In memory of Eric Watts 1931-2021

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our much loved and respected Trustee Mr Eric Watts.  

As some of you may know Eric Watts was one of the original Trustees who started the Walsall Cardiac Rehabilitation Trust (Heart Care) in 1981. The objective was ‘To rehabilitate patients with cardio-vascular disease by attempting to modify the factors which prevent them from returning to a full working and social life’.  Although the name of the Trust has changed and it has  developed over the years to include a wider group of patients that can benefit from the programme, the essence of what we are trying to achieve remains the same.

In 1982, 37 patients commenced the programme.  More recently we have received over 1000 referrals.

The service was originally funded by fund-raising events and the support of local Rotary Clubs in Walsall and Aldridge.  Fund-raising continues to be a main source of income but now with the additional support of the NHS.

Mr Watts took on the role of Chairman and Treasurer in his time on the Trust and was still an active member at the age of 90.

As well as his work with Heart Care he was a great Ambassador for Community and Charity work.  He was involved in Erdington Court Recreational Trust, One Parish Link in Sierra Leone, Normid Housing Association, Aldridge Rotary and a local Magistrate.

In addition he was a very successful businessman starting his own steel stockholding Company in 1962.

Mr Watts was an amazing man and achieved much in his life, making a huge impact over the years.  He will be very sadly missed.