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A tribute to Dolapo (Della) Ogunleye
Communications and Engagement Team
22nd Jan 2024
We were very sad to hear that Della Ogunleye died from breast cancer towards the end of last year.
As a member of the UK LLC Public Advisory Group for the last two years, Della brought her smile and her laugh to every meeting and we will miss that greatly.
Della was involved with many organisations, sharing her experiences and insights to support research aiming to improve the lives of others. We have read with interest and reflection, several other tributes to Della and her forthright advocacy for others shines through when her friends and colleagues talk about the person she was and the impact she made.
Della was always mindful of the people she turned up to represent. She would question ‘does this speak to me and people like me?’. Della would soon tell you what needed to change to make sure your project, whatever that might be, had the opportunity to connect with as inclusive a group as possible.
As a valued and active public contributor Della’s influence and thoughtful consideration is stitched throughout our public involvement work. Her fellow public contributors and our team wish to join the celebration of her life and to thank her for showing up, getting involved, insisting on change, challenging us to do better and think differently. All while at a time when faced with her own significant health challenges.
“Della was a very inspiring person. She faced her illness with great bravery, making the most of life and travelling around the country. She was very committed to representing the views of the various communities to which she belonged. I learnt a lot from Della about how to encourage and listen to the views of seldom heard communities and the importance of doing so.”
(UK LLC Public Advisory Group member)
“I was always taken aback by Della’s positivity and enthusiasm for the work we were doing even though she was often joining the meetings from the hospital undergoing treatment. I deeply admired how Della was always full of life despite her own condition, she was a huge part of the UK LLC PAG and will be greatly missed.”
(UK LLC Public Advisory Group member)
“I’m so grateful our virtual paths crossed and got the chance to meet you Della. I will always remember your passion and enthusiasm to make positive changes.”
(UK LLC Public Advisory Group member)