Simon Burgess  for Brighton Kemptown & Peacehaven

Life Matters

16th January 2010 - Des and Simon attended the funeral of one of Brighton & Hove's most irrepressible activists Sheila Schaffer. Des and Simon had known Sheila for many years as an incredibly warm and energetic champion of the Labour Party, B&H District Pensioners' Association and B&H District UN Association.

Des said; "Sheila felt passionately about changing the world for the better, she achieved a great deal and we will all miss her."

Simon said; "She immediately encouraged me to get more and more involved in the party when I moved here 18 years ago. She did so with such warmth, and that lovely smile that told you that you must never give up the fight for social justice. She was an inspirational character who has made our city a much better place. I can only aspire to fight for those who need our help most as much as she did".

The Sussex Co-op Party which is backing Simon at the general election made a donation to Oxfam (Haiti appeal) in memory of Sheila.