| The Society sadly mourns the tragic death of Cerebral Palsy member Heather Simons. Heather, who joined the Cerebral Palsy Society last year, passed away on the 17th February as a result of her injuries received when she was assaulted in her Wanganui neighbourhood, last month. The 44 year old’s letter box has been covered in flowers, this past week or so, placed by shocked neighbours trying to make sense of the tragedy. She was described by friends and family as a gentle person who generously volunteered her time to various organisations like the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Cancer Society. Wanganui Cancer Society manager Wendy Paterson was stunned by the news. "She was such a lovely lady. She worked in our offices and always helped with Daffodil Day and Relay for Life. She never said no,” reflected Wendy to the Wanganui Chronicle. “I have known Heather for over 5 years through this organisation and Whanganui Volunteer Centre, where I worked until 2007. To me Heather seemed to be a positive and hard working woman, who tried to ignore her disability and get involved in the community, to volunteer and to help other people. She put her daughter first, which is why she did not seek paid employment, but was looking forward to |
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returning to paid work when her daughter was a little older. She had been involved in many organisations in a voluntary capacity, including the Citizens Advice Bureau, Cancer Society and her daughter's primary school, who all thought very highly of her. The Head teacher of her daughters primary school, (Tawhero Primary School), even got up and spoke at her funeral service. Her family were overwhelmed by the number of people who attended her funeral, not realising how many friends she had, or how highly she was thought of,” said Marian Dean, Disability Information Service Manager, at Whanganui Disability Resources Centre.
Heather is survived by her 13-year-old daughter.
A 44-year-old woman has been charged with the murder and a 22-year-old man has also been charged of being an accessory after the fact to common assault.
Ross Flood- Editor
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