Sheila’s daughter, Jayne, has asked if I could set up this page as she has had so many people offering to donate in memory of their beloved friend, Sheila Perks MBE.

Jayne and Sheila’s grandchildren, Alexa and Tom, have been overwhelmed by the out pouring of love and support that everyone has shown.

Her granddaughter Alexa (Leccie as Sheila called her) said: "Sheila was known and loved by many as the inspirational netball sensation Sheila Perks MBE. But to her family, she was a much-loved mum, nan and "Nanny Sheila" to her two great grandchildren. She embodied kindness and generosity and was so deeply loved by countless friends of all ages. The words "legend" and "hero" are so often over used, but in this case, they remain an understatement to the truly wonderful woman she was. She will be so hugely missed, but her sparkle will live in on in all of us.”

Sheila was best known for her netball prowess but back in the 1970’s she was also an excellent swimming coach. She taught swimming at Whitford Hall and Bromsgrove School and was one of the founder coaches at Bromsgrove Swimming Club when the original Dolphin Centre opened. She coached a couple of girls to junior national level.

In 2009 Shelia received an MBE from the Queen for her outstanding contribution to the game of netball. Her other accolades include ‘The Hall of Fame Award’ from then President of England Netball Janet Wrighton in 2014, a UK Coaching Lifetime Achievement award in
2013 and The Muriel McNally trophy, an annual award in recognition of outstanding contribution to netball, in 1989.

She founded Ryland Netball Club in the 1950s and during six decades at the club helped to produce county and international players including current England international Stacey Francis-Bayman.

England Netball said “As an England Netball Honorary Life Member, Sheila had been instrumental in helping many a player fall in love with the game over more than 65 years, and was a familiar face at all levels of the game from grassroots to club, county and national team level.”

A spokesperson for Bromsgrove School described Sheila as "a great friend of the school we were deeply saddened to hear that Sheila Perks MBE died last week. Her teaching style was unparalleled."

Many of the quotes you will read talk of Sheila coaching players but she also contributed massively to the coaching of coaches. She was always on hand to provide advice, ideas and support whenever it was needed. Before Covid struck, at the age of 89, Sheila could still be found every fortnight supporting the coaches at Worcestershire County U12/U13 training sessions. 

She will be sorely missed.

The family have said that flowers will be very welcome at the funeral but if you prefer to send a donation Sheila’s favourite charity was the Royal British Legion.

If you are able to donate, whether it be pennies or pounds, please leave a short message saying how Sheila touched your life.

Whatever path in life you are following now always remember the famous Sheila-isms especially “believe and you will achieve” and make sure you sparkle! xx