I am devastated. I have just discovered Hilary passed away in July. I had been trying to contact her recently for updates, known her 20 years. Hilary did not take life lightly and was an amazing advocate for people with Post-polio and the impact on their lives. There are not many like her. I will miss her integrity, sense of fairness and justice. My heart goes out to her friends, family and Richard.

I found the Polio Survivors Network while living in Kent and trying to get a diagnosis for my failing strength and ability to walk. I first met Hilary at one of the Annual General Meetings in Lincoln. One of our daughters lives in Nottingham and we also visited Hilary and Richard in their bungalow. When we moved to Nottingham I offered my services and for a short time, I was secretary. Later I became a trustee and Hilary encouraged me to attend the Annual General Meeting of the European Polio Union held in Budapest where I was born and where I caught polio. I will miss her contributions to the monthly newsletter, and find it difficult to imagine how we can carry on without her. May she rest in peace with her beloved Richard.

I was lucky to get to know Hilary a little whilst completing a 10 day "Sharing Knowledge" course in Lincoln back in 2011/12. It was a leadership programme all about achieving policy and systems change. Hilary was a fabulous course member, always generous with sharing her views. Hilary brought attention to areas where she felt things could be improved, but my main memory is of her being great fun, with a fabulous approach to working as a team. Hilary's openness about her own experiences, her care towards others and her determination to improve the status quo will be remembered fondly. Condolences to Hilary's family and friends at this difficult time.