Tributes to ‘a proper community champion’
Sadness as ‘incredibly kind’ ‘bright light’ radio DJ and theatre producer passes away
TRIBUTES have poured in for a radio DJ and theatre producer remembered as “incredibly kind” following her unexpected death at the weekend.
Sue Ellison, of Halton Brook, Runcorn, was remembered as “wonderful” and a “bright light” by those who knew her.
Among her many roles in the borough, Sue was a presenter on Halton Community Radio (HCR), a producer with Centre 8 Theatre Company, an active promoter of the arts in Runcorn and Widnes, as well as a care home volunteer visitor, where her warm nature “made everyone feel important”, Matthew Roberts of Halton and St Helens Voluntary and Community Action recalled.
Following the news of her death, HCR tweeted: “Everyone at HCR was crushed to learn our wonderful presenter, Sue Ellison passed away over the weekend.
“We thought the world of her and are sending all our love & best wishes to (husband) Chris and her family.
“May she rest in peace.”
Cllr Chris Carlin said: “That’s awful news, Sue was a proper community champion and one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.”
Mark Allen, of Widnes, said: “So sorry to hear this. She was a legend.”
Ste Lever said: “Sue was such a lovely person with a heart of gold. Sue taught me how to be a radio presenter and checked up on me over the years .”
Many well-wishers remembered her as “lovely”.
Louise McNulty, the studio manager, said Sue was an “effervescent” force in Halton. In a tribute online, she said: “Sending much love to Chris and family.
“Sue Ellison is an energy that will be always effervescent.
“A joy and constant support to other performers and creatives. A bright light
● Sue entertains crowds as a member of Centre 8 theatre group in 2005 of Halton, she will be missed but never forgotten.”
In a tribute issued to the Weekly News, volunteering chief Matthew Roberts shared a glimpse into how Sue’s personal qualities brought warmth to the airwaves as well as care homes, where she was “great at listening to people’s experiences of health and social care” and was “sympathetic and kind”.
She also made “everyone feel important”.
Matthew said: “I think she was wonderful. She loved Halton.
“Her drama group was always inclusive, she gave everyone a chance and supported them to give it a go.
“I think she cared more about the performers than the performance if that makes sense, not that they weren’t brilliant.
“She presented a weekly show on Halton Community Radio and did a wonderful job promoting things going on in the local community.
“She had such warmth and kindness and people loved chatting to her.
“She was also incredibly kind to other volunteers allowing them to get involved behind the scenes on the show.”
Sue is survived by her husband Chris and son Adam, whom Matthew said Sue spoke of with “such pride”.
He added: “I think the world of Chris too. He’s incredibly nice. A real gentleman and my heart breaks for him.”