This release pays tribute to Helen Mercury, the first black female member in the history of Bedfordshire Police Authority who passed away at home on Monday 18th February 2008. Aged 51, she was surrounded by family and friends after a short battle with stomach cancer.
Helen will be remembered in local and national communities as one of the most energetic champions of equality and effective policing. She was a keen follower of the outcomes of the Stephen Lawrence Enquiry and walked the 'march of solidarity' with the Black Police Association's National Conference in Manchester in 2006 attended by representatives from America.
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She also witnessed the last State Opening of Parliament by Baroness Amos (Leader of the House of Lords until 2007).
Helen resided in Luton with her daughter Maya (age 18) and worked in education. Her family live nearby in Luton, St Albans and High Wycombe and she has extended family in St Vincent, Canada and America.
Her other hats included volunteering for groups such as the West Indian Community Association (WICA), the St Vincent & Grenadines lunch club in Luton, the ACFF, Diane Abbott's "London Schools and the Black Child," and Nubian Jak. She also supported a wide range of attainment and achievement programmes and loved history, theatre, cultural events and travel.
In 2005, she was recognised with an award from EFBWBO for mainstream organisational achievement. The award paid tribute to her role as a member of Bedfordshire Police Authority and had strong contenders including London Fire Brigade and the University of East London in the same category.
Helen will be laid to rest on Friday, 7th March 2008 and will be remembered as a community champion, loving mother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.
HELEN'S FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Date: Friday, 7th March 2008
Time: 11.00 am
Venue: All Saints Church, Shaftsbury Road, LUTON LU4 8AH followed by interment at The Vale Cemetery, Butterfield Green Road, Luton LU2 8DD.
Helen requested for everyone to wear colour, no black at her funeral. Floral tributes family only but donations if desired may be made payable to the "Helen Mercury Memorial Fund" and posted c/o Neville's Funeral Service, Marsh Road, Luton, LU3 2RZ (Tel: 01582 490005) or at the church on the day.
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