Cheryl lived life to the full

Jan 31 2008 by Louise Dicks, Gwent Gazette

COUNCILLOR Cheryl Morris’s family have paid a moving tribute to her after she died suddenly in hospital last week.

The Gazette’s Abertillery correspondent for many years was described as “soft to the core” by her devastated husband Malcolm.

Coun Morris, who celebrated her 60th birthday last year, was borough councillor for Cwmtillery since 2004, making the move from Liberal Democrat to Independent following Peter Law’s election victory in 2005.

It was the late AM and MP who first persuaded her to step into the political sphere on one of his regular visits to her ladies’ fashion shop in Abertillery town.

“Peter Law always used to pop in the shop for a talk and told Cheryl she should have a go,” says Mr Morris.

“Cheryl was a good councillor because she was so loving and caring and put others first. If someone had a problem she would put her heart and soul into sorting it out for them – she probably did more in four years than a lot of councillors do in a lifetime.”

Coun Morris often said the best thing that happened to her was 13-year-old granddaughter Tayla, who was born 10 weeks premature, and lived just two doors away with parents Darren and Lisa.

“Mam was like our human alarm clock, ringing every morning at 7.40am to make sure we were all up and then again at exactly 3.05pm every day to make sure Tayla was home from school,” said Coun Morris’s son Darren.

Coun Morris, of Gwernberthi Road, was born in Tredegar and lived in Cwmtillery all her life. She worked at various shoe factories before opening her own shop, This ’n’ That Fashions, 35 years ago.

She met Malcolm while he was running a menswear shop opposite and they married 21 years ago.

“We never wanted for clothes,” he joked. “Cheryl always wanted her own shop, she had to because she wouldn’t take orders from anyone else. Everyone knew Cheryl and people were always popping in the shop. People have said the town has been very sombre since people heard she had died.”

Last year Coun Morris was diagnosed with a liver complaint and was told that, although there was no immediate cause for concern, she might require a transplant in the future.

Two weeks ago she was hospitalised, spending a day in intensive care, and doctors said she would remain in hospital until she had built up her strength.

However, on Sunday (January 20) she took a turn for the worse and passed away the following day at Nevill Hall.

Doctors said she had developed auto-immune hepatitis which was attacking her liver.

Mrs Morris was an avid Manchester United supporter and took many trips to Old Trafford to see them play, even meeting her “god”, manager Alex Ferguson.

As a young woman she would perform at local pubs and clubs, dressing up as Al Jolson or one half of the Krankies. She also performed at her parents’ golden wedding anniversary celebrations.

“Cheryl lived life to the full,” said Malcolm, “but she was soft to the core.”

l Coun Morris’s funeral will take place at St Michael’s Church, Abertillery, at 11am on Thursday, January 31, followed by cremation at Croesyceiliog. Donations, in lieu of flowers, will be in aid of St John’s Church, Six Bells, of which Coun Morris was secretary.