Tributes paid to President of Glangwili League of Friends

Hywel Dda University Health Board is paying tribute to a stalwart of Glangwili Hospital for the positive impact she made on the local health service.

June Beer, who passed away last week, was life President of Glangwili Hospital League of Friends for the past 12 years.

She joined the league shortly after it was established in 1948 and for almost 70 years raised thousands of pounds through dedicated fundraising activities and leadership. June and her husband Raymond, who died in 2013, were dedicated to each other and their community.

Up to last year, the league had spent more than £1,700,000 on equipment and support for the Carmarthen hospital, contributing to the care and treatment of local people from birth into older age and at the end of life.

Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board Maria Battle said: “Whilst I didn’t have the privilege of meeting Mrs Beer myself, I have listened to some of our staff about the incredible contribution she made to our local health service and community. She gave her time and skills selflessly and in abundance and our national health service has benefited immensely from this, for which we are truly grateful.”

In 2011 Mrs Beer was awarded the Order of Mercy medal for her volunteer work with the league of friends. She was also a performer and secretary for Carmarthen Amateur Operatic Society and was involved in other charitable causes through the Mayor’s Charity Committee.

Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University Health Board Euryl Howells said: “Staff, patients and visitors may well remember June from the regular Christmas Carol Service at the hospital or from the many fundraising events and fayres she officiated over in order to raise vital funds in support of the NHS and local patients.  Her zeal and commitment to the community as a whole was sterling and she will be sorely missed.”

Mrs Beer's funeral will be on Friday, September 3, at the English Congregational Church in Lammas Street, Carmarthen at 12.15pm, but numbers are limited due to COVID-19 restrictions. A representative of the health board will be in attendance to recognise and pay tribute to Mrs Beer for her contribution to the NHS.