Local NHS pays tribute to dedicated fundraiser
Staff and teams at NHS organisations across Wirral are remembering Derek Noble following his recent death.
Derek, who died at home in Birkenhead on 30 June, aged 77, was the former chair of charity Wirral Heart Beat and a committed fundraiser.
Over the last 10 years, he made a phenomenal contribution to the health of thousands of Wirral residents, helping to improve survival rates for all those living with Coronary Heart Disease.
NHS Wirral, Wirral Clinical Commissioning Group and Wirral Community NHS Trust have all sent letters of condolence to Derek’s widow Jill, praising the work he did.
In 2008, father-of-three and grandfather-of-four Derek was awarded an MBE for his services to healthcare and the Wirral community.
He retired as chair of Wirral Heart Beat in 2011, but had continued to play an active role in the charity, visiting their office and the cardiac rehabilitation unit at St Catherine’s Hospital every week.
Kathy Doran, Chief Executive of NHS Wirral, worked with Derek for many years.
She said: “I was very saddened to hear that Derek had passed away.
“After suffering a heart attack himself in 1998 and undergoing cardiac rehabilitation, he wanted to give something back and dedicated his life to helping others. He worked tirelessly to improve the lives of local people, working with the fire service to set up unique outreach gyms in the community for people recovering from heart conditions and long term chronic disease.
“Having been a huge success, the gyms have expanded over the years, developing into social as well as physical recovery units and becoming a beacon for similar projects in neighbouring counties.
“His MBE was extremely well deserved and fantastic recognition of his achievements.
“Derek was a remarkable man and his vision will live on in Wirral and in those people he has helped and continues to help.”