A Book of Remembrance
Julie Boddington
Sevenoaks Area Youth Trust – SAYT [www.SAYT.org.uk] were very sad to learn that Julie died last weekend.
We started this on-line book of condolences and memories to help us all grieve and be truly grateful for all that Julie achieved and meant to us all during her life. In due course we will provide a printed copies of this book to Julie’s family.
Anyone can use this book, it is not just for SAYT supporters or young people but for anyone who would like to leave a message, thanks, reflection, prayer or a photo or a video or audio message.
Julie had worked as a youth worker and youth work manager with SAYT for a number of years. So many young people benefited from her faith, compassion, empathy and listening ear and have reasons to be eternally grateful for her practical support and long-term encouragement. Many volunteers valued the opportunity to support Julie and to support young people.
You can listen to Julie – talking about her work and faith – and some young people saying how grateful they are for her, in Believing Their Worth – a short film we made 3 years ago [click here to see that film] which is just as inspiring and moving today as when we filmed it.
Will you join us in praying for Julie’s family as we all come to terms with this devastating news.
Please also pray for all the young people, volunteers and staff who she worked with.
We hope you will feel able to add your thoughts, memories, thank you’s or prayers in this book. You can leave anonymous messages, but please add your first name and how you know Julie – as this will be an extra comfort for her family in the months and years ahead. Please do not disclose confidential details or mention other people unless you have their permission.
If you cannot use this book for any reason you can send a message, photo, audio or video to info@sayt.org.uk and we will add your message for you.
Thank you…..
Book Owner: Rob Marsh [Founder and Trustee of SAYT]
Book Size: 80 Messages
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Melanie Baker
Hard to believe Julie has been gone almost 3 years. Always the person to light up a space. We met through Toddler groups in Eynsford. Would sometimes chat on a dog walk…….I think of you Julie with the fondest of memories 💕💕…
Alison
I only met Julie once at a soup lunch at my church, St. Barts Otford, when she spoke to us about SAYT and her involvement in it. Her enthusiasm and total commitment to her young people shone through and my feeling was – thank God for people like Julie and her like, and because of them the world is a better place. May she rest in peace….
Maia Bashford
Thank you for everything you did for us at youth alpha lovely lady. God bless you, we will all miss you greatly ❤️…
Diane Cuff
Dear Julie I only knew you for such a short time through from our online daily prayer vigil. Your honesty, encouragement and strong faith inspired me in so many ways. You had such a big heart for young people and Gods creation which shone through in all you said and did. Your legacy will live on in all those whose lives you touched. May you rest in peace with our Lord in your heavenly home. For those you left behind -your family and friends – I pray that God will surround and comfort them all with His love. …
Isobel White
When through one person a little more love and goodness, a little more light and truth come into the world, that person’s life has had meaning. We give thanks to the Lord for every remembrance of Julie, for the friendship and peace she brought, and for the love she held in her heart. Lord, with affectionate remembrance, pour out your blessings and give strength to her family and colleagues, and comfort those who loved her and have been parted from her….
Fiona
Julie was a kind, supportive school friend and I see from all the messages here how her kindness and support have helped so many others. She gave so much and made a huge difference….
Sally Higham
I wish I had had the opportunity to thank you again for the love and kindness you have showed me for these past 25 years. I hope you knew in your heart how much you were loved and i know that you left believing that you were setting those you loved free. You were a remarkable woman, always reaching out to others and an ability to help others in both practical and emotional ways. You were comitted to the greater good of humanity and the world was a better place for you being in it. You are at peace now dear Julie and from a selfish point of view, I am desperately sad you have gone but you suffered long enough and it comforts us to know you are no longer in pain. Your love and legacy lives on in your wonderful family and in all of us who lives you have touched. You helped me to see the beauty and humour in this world of ours. We will never forget you. I will never forget you and will always hold you close in my heart. Sally xxx…
Sarah Harrison
Our family were blessed to know Julie, she came into our lives when we most needed her and with such joy and love and compassion. Her energy and warmth were so infectious. When we went through some of the hardest times as a family Julie was always there. She took my daughter to the Big Church Day Out for 2 years running and was always suggesting a trip out to do something fun and relaxing. Julie took upon the burdens of others with infinite wisdom and optimism, always with the message that God is with you throughout your difficulties and not to give up. She just gave so selflessly and never out of duty, always out of love. I miss our dear friend and my heart breaks for Julie’s family. Sending love to you all. X…
Sanjeev Manaktala
Julie was an inspiration to all, serving wholeheartedly and having a passion for the next generation. Not taking a selfish moment but going to share the beauty of God’s blessing to those who need it and being a steward God’s creation. Her heart to seek and save the loss was captured through her role at SAYT but poured out throughout her life. Maybe you find joy now fully United with the Father and thank you for the legacy left that we may carry to baton further….
