Alice House Hospice and Hartlepool Carers trustee Ruby Marshall dies after testing positive for the coronavirus

Ruby Marshall at the 25th anniversary of Hartlepool Carers.

Officials have paid tribute to Ruby Marshall who was described as a ‘huge inspiration’ and a highly respected member of the community.

Chief executive of Alice House Hospice, Tracy Woodall, today confirmed that Ruby, a hospice trustee, had died, and had tested positive for Covid-19.

She said Ruby had been a long standing financial supporter of Alice House, volunteering her time as a trustee since 2018 as well as being a close friend to members of the senior management team.

Ruby was also a much-loved chair of the trustees at the Hartlepool Carers group.

Tracy added: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Ruby’s family. She was a huge inspiration to hundreds of people and will be greatly missed. Ruby was a highly respected member of the community and was still very active within the health care industry prior to her death.

“She was a positive influence on many lives, both in her role as a social worker and in the support that she gave to so many charities and voluntary groups.”

Tracy said: “Ruby was even recognised by the Queen with an MBE. She had a wealth of knowledge regarding the needs of the people of Hartlepool, and it will be very hard for our staff, and lots of people who knew her not to be able to pay their respects at her funeral.”

Christine Fewster, chief executive at Hartlepool Carers, said: “Ruby was Hartlepool Carers chair of trustees for over 15 years. She led the organisation through many changes to ensure families in Hartlepool received the best support.

“She has had a significant impact locally throughout her long career in health and social care as well as the voluntary community sector.

“Our team are deeply saddened by the news but we will continue to work hard to ensure families across the town continue to receive the high standard of support Ruby expected. Our thoughts and prays are with her family.”

Gill Alexander, Chief Executive of Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic loss of Ruby.

“She was a remarkable and dedicated woman who made a huge difference during her career and in retirement to the most vulnerable in our community.

“Ruby was recognised as a legend in the world of Children’s Services and had the respect of officers and elected members across the Council.

“Her work in retirement to help shape the health and social care system in our town will provide a lasting legacy.

“All those who knew Ruby will be shocked and saddened at the news of her passing and our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

There have been 33 confirmed deaths in the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust area and 567 across the North East’s seven hospital trusts.

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