Remembering Alfred Levy

31 May, 2024

The term ‘Warrior’ is used frequently within the online Stoma community as an expression to describe someone who hasn’t allowed their condition to defeat them, and lives life to the full.

We recently said goodbye to Alfred Levy, who quietly went about being one of our greatest Stoma warriors. 

Alfred had Stoma surgery in 2006 as a result of Bowel Cancer, and Joined Colostomy UK (Or the Colostomy Association as we were then), as a volunteer in 2011, shortly after retiring from his job as a chartered accountant, where he was a partner with a firm in London. He then became The Finance Trustee of our charity in 2013.

Current Colostomy UK volunteer and former Trustee Jackie Dudley had a very close relationship with Alfred, and in fact was responsible for recruiting him.

Jackie talks about her initial chat with him, and her memories of the man known affectionately by some at Colostomy UK as ‘Alfredo’.

“Many years ago, my first contact with Alfred was through a telephone call. Having recently received a colostomy, Alfred had heard about the Colostomy Association and had telephoned to learn more about the charity.   Alfred was a “new ostomate” but I was so impressed with how he was managing his stoma that I asked if he would consider becoming a volunteer so that his very positive and uplifting attitude could be used to help others.

Alfred agreed and so began years of commitment when he gave so much. He was so generous with his time and his support for the Colostomy Association,

In the years that followed Alfred became a vital member of the charity, attending meetings, open days and other support groups. His main project was helping run and taking forward the Ostomy Lifestyle charity – shipping unwanted surplus stoma supplies to the third world. Alfred travelled to Moldova to personally check on how our donations were received and distributed to those ostomates in the country that had no access to the normal medical supplies that we take for granted. He worked tirelessly, giving after dinner speeches to Rotary Clubs, raising funds to help send these supplies overseas.

Working alongside others he made such a difference. As busy as he was, he gave the Colostomy Association his wisdom and support by becoming a Trustee.  Never saying No  – he devoted his time and energy in supporting those who needed it.  Working with  other Trustees he helped the charity to flourish and  guided by his good and common sense and his sense of service the charity moved forward.

He attended his Stevenage Support Group and watched the numbers of members rise significantly – and today it is mourning the loss of a very dear friend. AND Alfred was a true Friend

What is a Friend and what is friendship ? In simple words Friendship is a close relationship between two or more people who care about and support each other. It is built on trust, honesty, and mutual respect. Friends often share common interests and experiences, Alfreds common interest was with anyone and everyone that had a stoma.

In later years, even though he suffered from poor health he still attended Trustee meetings, Open Days and support groups, travelling to talk to everyone while offering his vast knowledge, kindness and support to all those who needed it.

His contribution, to the charity was and always will be, the corner stone of what today is – one of the most importantly recognised stoma charities throughout the world.

Alfred will be greatly missed but always remembered”.

Like Jackie, Sue Hatten also knew Alfred through her role as a Trustee. She remembers him as.

“A wonderful colleague, I admired him enormously, especially knowing that he faced further cancer which he battled stoically for a number of years. Alfred will always be remembered as a great team player and a real gentleman”

Alfred Levy 1942 – 2024