Northwich in 1930 moving to Burleydam when she was five years old.

Growing up in the farming community, Vera was popular with her friends and nurtured her natural fundraising talents and events management skills as chairman of Nantwich Young Farmers.

In 1953 her mother bought Vera and her sister Margaret a shop premises and they soon became well known for delicious coffee and cakes at the thriving Spinning Wheel in Whitchurch High Street.

Savvy and enterprising, Vera and Margaret also later shared success on Whitchurch Market when they became the 'go to' stall for good quality knitwear.

Vera's exceptional work ethic continued when she married John Lee and moved to Alkington and their daughter Diana was born.

Always active, always enterprising Vera kept busy with family life – including running the strawberry fields at Prees.

During this time, Vera often took turns with her friend, Sheila Maddocks, to look after each other's children.

Lifelong friend Sheila said: "They loved going as Auntie Vera was so kind and full of exciting ideas."

After her husband John's death, Vera moved to Edward German Drive in Whitchurch where she lived for 35 years.

Independent and full of life, Vera excelled at bridge and was even making plans to meet up with friends for a game just the day before she died on September 4, 2020.

All donations made to The League of Friends support Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital and give financial support for equipment, amenities and research to help patients.

Every donation is appreciated, for more information on becoming a volunteer or joining a branch of The League of Friends to RJAH contact 01691 404401/404527 or visit www.friendsrjah.org.uk