Horton Kirby & South Darenth Youth Project working group
Sometime last year, whilst out walking in our villages of Horton Kirby & South Darenth, Julie spoke to several different people, including local Parish Councillors, about the need to involve young people in the local community. Earlier this year those people started the conversation together in earnest, inviting Julie & SAYT to participate, and gathering a few more. We were so saddened to hear of Julie’s passing and want to express our deepest sympathies and condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. We remembered her warmth, enthusiasm and passion for working with young people and how this inspired us. Although our meeting Julie was brief she left a lasting impact; we hope that whatever comes out of this continuing conversation with young people will lead to something that Julie would have been thrilled about. …
James Taylor
Dear Julie, I am so blessed that I got to work alongside you during my brief time with SAYT. Your compassion and wisdom remains an inspiration to me every day, and the world is a lesser place without you. You did so much for the young people you worked with, and your belief in the worth of every individual was obvious to everyone who spent time with you. My fondest memories of our time together are undoubtedly our summer trip to Brighton and our many hours spent together on the bus and at House in the Basement (especially our “hat” day as evidenced in this picture!). I will do my utmost to ensure I follow the amazing example you set for me by always seeing the best in others. Yours in Christ, James…
Joe Byles
Dear Julie, You are an inspirational woman who did so much for me during my teenage years. You were there through so many significant moments in my life – like the day I gave my life to Jesus when I was just fourteen. Your radiant smile and warmth will be sorely missed by me and so many others; you’re in heaven now being cared for by our father. Rest in peace my dear friend, Joe…
Adie and Roland
Dear Holly, and everyone at SAYT, I just want to pass on our deepest condolences over the very sad news of Julie’s death. Our hearts go out to you all, and to Julie’s family, at this very painful time. It is so difficult to come to terms with the fact that we won’t see Julie again. She was such a kind, generous, caring, warm-hearted lady, with a big smile and a reassuring presence. Her comitment to the young people in her flock really shone out, and she worked tirelessly for them. Many lives have been changed for the better because of Julie. She has brought so much good into the world, and she will leave a lasting legacy of blessing. You are all in our prayers. Adie and Roland…
Emily B
I would like to say a little thing in memory of Julie and her amazing work . She didn’t know me long while she worked at House in the Basement. But she helped me be able to find the person I know I want to be. She just had a way to involve everyone in interesting thought-provoking conversations – that taught life-lessons and made people realise their potential to achieve. It’s like she put the faith “not god’s faith” but self-faith into the children and young adults (such as myself) that she worked with. She was always there to speak to when times were not the greatest and she really was a honour to know. She was like a ray of sunshine when the sun was not shining in my own world. So thank you so much Julie for all the amazing work you did and the little piece of you that you have given and left in the young people you worked with. Your simple words and support will be life-lessons that I will take on for ever and even cascade down to the young people I work with. Because you gave me the faith to believe in…
Humphrey
I knew Julie initially through her work for SAYT and met her first in the office when I was in VEC doing some admin for Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees (SWR). Julie was keen to get involved with SWR, and had an great amount of compassion for those in need. She helped us enormously in many ways, and was building very supportive relationships with one of the refugee families resettling in our area. I send my deepest condolences to Julie’s family and friends, and pray that Julie may rest in peace. She is now with the Lord and all the company of Heaven, and released from the hard struggle of this world. Bless you Julie. Humphrey …
