Dear Friends and Supporters,
The Parish Trust has been saddened to hear that, after a short illness, Mrs. Carol Williams, one of the charity’s longest-serving volunteers, has died.
I first met Carol in an online meeting just before the COVID pandemic came to the UK. I had organised an open meeting for anyone who was concerned about the imminent threat of COVID and wanted to do something to help the local community.
Carol signed up for that meeting, and subsequently, she was one of the first people to volunteer at the founding of the charity. She has been a constant and consistent presence within the charity’s volunteer family. Carol particularly enjoyed her role in the CARE Project, managing the administration of food parcels and speaking to literally thousands of people over the course of her volunteering with us, still receiving and making phone calls only a few short weeks ago.
She also had a fun side to her and took part in the first celebration video the charity did after receiving its first major grant from the WCVA.
We will very much miss Carol’s friendly demeanour, both in person and over the telephone, her willing and adaptable attitude to life, and her commitment to serving her community.
We extend all of our thoughts and prayers to Richard, her husband, and Rebecca, her daughter, at this time, along with all of Carol’s family and friends.
I was fortunate to be able to see Carol the other day in my capacity as Hospital Chaplain, to chat with her and extend our thanks for her unwavering commitment to the charity.
Finally, I cannot write this tribute without mentioning something most important in Carol’s life. Her Christian faith and commitment to Jesus’ teaching was the driving force and motivator for her volunteering with us and it’s only right that we recognise that today.
Whilst The Parish Trust serves and exists for everyone regardless of religious affiliation, the Christian faith underpins all of our work. The words of Jesus, who said that he came to bring life in all its fullness, are foundational as we seek to enrich the lives of everyone we come into contact with. Carol was fully on board with this, and I know that her personal faith in Jesus gave her the strength and comfort she needed to battle through right until the very end, and on into eternity.
We will miss Carol very much, but on a personal note, as someone who shares that Christian hope with Carol, I believe with my whole heart that this is not a “goodbye”, but rather an “until next time.”
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
