Laura, I am so grateful to have known you and work with you over the years from Lambeth to LEAP. It is difficult to put to words who Laura was and how big a heart she had. Her warmth, compassion, patience, kindness, generosity, commitment, passion, charisma, determination and humour led all our teams to flourish. We were like a big family. She had genuine interest in everyone’s wellbeing. Her most chats with me were about our grandchildren, showing their latest pictures and what they were up to. When I retired, she told me she will follow me soon to spend the rest of her time with Latifah, Kyla and Jaxon.

Aside from building great teams and her caring family life, Laura’s great vision and unwavering dedication for the work she does, the passion to ensure that no families are unseen, that they are supported and each child achieve their greatest potential were all evidence in how she led LEAP with grace, breaking so many barriers. She has left a legacy and impact not only in Lambeth but across the nation. Every child who access LEAP and new children born after LEAP will benefit from all her hard work.

I am so sad that she didn’t live to enjoy her retirement but one thing that give us all comfort and I am hope for Latifah, Kyla and Jaxon is knowing what she meant for all of us, the lovely memories and laughter, and the legacy and profound impact her dedicated work will have on children in Lambeth, this nation and beyond.

Laura, I will always miss you. May your gentle soul sleep well.

Selina Mensah