Life of champion Newark volunteer marked

Sonja Townsend, who was born and raised in Newark, has died, aged 83.

She was well known throughout the area for her extensive volunteering and campaigning for several local causes.

She was an active member of the Parkinson’s Disease Society and Royal Naval Society, and raised money for both causes.

Sonja was also a key campaigner to keep Newark Hospital, and raised money for both the hospital and Newark Hospice.

After the death of one of her daughters in 1986 Sonja raised more than £1,000 for Nottingham Community Hospital.

In 2012 she won a Citizen of the Year Award and she also received a Champion Volunteer Award for her dedication.

Sonja helped the Dementia Carers Group, and raised money for them through garden open days and yard sales.

Sonja was married to her husband, Ivor, for 62 years. They had four daughters, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Sonja’s three surviving daughters, Jay, Hazel and Pam, said: “Mum will always be remembered for bringing fun, love and laughter into everyone’s lives.

“She was always thinking of others, and we are so proud to be the daughters of Sonja and Ivor Townsend.”