We were horrified to hear today of the sudden death of Steph Clarke from a brain haemorrage. Steph was one half of WV11 the outstanding local website for Wednesfield that she ran with her husband James. WV11 is more than just a website it is the emblem of the fabulous community action Steph and James would throw themselves into.
In this video from BigLunch Steph in her ever effervescent way says ‘We are normally the people on our community who make things happen’.
On WV11 Steph said
‘I honestly believe Wednesfield has more to offer than the residents often give it credit for and wanted to do something to redress the balance of negativity around where we live.’
Steph was an absolute hyperlocal hero, working with Nick Booth at Podnosh to empower communities. We gave her one of our un-awards in 2012. The hyperlocal community in the UK will miss her dearly.
We also had the pleasure of sharing an office with Steph and Nick in Fazeley Studios.
Our heart goes out to James and her son Jordan and her colleague Nick.
William Perrin
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Thank you for this. She was so full of passion. Loading that video and seeing all her life and energy bought a smile to my face on a very hard day.
Thank you for your tribute. You’ve said so much that is hard to say because it’s hard to admit Steph has gone. Thank you.
Stephs legacy is strong and vibrant. The community is stronger because of her and James, if i can say i did only a small part of what James and Steph did, i will be happy indeed. Im so glad i knew her, she made me smile every time we met. What a beautiful life.
Steph a local hero…much loved by her family friends and the community she loved so much.. RIP lovely lady xx
I only met Steph and James a few times, but I knew they were on the right side. Very sad news indeed. Love and thoughts with James and family – keep moving forward all 🙂
There’s only a handful of people you will ever come across that get their hands dirty and make a massive positive impact on their community. If people had 10% of this the world would be a much better place. Steph was one of those people.
So sorry to hear this sad and devastating news of Steph passing away x
Deepest condolences to all that had the pleasure of knowing her. Her smile was infectious and such a lovely lady x Steph and Nick have worked alongside the company I work for and she will be deeply missed xx
James. I have no words big enough or strong enough. I was lucky enough to be there when she married you the love of her life. I don’t think I ever saw her so happy as that day in the brief time that I knew her.
She will leave a hole that can never be filled. Our thoughts go out to both you and Jordan.
I’m so sad to hear this news. Steph (and James) helped me out a lot when I was working on a project at the BBC with some hyperlocal sites. She was one of life’s genuinely lovely people, so bubbly and helpful. Even though our paths didn’t cross that many times she left a big impact on me and she seems to have left a big legacy behind her.
My deepest condolences goes out to all who knew Steph. I had the pleasure of working with Steph through the company I work for, such a vibrant and caring lady and will be sadly missed.
I sit here at 53 years of age thinking of what would make this world a better place and do nothing. Like most of us I moan about people not being community spirited like the old days, and again I do nothing. Steph on the other hand DID !!! Her death rocked my safe cozy world and I tell myself I to will be more proactive in respect to her…but guess what’ I probrally won’t. …..I’m a good person but Steph was a special person. You made a difference kiddo. X