A CHARITY has been ‘rocked’ by the sudden death of its general manager, who colleagues described as a unique woman, with a good heart.

Tributes have been pouring in for Ceri Pulvirenti, co-general manager of HEALS of Malmesbury, after she died suddenly last week, aged 61.

Gavin Grant, chairman of HEALS Trustees, said: “We are all terribly shocked. Ceri’s loss is a huge blow to her partner Phil and her children as well as all of us at HEALS.

“Ceri did a terrific job here. Most recently she helped put together our summer programme for young people and had been looking forward to organising our Christmas pantomime trip and community lunch.”

Ceri was admitted to hospital for tests in late August with a persistent cough, but died just a week later, due to a chest infection.

She was involved with HEALS from its early days, initially as a volunteer, and was also an officer of the Malmesbury River Valley Trust.

Ceri was also well-known in the town for running the Kit Box in Gloucester Street with her husband Phil Searle, who is also a HEALS volunteer, and the community-minded resident was also involved with the popular Malmesbury Carnival.

“She had such a good heart and did so much quietly for so many people and families who needed help”, continued Gavin.

“She did not want to be thanked and absolutely hated being in the limelight, she has left a huge hole at HEALS.”

Another to pay tribute to Ceri was Alison Cross-Jones, former general manager of HEALS, who said: “She was a unique lady who had the capacity to always make the worst days seem better.

“I send my deepest and sincerest condolences to her family. She will not be forgotten and I am thankful to have known her.”

Phil, and Ceri’s children Leo and Eliana, are asking people who want to acknowledge Ceri to do so by making a donation to the charity, which is located on the High Street.

For details visit healsmalmesbury.co.uk