Farewell to star fundraiser Bobby

Hundreds of people paid their respects to a woman described as a “complete character” who worked tirelessly to raise money for a Great Dunmow care home.

Bobby Stevens, who worked at Redbond Lodge, died on February 20 because of a blood clot on her lung.

She will be remembered by many as the fearless fundraiser who dressed up as Elvis, walked to Hatfield Forest and, on her 69th birthday last year, fulfilled her dream to tandem skydive – all in aid of the care home in Chequers Lane.

Redbond Lodge manager Sue King said: “Bobby was a complete character, always cheerful, who put the residents at the centre of her attention.

“She was never happier than when taking residents strawberry picking to provide the central element for one of her famous Strawberry Tea Dances.

“She was so proud of raising the funds to open our old-fashioned sweet shop ‘Bobby’s Sweets and Treats’, which the residents insisted be named after her.”

Bobby’s funeral was held on Wednesday last week and hundreds of people turned out to pay their respects to the much loved mum of four.

Her family is dedicating a bench in Bobby’s memory which will be in the courtyard garden at Redbond Lodge. The home is also buying windchimes which residents would like to have dedicated to her.

Bobby’s husband, Eric, said: “Bobby is greatly missed by all her family, friends, work colleagues and people in Dunmow. She was a wonderful wife, mother and grandmother.”