Story
Beth Harvey (nee) Gedye
31.10.1962 – 16.07.07
A Sad Farewell to our Fundraiser Beth
I suspect that the accompanying picture of Beth will be recognised by many of our readers; she was almost a permanent fixture in theSpires, library and various other locations throughout the Borough, organising and managing fund raising events for Cherry Lodge Cancer Care. There cannot have been many residents of High Barnet, in particular, that had not got involved in some part in one of the many successful fund raising events Beth arranged.
Beth was a Barnet girl through and through. Although born in Winchmore Hill, the family moved to Hadley Highstone in 1969. Beth attendedMonkenHadleyPrimary School, St Martha’s Convent and Queen Elizabeth’s Girls’ School. Having completed her A- levels, she studied Cordon Bleu Cooking atWinkfieldLadiesCollege. This led to opportunities to work in Meribel, as a chalet girl, in a fishing Lodge and at a number of hotels in Devon and theLake District.
Beth spent a couple of years enjoying the Far East and Australia.On her return, she worked in the City providing corporate and exclusive dining for many leading banks and financial institutions.
In1989 she married Noel Harvey her long term boyfriend and their family grew with the birth of their three fine sons, William, Harry and James. Harry and James were born whilst the family lived inCalifornia, where they ran a successful business. They returned to the UKin 1997, where Beth worked as a financial controller for The Body Shop.
During this time she became a fundraising volunteer at Cherry Lodge Cancer Care, a Cancer Information and Resource Centre based in Barnet. As a result of her enthusiasm and ability to engage with the local population, this role developed into a full time paid fundraising position. Her commitment to the centre was hugely inspirational, not only to her staff colleagues but also to her friends and the local community.
In October 2004 Beth found a lump in her breast which was subsequently diagnosed as an aggressive form of breast cancer. In her usual positive approach to all problems that she encountered her diary entry reads “lump diagnosed as breast cancer, think I am taking work experience a little too far!!!”
Her cancer journey was a most difficult one. She was treated atBarnet GeneralHospital by Mr Al - Dubaisi and the Breast Care Team and Dr Peter Ostler and the Oncology team. Beth had the utmost respect for all members of these teams and felt that the care she received was as individual as she was and could not be faulted.
She received many courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy and in spite of the many setbacks her dedication to Cherry Lodge never faltered. Despite her declining health, her fundraising abilities were such that in the past year Cherry Lodge’s financial position was much improved. The way that she handled her illness proved to be an inspiration to everyone she met particularly, those affected by cancer who attended Cherry Lodge. Her generosity of spirit allowed people to share in her cancer journey. This engaging feature of Beth’s, and her motto of never leaving any opportunity to chance, will stay always with her friends.
Throughout her illness she managed to juggle her family and working life. Beth was a devoted mother. Noel and the boys were the true focus of her life.
Beth died peacefully in her sleep inBarnet General Hospital on Monday 16th July 2007.
Beth leaves behind her husband Noel, three sons William, Harry & James as well as her loving Mum Shirley, father Michael, and three brothers, Mark Andrew & James.
Family requests donations to Cherry Lodge Cancer Care in her memory.
Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate: Cherry Lodge Cancer Care will receive your money electronically and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid will be added to your donation at no cost to you.