Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
‘Outstanding efforts will be missed’
gwarren@thekmgroup.co.uk @Gerry_Warren A man who dedicated his life to supporting League of Hospital Friends’ groups has died aged 94
Together with his wife Enid, Geoff Gould was a stalwart among the supporters of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, having retired to the city 30 years ago.
They were quickly appointed to the league’s executive commit- tee, where Geoff’s experience from his previous roles with other hospital Friends’ groups was soon harnessed.
He wrote most of the league’s fundraising appeal literature and organised the annual hospital fair, which he ran for 10 years.
He continued as publicity officer until 1994, when he became liaison officer to the league’s groups.
He retired from the league’s executive in 2005 and was appointed vice-president, a position he held until his death.
But Geoff first become involved in voluntary work for hospitals 60 years ago when he was working in the chemical industry in Leyton.
He was asked to help form a League of Friends at the Whipps Cross Hospital and became a founder member, holding various committee posts.
He was also a qualified junior soccer referee and offered to commentate on Leyton Orient FC’s matches live to patients, and later West Ham games when he joined neighbouring Plaistow Hospital’s League of Friends. It was there he met Enid, who was manning a charity stall, and so began her 50 years of service.
The couple moved to Rough Common when Geoff retired, where they both joined the local hospital support group for the K&C, where Enid served as chairman. They subsequently moved to Willesborough Lees near Ashford.
Chairman of the League of Friends of Kent and Canterbury Hospital, Stuart Field, said: “Geoff’s long service has been outstanding and his efforts will be greatly missed.”
Geoff also leaves two sons and four grandchildren.
His funeral will be held at Charing Crematorium at 2pm on August 30, followed by a wake at The Kennington restaurant in Ulley Road, Kennington, Ashford.
Family flowers only is requested but donations can be made to the League of Friends of the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, c/o Earl’s Undertakers, Albermarie Road, Ashford, Kent.