Police pay emotional tribute to former Sunderland councillor Margaret Beck died after contracting coronavirus

Margaret Beck served Sunderland’s Fulwell ward between 2015 and 2019, when she retired from her work.

And on Friday, March 27 it was confirmed that she had died in hospital following a brave fight, after coming down with coronavirus.

The councillor was well-known and respected by Northumbira Police and officers from the force’s Neighbourhood Policing Team visited the street of her family home on Thursday, April 2, to hold an applause in her honour.

Margaret’s family welcomed the heartfelt gesture, taking part from their home.

PCSO Alison Ross knows the Beck family well and paid tribute to Margaret, calling her ‘an amazing woman’.

She said: “Over the years I got to know Margaret, Richard and their family really well.

“Margaret was an amazing woman, popular and loved by everyone.

“It’s been really difficult for us all to come to terms with her loss and while tonight is all about showing our support to the NHS and to those people looking after us during this unprecedented time, I also wanted to make sure Margaret’s family, and the wider community, had an opportunity to pay their respects to a wonderful woman.”

And the police effort comes following a number of tributes from city council leaders, MP’s and members of the community.

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."

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.”

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