Healthwatch Salford pays tribute to passionate volunteer – “She was a true inspiration”

Healthwatch Salford has paid tribute to an “incredibly dedicated” volunteer and campaigner following news of her death.

The passionate disability campaigner, Susan Fisher, 75, from Manchester, died on February 23.

Sam Cook, chief officer at Healthwatch Salford, said: “Everyone here at Healthwatch Salford has been saddened to hear of the death of Sue Fisher.”

The healthcare regulatory body said that Sue had been a volunteer there for many years and even in recent months, was still providing valuable feedback about services she was receiving support from.

Sam added: “We feel that this shows the type of person Sue was, how even during her own difficult times, she wanted to see improvements for others in the future.

“Sue had a fantastic sense of humour, was Incredibly thoughtful, and always spared time for you, despite being such a busy woman.

“She will be sorely missed.”

Sue was just 22 years old when she was left seriously injured after a road accident.

According to the Jewish Telegraph, she then spent eight months in Southport Promenade Hospital, which specialised in spinal injuries.

After her return to Manchester, Susan and her late mother Rita Fisher made it their goal to raise funds for and awareness of spinal injuries.

Rita, a Manchester City Council councillor, went on to chair the Spinal Research Trust and Susan was its treasurer.

Salford councillor Rabbi Arnold Saunders said: “She was a true inspiration.

“Despite all her challenges she always had a smile on her face. She drove a van which was specially adapted for her disabilities. She even drove up to the top of Llandudno’s Great Orme, which is very difficult for a van. She was quite incredible. Her challenges brought out the best in her. She never wanted to be defeated.”

Susan also worked volunteered for the Salford cancer charity Unique Improvement as well as for the Salford Disability Forum, where she was appointed director in 2022.

She was also a member of the Salford Healthy Communities, which advocates for the Orthodox Jewish community around Broughton and Kersal.