A woman described as a true Salford star, Josie Browne, has sadly passed away.
Josie took over as the chair of Salford Disability Forum in 2003 after a lifetime of campaigning on behalf of people with disabilities.
I met her on several occasions and was blown away by her energy, commitment and dedication to making life better for everyone in Salford, not just disabled people.
She was never scared to dig you in the ribs and make sure you really knew what the people of Salford needed, and exactly how you could – and should – help.
Tributes flooded in from all over Salford today on hearing the shock news.
Friend and colleague Alison Page, Chief Executive of Salford Community and Voluntary Services said: “One of Salford’s brightest lights faded yesterday with the passing of the very wonderful Josie Browne.
“Josie was a true Salford star who made an impact on every one she met – whether challenging an injustice or regaling her voluntary sector colleagues with shaggy dog stories.
“I can’t imagine Salford without her.
“She put the needs of others above her own for many years, making many friends along the way.
“She was a passionate and formidable woman with a heart of gold. I for one feel privileged to have known her and I will miss her very much.”
Barbara Keeley, MP for Worsley and Eccles South, said: “I am very sad to hear of the death of Josie Browne. Josie was a great campaigner on disability issues and a person who always stood up for her local community.
“Josie’s work was vital to help people understand the support disabled people need and how to help them access the services they need.
“The Forum she led from 2003 was run by disabled people as well as for disabled people. Josie and her work as a campaigner and Disability Forum Chair will be greatly missed.”
In 2012 Josie masterminded the brave move to take over the Princes’ Park Garden Centre in Irlam.
We filmed with her many times, not least when she was pulling in help from all over Greater Manchester to make her vision come to life.
Watch: Businesses save Irlam Princes Park Garden Centre from asbestos
Watch: Irlam Princes Park Garden Centre hands Salford disability a new home
When SalfordOnline.com ran the Salford Business Expo in 2013 and 2014, we gave Josie and her team a free stand to be able to promote the forum to hundreds of businesses across the region.
I learned so many things about Josie in the early days of reporting for SalfordOnline.com.
She used to be a mechanic, of all things.
She told me once: “We’ve all got things we’re good at, and things we can’t do at all.
“I was always a tomboy when I was younger. Give me a car and I couldn’t get under it because of my disability, but I could tell the lads how to fix it.
“You could be a banker, a solicitor or a street sweeper, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done in your working life – we will find a place for you.”
MP Rebecca Long-Bailey said: “I am very sad to hear of the passing of Josie Brown. Josie was an inspiration to many across Salford.
“Despite her own suffering she dedicated herself tirelessly to helping disabled people across the local area and provided them with a much needed support network.
“She will be sorely missed but her legacy will continue through the firm foundations she built as chair of Salford Disability Forum.”
Councillor Peter Connor, assistant mayor for adult services, said Josie’s drive, commitment and passion would be missed by everyone who knew her.
“Josie Browne was a Salford stalwart and an inspiration to all who knew her,” he said.
“She was a passionate advocate for disability rights and spent many years championing what she believed.
“She didn’t seek to claim credit for what she achieved – she only thought of the difference she could make to others.
“Josie recognised her strengths and used these to improve life for others. We will miss her.”
Alison said Josie’s voice for change, and her energetic force of personality would never be forgotten.
“It is hard to imagine Salford without her helping to shape our work with communities and to challenge injustices and remind us of the needs of some of Salford’s most vulnerable people. We will celebrate your life Josie by continuing this work.”
If you have memories of Josie you’d like to share, please add them to this special online memorial page set up on the Salford CVS website.
