I came to the Creative Living Centre in desperate need of help. Liz and others were there to help straight away. She never judged, she was always patient and also got my weird humour. I wouldn’t be here right now without her support. I am eternally grateful for the big chance she took on me, giving me a job when I had only been back at work for a few months after having 15 months off due to my mental health. I think she always saw something in me that I never could myself! She always had a great calming energy when I was struggling whether it was as a member or as a member of staff. She had a lot more faith in me than I have ever had in myself. Over the nearly 10 years I’ve known her she has helped push the CLC higher and higher and touched and changed so many lives in getting the Centre where it is today and where it is also heading for bigger and better things, will be this will be Liz’s legacy. I have so many good memories with Liz, even the night when she absolutely wiped the floor with me at Ping Pong – which was when I realised, she was just as competitive as Shelley and I – and the people who know us, know that’s at another level! That competitive streak was also shown at a Christmas do I had at my house one year where I’m sure her and Paula had a psychic connection when we were playing games because they were on fire. It was the only reason we lost, obviously. Liz pushed me to constantly develop professionally and gave me the resources, encouragement and space to do so. She had a great sense of humour, even when facing such difficult news. Even when I would joke with her, ‘don’t tell me what to do’, she would tell me that she can and will because she’s my boss. She came to see my first ever driving race a few years ago. Where she was stood, she could see the part of the track where there was an oil spill and a few cars span around me but I managed to get through unharmed! I think I may have aged her 10 years in that moment though. But she did tell me that I can’t do that again as she can’t face the thought of another recruitment process at that time :D! She also accused me with a grin, of breaking the boiler so I didn’t have to run a course I was nervous about doing when we first came to the new centre. The last time I physically saw her, Shelley and I visited her at her flat before she knew the diagnosis and we sat down in her little hidden beauty spot outside with Harry on her lap. You would have no idea you were in a very busy traffic area just down the road. Even through serious topics, we shared a lot of laughs and she was driven to get through whatever she was going to be up against. I’m so glad we got to have that memory and I’ll forever keep that along with all my other memories of her. I am devastated by her loss as I’m sure many people are. She will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

Liz was a true inspiration and will be missed so much. I really enjoyed working with her on the Community Learning Mental Health research project that led to the development of the wellbeing programme at Bury Adult Learning. I really valued her input and wise words. Sue

A truly amazing lady… having watched the development of the centre from when she was appointed I have been continually in awe of her awareness and management of all the issues surrounding members. She has created a vibrant centre with a superb team of staff and importantly volunteers, all working towards creating a pathway to self-confidence and involvement for members. The positive impact upon members is clear to see and their appreciation of what she has created is shared by many. Her own creativity and shared skill in artwork, singing, sewing and knitting have enabled the centre to live up to its name. Her support for me personally, and for other therapists and trustees along with her humour, straightforwardness and quiet but determined focus has taught me much about how to support those in distress. I will remember her with much affection and gratitude