I am sad to share with you the news that Nigel Mellor MBE, a pioneer of Emmaus Merseyside, has recently passed away.
Nigel made a considerable contribution to our charity, for which we are eternally grateful. His dedication, hard work and achievements laid the foundation to enable Emmaus Merseyside and the people we support to flourish.
After gaining a wealth of knowledge, skills and expertise during a varied career, Nigel first became involved with Emmaus Merseyside in 2007. He initially worked in an advisory capacity and was successful in kick-starting the development of the fantastic building we have today.
Nigel became Chair of Trustees in 2012 and worked on a bid to the Homes and Communities Agency for a grant towards a new Emmaus accommodation with a local housing association. Following the collapse of the housing association, Nigel then worked tirelessly to establish a new partnership arrangement with The Riverside Group.
Work started on-site in March 2014 to construct our purpose-built community home and in June of the same year, our Charity Superstore opened. In 2016, the 28-bedroom community building opened and Emmaus Merseyside welcomed its first companions.
During his involvement with Emmaus Merseyside, Nigel has given more than 4,000 hours of voluntary service, helping to develop both our residential accommodation and several charitable retail activities in Sefton and Liverpool. Under Nigel’s leadership as Chair, Emmaus Merseyside gained a number of awards and recognition.
Nigel retired as Chair of Emmaus Merseyside in December 2020 but remained an active supporter of our charity and continued as a volunteer to help refurbish furniture items for sale in our Charity Superstore.
Nigel was our longest-serving volunteer and trustee, receiving an MBE in January 2021 for services to homeless and disadvantaged people across Merseyside. At last year’s national Emmaus Assembly, Nigel was also awarded an Emmaus Founder’s Medal for services to the Emmaus movement.
Our community and those who knew Nigel are deeply saddened by his death. His legacy lives on here at Emmaus Merseyside and he will be forever remembered for all he achieved in establishing this charity.