Fundraising legend Ethel Powell retires

Fundraising legend Ethel Powell has signalled the end of an era by announcing her retirement after 33 years of charity work in Staffordshire.

Mrs Powell, aged 90, has campaigned tirelessly to help raise more than £1.5 million for medical care in Cannock Chase, and was awarded the MBE for her efforts.

She is giving away her charity shop caravan, which is stationed on Beecroft Road car park, for a small donation to the Cannock Chase League of Friends, marking the end of a remarkable campaign.

Mrs Powell and her late husband John started the campaign back in 1977.

Today the tributes poured in from health bosses and civic leaders.

Sir Steven Moss, chairman of Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: "As someone who grew up in Cannock, I had been aware of the fantastic work done by the League of Hospital Friends for some time, but it wasn't until I joined the Trust and met with Mrs Powell that I saw the scale of her contribution over the years.

"She and her team, including her husband John, have worked tirelessly for many years, dedicating much time and effort into raising money for the benefit of our patients. She has always devoted herself to getting the best equipment and services for Cannock Chase Hospital.

"It would be impossible to list all the equipment that has been purchased over the years but the majority of services have benefitted from new equipment - from microscopes to the latest operating equipment, diagnostic equipment, revolving doors, the gardens, works of art - the list is a very long one.

"We would like to take this opportunity to offer our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Powell for her dedication and to wish her all the best for the future she will be sorely missed by us all."

Councillor Gordon Alcott, chairman of Cannock Chase District Council,a long term friend of Mrs Powell and her late husband John, said: "The couple worked so hard to improve the lives of patients in Cannock from the beginnings of the old Chase Hospital to the construction of the new building.

"They even re-mortgaged their own home as surety so that lifts could be installed at the old Chase Hospital. They were a fantastic team together. When John died Ethel continued the excellent work with the help of her loyal and dedicated team of volunteers who haven't received a penny for all their hard work. It was all done to improve patients lives.

"I would like to thank Ethel and her volunteers for all the hard work they have done."

This year Mrs Powell was also handed a lifetime achievement award by the Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.