I was fortunate to work with Laura and the amazing LEAP team for five wonderful years.

As everyone knows, Laura was a very special person and an amazing leader. Somehow, she seemed to be tough and resilient and caring and gentle, all at the same time. She was a passionate believer in people’s potential and an unbelievably powerful advocate for the families of Brixton and Lambeth. I remember her as a sort of completely unique and powerfully engaging force, made up of positivity, intelligence, experience, charisma, passion, determination, humour, and kindness. 

I remember watching as Laura supported and held the team during lockdown and reflecting that she was just remarkable. I also remember sitting with her on my little garden patio (where I am writing now) while my wife cooked us Indian food. Laura offered enormous support to me, my wife and my children when we suffered a family bereavement during covid.

Laura – thank you for everything you did for me. Thank you for letting me work with you on your amazing project to transform early years services in Lambeth. Thank you for being a brilliant leader and a great friend.

I feel very lucky to have known you and very sad that you are no longer with us.

Chris, Sairina, Leela, and Rani