Sadly, we report the death of Judy West.

Judy and her late husband, John, were among the very first Pestalozzi “holiday families.”
The couple shared a strong and compassionate social conscience, and they deeply understood that many children did not have access to an ordinary family life.

Leonard, one of the first children to arrive at the Village, was chosen to stay with the Wests. He recalls:

“On Boxing Day 1959, aged just 11, I arrived — unaccompanied — at Southend Station. How on earth would this unknown family recognise me? It actually wasn’t difficult – I was the only small boy, alone on the platform and carrying a suitcase! This was the start of a lifelong friendship.”

“The most significant thing about staying with Judy and John was that they never tried to make me feel special — they simply included me as an integral part of their daily lives. Walks, day trips, meeting up with family, cinema visits — just everyday, ordinary things.”

A natural organiser, Judy was deeply practical, yet always warm. She and John made Leonard feel consistently welcome; he never once felt like an intrusion in their lives. For almost every school holiday, he spent at least part of his time with the Wests — always a highlight.

“After completing secondary school, I was no longer permitted to stay at Pestalozzi, and I was waiting for approval to emigrate to Australia. Without hesitation or discussion, Judy and John welcomed me to live with them for several months.”

“Living with Judy and John West was both a privilege and a treasured gift. I was incredibly fortunate to encounter such a caring couple. Most importantly, they showed me what a family life could be like — something I had not been able to experience earlier in my childhood, and something that, sadly, was missing from Pestalozzi after the first couple of years.”

“Dearest Judy, thank you for making me part of your family. That experience prepared me for my own family life. Without you, I would have been at a complete loss. You are sorely missed.”