THE people of Redditch have lost a champion following news of the death of much loved County and Borough Councillor Pattie Hill.
Pattie lost her courageous battle against cancer on Boxing Day at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham.
She was 72 years old and leaves a husband, Graham Lailey, two brothers and a sister.
Tributes have poured in from all sides for a woman who had a giant personality to match the impact she made at both County Hall and Town Hall.
A former Police Officer with West Midlands Police, she was an expert in child employment law.
Among a host of achievements she worked with TV investigative reporter Roger Cook, and helped frame the terms and conditions of the young stars of the Harry Potter films.
She was also an advisor to the government on child employment law.
She continued her life of public service as an officer with Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council and took her passion for helping those in need to her role as Borough Councillor for Batchley and Brockhill and County Councillor for Arrow Valley West.
She also volunteers for Macmillan Cancer Support at the Alex.
“Pattie had a kind word for everyone and was involved in dozens of organisations,” said Councillor Bill Hartnett, the leader of the Labour group on Redditch Borough Council.
“Batchley and Brockhill was her ward and she would walk round it to make sure everything was was all right with the residents.
“She was a real fighter and will be sadly missed by everyone.”
Pattie served as Mayor of Redditch in 2015, a role which brought her sparkling character to the fore, to the extent of her getting up on stage and rock and rolling with the best of them at that year’s Morton Stanley Festival.
She was also involved in countless community groups and was a vocal advocate for those less able to speak up for themselves.
As a sign of respect the flag flying over Redditch Town Hall is being flown at half mast.
“Pattie will be sadly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Graham and her brothers John and Terry,” said Coun Hartnett.
The current Mayor of Redditch, Councillor Gareth Prosser said: “So very sad to hear of the passing of Labour Borough and County Councillor, Pattie Hill.
“I offer my most sincere condolences to Pattie’s family and loved ones.
“Pattie was a real trooper who fought tooth and nail to support the communities she represented.
“A former Mayor, I know she had been extremely proud to wear the Chain of Office. Rest in peace, Pattie.”
