HOSPITAL campaigners have paid tribute to one of their most ardent supporters following her sudden death last week.
Joan Rowlingson passed away last Friday at the age of 84. The Church Hill North resident suffered a stroke while in her sleep a few days before and later died at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital.
Her death has saddened members of the former Save the Alex campaign as Joan proudly stood shoulder to shoulder with them on many occasions to fight for services at the Alexandra Hospital.
Despite her advancing years she took part in two national marches to Save the NHS in London and backed many of STA’s activities. She also constantly lobbied former Redditch MP Karen Lumley for answers and action.
In a joint statement Neal Stote and Ian Johnson, former chairman and deputy chairman of Save the Alex, said: “We are so saddened by this news. Joan was an amazing woman who campaigned tirelessly to ensure future generations could benefit from key local hospital services. We remain humbled by the faith she put in us and inspired by her passion. Redditch needs many more like Joan if the Alex is to have a thriving future.”
Her daughter Karen added: “Mum was born before the NHS to a family who would have struggled to afford decent health care. She was an incredible woman with so much concern for others and ready to fight for what she believed in.”
