I was incredibly sad to hear of Abi Brown‘s death last week. Her long term partner, Stee, told us via Facebook, that she died peacefully in her sleep on the 8th November after her awful battle with cancer. I understand not everyone likes the term “battle with cancer”, but Abi embodied everything that the phrase suggests. I cried with her when she told me of her diagnoses, and then, entirely due to her attitude, not again until last week. I know that in the intervening years she had some great times, and some terrible set backs. But every time we met, both locally for coffee and at events, she was unbelievably upbeat and living her best life.
She was a very caring recruiter, giving her absolute all to every project, client and candidate, as well as doing so much for the sector in which she specialised. A real example of a niche recruiter owning her market. At our Directors events, where Abi was a constant presence for many years, she contributed to every conversation, and I’ve never met anyone who knew how to network quite like she did. On a personal level she was thoughtful, kind, caring and great fun to be with. She was remarkably open about her illness, and that must have helped so many people in similar situations.
She spent a fair bit of time this year at The Sue Ryder Dutchess of Kent Hospice in Reading, and I would imagine if anyone wanted to donate to them she’d have very much appreciated it. I know that she will be missed by so many people in her local area, the recruitment industry and anyone with whom she came in contact over the years.
