Some words for Emma, 23/12/13

I met Emma Priest some three-and-a-half years ago when I began as a volunteer adviser at the Citizens Advice Bureau in Nottingham. Emma died suddenly aged 41 on December 9th; her cremation was today.

It was a privilege to work with Emma. She was my advice session supervisor many times over this period and always gave knowledgeable and considered help when I needed it. She wasn't only a respected and valued supervisor but a colleague with a wry sense of humour with whom you could have a joke. Above all Emma was simply a nice person who was fun to know.

Like other workers and volunteers at the CAB Emma felt huge compassion for those disadvantaged or suffering injustice, for whatever reason, allied to a burning anger at the policies and actions responsible for perpetrating or prolonging injustice and at the individuals behind these policies and actions. And she was determined to do something about it.

I didn't know Emma outside the bureau but I know from the tributes at the ceremony that she loved and was loved, and lived her life well.

Emma's partner, Brian, who she met on her initial CAB training course, had just 10 years with her. I'm sure he feels utterly bereft; I would in his situation, and I've had over 30 years with C. How do you begin to restart your life after such a loss?

I don't know.