Radiographer with passion for helping others dies at 68

A “fearless” woman who made an immeasurable contribution to society has died aged 68.

Radiographer Hazel Colyer passed away on Monday, December 19, after a long battle with cancer.

Aside from her many achievements and commitments, Hazel was utterly devoted to her children, grandchildren and husband of 46 years, Ray.

A former dean of health and social care at Canterbury Christ Church University, Hazel was also the first female chairman of governors at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, the chairman of trustees of Faversham Municipal Charities and a fellow of the College of Radiographers.

Hazel leaves behind daughters Jessica and Danni and her grandchildren, Jack, Jordan, Molly, Louis, Amelia and Max.

Born and bred in Faversham, Hazel grew up in St John’s Road and Roman Road with brothers David, Robin and Barry.

She went to the district school before joining the William Gibbs – now the Queen Elizabeth’s.

She met Ray at a youth club when she was 16 and five years later they married on St Valentine’s Day.

The happily-married couple went on to bring up their family in Sheldwich.

Hazel joined the Kent and Canterbury Hospital as a therapeutic radiographer, before becoming a deputy superintendent radiographer at King’s College Hospital in London and then Guy’s and St Thomas’.

From then on, she began teaching radiography at Canterbury Christ Church University and later became the dean of health and social care.

Hazel established the university’s MSC in interprofessional health and social care, and was recognised for her work with a fellowship of the College of Radiographers.

During her time as a lecturer, she completed a Masters in women’s studies, adding to her degree in theology.

Outside of her career, Hazel was active in a number of different organisations, extending her passion for helping others.

She was an avid Labour supporter and joined Faversham Town Council for two years, where she was appointed as a representative for them on the Faversham Municipal Charities in December 1989.

She remained a trustee for the group after her term on the council and became vice-chairman in January 2003, going on to become chairman two years ago.

Hazel also spent more than 10 years as chairman of the governors at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, helping it achieve an outstanding Ofsted report.

She served in the role until four days before her death.

Hazel volunteered as a bereavement counsellor at the Wisdom Hospice in Rochester, regularly donated and supported charities working with Third World countries and was an associate editor of the journal Radiography.

Ray said: “She had an amazing intellect, the best I have ever known, and we used to have so many discussions on health, social and economical issues.

“She was also extremely caring and loving.

“She was strong and fearless and wouldn’t take any nonsense, always sharing and sticking by her strong views.”

Hazel’s daughter, Jessica, said: “Our mum always allowed us to follow whichever path we wanted to take and supported and encouraged us the whole way.

“She doted on her grandchildren and, although she worked so hard, she could always separate her work and family life really successfully.

“When she was at home, she was being a mum and a granny.

“She was the most amazing mum and granny.”

Hazel’s funeral will take place at Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Tanners Street on Friday, January 6, at 11am.

The family have requested no flowers but donations to be split between Pilgrims Hospices and Practical Action, made care of Cooperative Funeral Care.

Hazel Colyer has died aged 68