A sad farewell to a friend and valued colleague
EARLIER this month, on 2nd December, colleagues and friends of Sharon Harris said their final goodbyes at her funeral in Langstone, near Newport.
For those of us on the Glamorgan Star, it was an emotional occasion, and we know that her family were deeply touched by the number of Barry people who made the journey.
Among them was the Mayor of Barry, Cllr Steffan Wiliam, who issued this tribute: “The event encapsulated the devastation that I and any others felt on hearing of Sharon’s passing. A life so full of energy and plans cut cruelly short.
“Her sister Julie delivered a most moving and poignant eulogy which summed up the various aspects of her personality which we all loved so much.
“Sharon was a truly beautiful person; a kind woman who was so supportive in covering everything and everyone in Barry.
“As a journalist, she was passionate about her adopted town and it is fitting that her ashes will be scattered here. Despite being equally at home in a Panda sanctuary in China or the rugged coastline of the Italian riviera, Barry is where Sharon belonged. Her talent as a writer was matched by her work rate and proof of this could be seen in how she covered every inch of the town in all conditions on foot.
“As one who had overcome so much adversity in her life, she also displayed great empathy. The plight of people was central to any story that Sharon wrote. She was motivated by her love of humanity and it showed in her writing. The people mattered most of all to her and I am convinced that the hurdles she had to overcome in life made her appreciate and love people all the more.
“A great traveller, she was never happier than when she was on holiday or planning a holiday. She had just returned from a trip to Cornwall when we last met and was busy planning for her next round of adventures.
“Her life has tragically been cut short. Barry has lost a great friend and I am heartbroken.
“On behalf of the people of this town, thank you Sharon for all that you did, the countless events covered, the pages written and for keeping us all informed. Our heartfelt condolences to your family.”
Donations can be made to the two charities chosen by Sharon’s family:
- The Brain Tumour Charity (Donations can be made in memory of someone, in the ‘reason for donation’ section, a name can be added).
- For Barry Dock RNLI Just Giving page for Sharon Harris go here.
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