The Mary Seacole Trust is very sad to lose two of our most tireless supporters following the death of former Trust Secretary Steve Marsh, who died in August, and Sonia Mills, who passed away in September.
Steve Marsh
There may not have been a statue of Mary Seacole, now standing proudly in the gardens of St Thomas’ hospital in Westminster, without the dedicated contribution of Steve Marsh who brought so much to the statue appeal committee.
With a background in senior education management, Steve took on the role of Secretary to the Mary Seacole Memorial Statue Appeal and then continued in the role with the Mary Seacole Trust after the statue was erected in 2016. As Secretary, Steve was the backbone of the organisation, passionate about ensuring that Mary was never again lost from history. His organisational skills were second to none, but just as importantly, Steve gave calm, considered and authoritative direction to the Board of Trustees on many issues facing the organisation.
All who worked with Steve found him supportive, kind and a great role model. His wife, Lisa Rodrigues CBE, a previous Vice Chair of MST, has launched a Justgiving page to raise money for The Martlets Hospice in Steve’s memory. www.justgiving.com/page/steve-marsh
Steve died from pancreatic cancer after a short illness. He loved his family and friends, plus sailing, cycling, walking and bird watching. In April 2025 he and Lisa visited the Isle of Mull to see the puffins.
More fundraising events are planned for 2026.
Felicia Kwaku OBE, Chair of MST paid tribute to Steve: “Steve was the backbone of the appeal that led to the statue. Following the unveiling and launch of MST, his work then continued as secretary of the Trust in their work promoting Mary’s legacy and maintaining the statue. His commitment to the project was second to none and in the role as secretary he backed up that commitment with sheer hard work, making sure that the Appeal and then the Trust ran smoothly. He was dedicated, passionate about Mary’s legacy, kind and welcoming to anyone who had dealings with the organisation. He will be sadly missed by the Seacole family.”
Sonia Mills
Sonia Mills, journalist, playwright and educator was co-founder of the Mary Seacole Foundation in Jamaica and a great supporter of the Trust. She was instrumental in building links between MST in London where the statue is held, and Jamaica, the land of Mary Seacole’s birth. Following a trip to Jamaica by then MST Chair Trevor Sterling and Vice Chair Lisa Rodrigues CBE, Sonia campaigned with the Foundation to have 23 November recognised as Mary Seacole Day in Jamaica.
A tribute in the Jamaica Observer described Sonia as having “gained a reputation in local and international spheres as an advocate and supporter of the arts, women’s issues, and inclusive national development who was fearless in her defense of basic human dignity for all”.
Paying tribute to Sonia, former MST Chair Trevor Sterling said: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Sonia, not only as a friend of the Mary Seacole Trust but someone who became a personal friend. Sonia was herself a modern-day Mary Seacole; well-travelled, resilient, compassionate and filled with a purpose to empower others to overcome life’s challenges. She was truly inspirational and left an indelible mark on the lives of all who were privileged to know her, I am eternally grateful to have had that privilege.”
