Everton Giant Ferguson Surprises 60-Year NHS Stalwart Sheila 

A passionate Evertonian who has dedicated 60 years of her life to the NHS was recognised for her incredible contribution to health care when she was surprised at work by Blues legend Duncan Ferguson.

Sheila Westhorp, 77, joined the A&E department at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in the same month England’s recently-victorious World Cup hero Alan Ball moved to Everton from Blackpool in August 1966.

Despite currently undergoing cancer treatment, Sheila refuses to step away from her role as a clerical officer – one that has seen her serve as a first point of contact for patients at three iterations of the Royal over six decades.  

Her remarkable longevity and dedication saw her nominated by colleagues for a special reward as part of a Hill Dickinson-sponsored initiative that recognises Blues working in the NHS.

Sheila was stunned, then, to be greeted by one of her Everton favourites, armed with blue and white flowers and four tickets to enjoy an upcoming matchday in one of Hill Dickinson Stadium’s premium restaurants.

There was a further surprise for Sheila when colleagues and ex-colleagues from her 60 years at the Royal poured into the room to join the celebrations. 

"I was absolutely gobsmacked," said Sheila. "That they got it past me in the first place, and then, when I walked in here, I thought 'I'm sure that's Duncan Ferguson'. Then I thought, 'don't be so stupid’!

“I honestly can't believe it, and it means everything to me. I don't think I'm anything special - I just come here, try to be kind and do my job."

Among the countless nominations Sheila received, colleagues applauded her resilience and determination in the face of her recent health issues, and the time and warmth she reserves for co-workers and patients alike.  
 
They also noted her unwavering love for Everton – a passion that also dates back to the 1960s when she first started attending fixtures at Goodison Park.

Margaret Rogers, Administration Service Manager at the Royal, said: "Everything's a smile with Sheila, she just carries on regardless - she's proper old school, salt of the earth. She's always happy to chat, but always willing to listen. Everybody loves Sheila.”

She added: “She loves Everton and she loves going to the games. It’s not just a passion for Sheila, it’s part of who she is.”

As well as enjoying an upcoming fixture at Everton’s waterfront home, Sheila will be invited to a VIP experience later in the season, when she will go behind-the-scenes and watch the Men’s Senior team train, courtesy of Hill Dickinson.  

Everton Giant Ferguson, who scored 72 goals across 273 appearances for the Toffees and was this week appointed manager of Northern Irish club Glentoran, said: “Sheila’s a special person, a massive Evertonian and it’s an incredible feat to spend 60 years with the NHS.

“It was fantastic meeting her, and I just feel proud and privileged to have come along and seen the amazing reaction she got from her friends and colleagues. It was truly deserved – well done, Sheila.”

Andrew Craggs, Head of Health at Hill Dickinson, a commercial law firm and Everton's Official Stadium Naming Rights Partner, said: “The NHS continues to be home to countless examples of quiet, everyday heroism, and Sheila perfectly embodies the spirit of people working in NHS Trusts up and down the country.

“It’s incredibly important to us that Hill Dickinson Stadium has a positive impact in the community, so it’s our pleasure to be able to put together a unique experience for Sheila to enjoy with her loved ones to say thank you.”

Evertonians who know an NHS hero can nominate them for a special surprise by completing the form here.