News
Bart Hellyer, October 1950-April 2024
It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of our former chair and trustee Bart Hellyer last Friday evening.
Bart holds a special place in SIA history as one of the original founding members along with Baroness Sue Masham, whose ambition and ideas have transformed the lives of so many with spinal cord injury.
In 1973 Bart was asked, amongst seven others, to join a steering group to create SIA. They met in a tiny office lent by the Kings Fund Centre to realise Sue’s ambition – to enable people with spinal cord injury to lead fulfilled lives, be it through improved hospital treatment, counselling, rehabilitation treatment, suitable wheelchairs, housing or training for re-employment.
Bart recently recalled his early days at SIA when giving a eulogy at Baroness Masham’s memorial service at Westminster Cathedral in October 2023.
“Through her life’s work, Baroness Masham has influenced changes in attitudes to and opportunities for so many disabled people. For so many of us, including mine she changed the course of our lives for the better. I could never thank her enough for that.”
Bart, who was our chair between 2005 and 2008, will always remain an integral part of our legacy of change for those with spinal cord injury.
Anna Saunders, our director of business development said:
“We are truly saddened by the news of Bart’s passing. As one of the founding pioneers of SIA, he made such a valuable contribution to our work as a trustee, chair, friend and generous supporter. Bart was admired and respected by so many and we will miss him terribly. His passion, determination and dedication to supporting people with spinal cord injury will live on through the work we do. Our thoughts are with Bart’s family at this difficult time.”
Remembering Bart
Bart‘s family have created a tribute page where you can share your messages and memories of Bart. The family have also kindly asked for donations in his memory to be given to SIA and the Injured Jockeys Fund.
A service to celebrate Bart’s life will be held at Uppingham Parish Church, Market Place, Uppingham, Rutland LE15 9PY on Monday 20 May 2024 at 2pm.
Tea will be served after at The Falcon Hotel, Uppingham LE15 9PY