Sometimes there are people who leave a profound mark on the world; Eileen Spraggon was one of them.
As we mark her sad passing yesterday (29 May), we celebrate Eileen’s incredible life, her long career in nursing, and the unforgettable contribution she made to the Urostomy Association.
Brian Fretwell, the Urostomy Association’s Chairman, said: “We are so sad to say goodbye to Eileen. But we will remember her as being as warm and compassionate as she was hardworking and tenacious. She was a force to be reckoned with.”
Eileen began experiencing bladder problems at the age of five and, following multiple hospital experiences, her ambition was to become a nurse. She joined the St John Nursing cadets when she was just 10 years old. She was offered a urostomy in 1964 when such surgery was still in its infancy.
Eileen recalls, in her article ‘Living with a urostomy for 50 years’, meeting the Urostomy Association’s founding members, Valerie Kings and Marjorie Birtles. By this time, Eileen had already set up a local support group and, after meeting with Valerie and Marjorie, her Newcastle group joined the Association in 1973, not long after it was established.
This was the beginning of a lifetime’s involvement in our charity. Eileen was a trustee, and had a nurse advisory role. She ran the Newcastle branch for very many years, until her own health struggles meant that she had to step back, although she continued to welcome new urostomates for as long as she could.
Brian continues: “Eileen showed unwavering dedication to people who, like her, were living with a urinary diversion. Running a branch is a team effort, of course, and we really appreciate all our volunteers who give their time and use their skills to make a difference. We think you’ll agree though, that it takes a very special person to keep going above and beyond for her community for over 50 years.
We send our warmest condolences to Eileen’s family and friends; she leaves a hole in our collective heart”.
- Read Eileen’s article ‘50 years with a urostomy‘ which appeared in the Summer 2014 edition of the Urostomy Association’s Journal.
- For those of you who knew Eileen and would like to attend her funeral, it will be held at 11am on Tuesday 1st July 2025 at St Charles Borromeo RC Church. It is being followed at Newcastle Crematorium at 12:30.