Former Sunderland city councillor Margaret Beck dies in hospital after contracting coronavirus

Former Sunderland councillor and union activist Margaret Beck has died after contracting coronavirus, according to reports.
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Seaburn Dene Primary School, in Sunderland, said on Twitter on Friday, March 27: "Long-standing school governor and friend to our school Margaret Beck died today in hospital after a brave fight against the coronavirus.

"Mrs Beck was admitted to Sunderland Royal Hospital on Wednesday [March 25] and passed away this morning. She was an active and passionate advocate for our school, a regular visitor, who enjoyed meeting children and staff alike, most recently judging our anti-bullying poster competition.

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“We will miss her and her input into school life. She was a warm and wonderful person to know and really believed in what Seaburn Dene Primary School is about

“Our school community will, in time, find a way to permanently mark Mrs Beck's contribution to our school, but in the meantime would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to her family at this awful time.”

A statement from Chair of Governors, Julie Chalk added, "She was an active and supportive governor, who enjoyed spending time with the children.

“She was dedicated and passionate and contributed hugely to the values and ethos of Seaburn Dene Primary School - she will leave a lasting mark."

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Julie Elliott, Labour MP for Sunderland Central, tweeted: "So very sad to learn that former Cllr for Fulwell Margaret Beck has lost her fight against coronavirus this morning - my thoughts are with Dick, Teresa and all the family."

Margaret Beck.Margaret Beck.
Margaret Beck.

Sunderland City Council leader Coun Graeme Miller said: “We are shocked and saddened to have lost a valued member of the Sunderland Labour Group family, and a good friend in Margaret Beck.

“Margaret was a committed councillor during her time serving the Fulwell ward and remained an active and much-loved member of her community. Sunderland has lost a true servant, and we send our love and condolences to Richard and Margaret’s loved ones at this desperately sad time.

“Please, everyone – stay at home, protect others, and help us shield our NHS, which is doing all it can to keep us all safe.”

Mrs Beck was first elected at the 2015 election and retired as a councillor in 2019.