A FAMILY in mourning have spoken of their grief after 26-year-old Hayley Parsonage died in hospital.
Hayley passed away in St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, after being rushed there from Sheffield Northern General, where she had been taken by fiancé Stephen Murphy on March 26.
Inspirational Hayley, previously of Bridge Meadow, Ellesmere Port, had moved to Sheffield last year where she worked as a customer relations adviser for Santander.
The former Sutton High School pupil, who was born with a congenital condition called sacral agensis, got engaged to Stephen on Valentine’s Day this year.
He said: “I will always remember telling her I loved her shortly before she went to sleep, she responded with her typical cheeky smile, and re-spoke the feelings I had declared.”
Hayley frequently appeared in the Pioneer over the years, often fighting injustices served on disabled people.
Her mother Ann often contacted the paper to report her daughter’s many achievements.
With Hayley’s fame came hundreds of friends and there are many people looking to say farewell.
Hayley’s first job was at the National Waterways Museum, where she stayed for five years, as an administrator and marketing assistant.
Duty manager Christine Cunliffe said: “This was her first job and it was as special to her as she was to the museum.
“Hayley was inspirational to all that met her; she was always industrious and extremely hard working, a great ambassador for the museum.
“She had an infectious laugh and a fabulous sense of humour; Hayley was a huge part of a small team.
“Her difficulties were overcome with the courage and determination few could match. We shall miss her greatly.”
Funeral arrangements are not expected to be made in the near future but The Pioneer will keep readers informed.
