A lifetime of love remembered through a gift that keeps giving
A chance meeting in London led to a love story that would span more than six decades and leave a legacy supporting our shops across Shropshire.
Jeff and Barbara first met in the early 1960s, when Barbara was studying for a teaching degree and Jeff was an apprentice at the Ministry of Aviation. Their paths crossed on the way to a party, when Barbara, the last to enter a taxi, found herself sitting next to Jeff.
From that moment on, they were rarely apart.
Barbara at a dance during her time at Wall Hall
Over the years, they built a life together in Leicestershire, raising their two children, Ruth and Tim, and founding their business, Infotec. The innovative company developed passenger information display systems still used in train stations across the UK today.
Working side by side for nearly 30 years, Barbara as Finance Director and Jeff as Managing Director, the couple remained a strong partnership.
Jeff said: “We both knew our own strengths, and each other’s. We didn’t need to second guess decisions because we respected what the other brought to the table. We complemented each other well, and I think that’s what made it work, not just in business, but in our whole life together.”
After retiring in 2012, Jeff and Barbara embraced new adventures, travelling the world together twice. They held a special fondness for Formentera in Spain, where they spent time cycling and exploring the island’s beaches – memories Jeff still treasures.
Gift
Following the care they received from Severn Hospice, Jeff has made a generous donation of a new van to support the hospice’s retail operations.
The van will help maintain the hospice’s network of shops, which play a vital role in raising funds to support families living with incurable illness.
For Jeff, the donation is a way of saying thank you, and ensuring others receive the same support.
“Severn Hospice was there for us when we needed them most,” he said. “When Barbara became unwell, everything felt uncertain, and I didn’t know where to turn or what to expect. The advice and support we received made an enormous difference to both of us.
“They not only cared for Barbara with compassion and dignity, but they also supported me through what was a very difficult and confusing time. The new van is my way of saying thank you and helping ensure other families can receive the same incredible care.”
Care
In October 2022, Barbara was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), later also developing frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
As her condition progressed, Severn Hospice’s community team supported Barbara at home, alongside appointments at the Community Services Centre at Bicton.
MND specialist Dr. Claire Stockdale provided regular visits, helping Jeff understand what to expect and offering reassurance throughout. Patient & Family Support Manager, Sharon Jones, also spent time with Barbara, supporting her and helping Jeff feel confident he was honouring her wishes.
Together
Barbara remained at home throughout all of her illness, supported by the hospice team, allowing her to maintain her independence for as long as possible.
She died just before Christmas 2025. This year would have marked their Diamond wedding anniversary.
Their story is one of enduring partnership – in life, in work, and in the way they faced illness together.
Legacy
Before Barbara became ill, Jeff admits he knew little about the work of Severn Hospice.
Now, through his donation, he hopes their story will help others understand the difference hospice care can make.
We are thankful to Jeff for his generosity, and for sharing the story of his and Barbara’s life together.
