Everton icon Duncan Ferguson visited Blues fan and NHS stalwart Sheila Westhorp before taking up his new role as Glentoran manager
Duncan Ferguson paid a surprise visit to NHS stalwart Sheila Westhorp who is a passionate Evertonian
Duncan Ferguson paid a surprise visit to NHS stalwart Sheila Westhorp who is a passionate Evertonian
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Appointed manager of Glentoran on Monday, one of Everton icon Duncan Ferguson’s last acts before returning to the dugout was to make a surprise visit to an NHS stalwart who refuses to give up work, even though she is currently undergoing cancer treatment.
The Blues fans’ favourite, who made 273 appearances and scored 72 goals over two spells at Goodison Park, has had previous managerial stints with Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle as well as a brace of spells as caretaker boss of Everton in December 2019 and January 2022.
Belfast-based Glentoran, who finished third in the NIFL Premiership last season have been champions on 23 occasions (second only to neighbours Linfield on 57) but their most recent success came in 2009.
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Before taking up his new position across the Irish Sea though, Ferguson popped in to meet 77-year-old Sheila Westhorp, a passionate Evertonian, and recognise her incredible contribution to health care having dedicated 60 years of her life to the NHS. Sheila joined the A&E department at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in the same month that England’s recently-victorious World Cup hero Alan Ball moved to Everton from Blackpool in August 1966.
Despite currently undergoing cancer treatment, Sheila refuses to step away from her role as a clerical officer – one that has seen her serve as a first point of contact for patients at three iterations of the Royal over six decades. Her remarkable longevity and dedication saw her nominated by colleagues for a special reward as part of a Hill Dickinson-sponsored initiative that recognises Blues working in the NHS.
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Sheila was stunned to be greeted by one of her all-time Everton favourites, armed with blue and white flowers and four tickets to enjoy an upcoming matchday in one of Hill Dickinson Stadium’s premium restaurants. There was also a further surprise for Sheila when colleagues past and present from her 60 years at the Royal poured into the room to join the celebrations.
She said: “I was absolutely gobsmacked. That they got it past me in the first place, and then, when I walked in here, I thought: ‘I’m sure that’s Duncan Ferguson.’ Then I thought: ‘don’t be so stupid!’
“I honestly can’t believe it, and it means everything to me. I don’t think I’m anything special – I just come here, try to be kind and do my job.”
Among the countless nominations Sheila received, colleagues applauded her resilience and determination in the face of her recent health issues, and the time and warmth she reserves for co-workers and patients alike.
They also noted her unwavering love for Everton – a passion that also dates back to the 1960s when she first started attending fixtures at Goodison Park.
Margaret Rogers, administration service manager at the Royal, said: “Everything is a smile with Sheila, she just carries on regardless – she’s proper old school, salt of the earth. She’s always happy to chat, but always willing to listen. Everybody loves Sheila.”
She added: “She loves Everton and she loves going to the games. It’s not just a passion for Sheila, it’s part of who she is.”
NHS stalwart Sheila Westhorp is joined by colleagues past and present as Everton icon Duncan Ferguson popped in to give her a surprise visit
NHS stalwart Sheila Westhorp is joined by colleagues past and present as Everton icon Duncan Ferguson popped in to give her a surprise visit
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As well as enjoying an upcoming fixture at Everton’s 52,769 capacity waterfront home, Sheila will be invited to a VIP experience later in the season, when she will go behind-the-scenes and watch David Moyes’ first team train, courtesy of Hill Dickinson.
Everton Giant Ferguson said: “Sheila’s a special person, a massive Evertonian and it’s an incredible feat to spend 60 years with the NHS.
“It was fantastic meeting her, and I just feel proud and privileged to have come along and seen the amazing reaction she got from her friends and colleagues. It was truly deserved – well done, Sheila.”
Andrew Craggs, head of health at Hill Dickinson, a commercial law firm and Everton’s official stadium naming rights partner, said: “The NHS continues to be home to countless examples of quiet, everyday heroism, and Sheila perfectly embodies the spirit of people working in NHS Trusts up and down the country.
“It’s incredibly important to us that Hill Dickinson Stadium has a positive impact in the community, so it’s our pleasure to be able to put together a unique experience for Sheila to enjoy with her loved ones to say thank you.”