Hilary Hodgson

I don't know how to describe the sadness I feel at the loss of our dear colleague and friend. From my first weeks at the Red Cross, Hilary was a gentle, kind and wise guiding presence. She always had the time to chat and her calming presence never failed to reassure me that everything would turn out OK when I was finding things challenging. She was a true humanitarian with a huge heart and was always quick to smile and bring lightness to situations when needed. I will always remember Hilary and be grateful to have known such an exceptional person.

"It is with a heavy heart I write this, to mark with enormous respect the passing of our dear colleague and friend Hilary Hodgson. Many people pass through this world but few who have created the impact that she did. I have worked alongside Hilary for 21 years, and she has through this time been a mentor, an inspiration and a dear friend. Hilary herself worked for Red Cross for many years, and in this time has demonstrated the core values and principles of true humanitarianism and did this with integrity, honesty and humility. She wasn’t the loudest voice, but the one we listened too, as she had rich experience and expertise on how to provide services, safety and support to those who have experienced Displacement and Migration. She brought the human side to humanity in action. Her support to Refugees & asylum seekers from across the world, who are homeless, have fled wars and persecution and who have experienced high levels of trauma, was commendable due to the hope this brought to many in dark times. Hilary enabled (alongside her team in the Northeast) people in crisis to find safety, protection and live in dignity. Her unwavering focus, compassion & deep personal commitment improved the experience and lives of many people in need of protection. It is in these sad times that I look to comforting words from one of my greatest inspirations, Nelson Mandela, and I will use some of his words to capture the profound impact and legacy Hilary leaves us with to continue. “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice…it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great… Let your greatness blossom.” Hilary was a woman of action, who’s greatness blossomed through dedicated action and belief that every refugee matters. Her work was not just a career but a belief in justice for all to live in dignity, not just to exist, but to be able to participate fully in society as equals. She showed us all that is in our hands to make the world a better place, one where empathy isn’t weakness, a world where humans are not illegal, a world where different doesn’t equal dangerous, a world where compassion and kindness is worth it, a world where inequality isn’t inevitable, a world- full of hope. “A leader. . .is like a shepherd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon the others follow, not realizing that all along they are being directed from behind. ” I have seen over the years Hilary demonstrate great leadership, allowing her peers, staff and volunteers to be courageous in adversity, and enabled many to develop and apply great skills her leadership provided. She has inspired many to greatness, enabling people to fore fill their potential, and make the movement for change stronger together. Her gentle kindness in leadership, enabled strength within the local and national teams, but also had great impact within local communities. No matter what the crisis, Hilary remained calm and focussed on finding solutions, demonstrating her true strength and a core of steal. “As we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. A winner is a dreamer that never gives up.” Hilary has always been a ray of sunshine; with a brilliant sense of humour, we will miss. She had a knack for creating an atmosphere full of smiles and brightening everyone’s day. Knowing Hilary has taught me to appreciate what makes life beautiful, too make the most of things and remember what is important. It is in these sad times, we must continue Hilary’s legacy - to continue to fly the flag for humanity with kindness, determination and a belief in equality for all where our basic humanity unites us. Hillary you will be sorely missed by many." Cathy Stevenson

My condolences to Hilary's family and friends following such a sad loss. Hilary was a pleasure to work with across the years that I knew her. She will be greatly missed by us all at the Red Cross but also by many others across the North East, in particular, where she was involved in so much positive work to help people in need and impacted on so many people.

There are no words that can express how sorry I am. Hilary was a red cross rock. Her exceptional warmth, calming influence, and gentle kindness have accompanied me from the first day I joined 14 years ago. A rock doesn't damn a river flow it gently nudges the waters to flow in a different direction. So to did Hilary. Whenever the flow of the world got too busy or became difficult, Hilary was steadfast, gently nudging a better world into being around her, but never blaming the river from flowing in the first place. I cannot imagine a red Cross without you Hilary- you brought to life the human in humanitarian. I will always be so grateful. My deepest deepest condolences to all Hilary's family and friends during this time. Phil xx

I remember how kind and helpful Hilary was when I became a RSOM. I was the newbie then and she made me feel so welcome, cared for and supported. We could always count on Hilary for a no-non sense, solid, to the point contribution and a really good laugh. You were what humanitarians aspire to be: caring, skilful, passionate, forever hopeful, true actor of chance and really, truly just a really really nice person. To her family and loved ones, my most sincere condolences. May you find some consolation in the fact that she was deeply respected and loved by all at BRC and she leaves an incredible legacy.

I miss seeing you at the office, i miss the calmness you carry. Hilary cared about me beyond my role at the redcross. She would always ask after me and my family and how we were settling in the UK. Hilary never made it feel like i was at work, it was home. She would thank me so much for every single job i carried out, i felt useful and seen by her. You will be missed greatly. My sincere condolences to Hilarys family.

Hilary was a true humanitarian who has led by example. She was a genuine soul who stood for the disadvantaged. I had the privilege of working with her for the past ten years. She has made me feel at home away from home. I will miss her dearly. My deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Hillary's family, colleagues, and friends. Hillary was a genuine humanitarian who left a profound impact on the lives of those we assist. Her exceptional compassion and selfless nature set her apart, and her absence will be deeply felt by everyone fortunate enough to have crossed paths with her.