Everton legend Duncan Ferguson has surprised a lifelong Blues supporter who has dedicated an incredible 60 years to the NHS, recognising her remarkable service at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Sheila Westhorp, 77, was left speechless when the former Everton striker arrived at her workplace with flowers and a special matchday experience at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Sheila began working in the A&E department at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital in August 1966, the same month England World Cup winner Alan Ball joined Everton from Blackpool.
Six decades later, she continues to work as a clerical officer, welcoming patients and providing support to colleagues, despite currently undergoing cancer treatment.
Her extraordinary dedication prompted colleagues to nominate her for a special recognition award through a Hill Dickinson-sponsored initiative celebrating Everton supporters working in the NHS.
Duncan Ferguson delivers special surprise to NHS worker
Sheila was stunned when Duncan Ferguson, one of her all-time favourite Everton players, appeared carrying blue and white flowers.
The surprise also included four tickets to attend an upcoming Everton fixture in one of Hill Dickinson Stadium’s premium restaurants.
Making the occasion even more emotional, current and former colleagues from across Sheila’s 60-year career gathered to celebrate her achievement.
Sheila said:
“I was absolutely gobsmacked. That they got it past me in the first place, and then, when I walked in here, I thought ‘I’m sure that’s Duncan Ferguson’. Then I thought, ‘don’t be so stupid’!
“I honestly can’t believe it, and it means everything to me. I don’t think I’m anything special – I just come here, try to be kind and do my job.”
Throughout her career, Sheila has worked across three different versions of the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, becoming a familiar and much-loved face to generations of patients and NHS colleagues.
Her nominations highlighted not only her exceptional length of service but also her kindness, resilience and determination to continue supporting others while facing her own health challenges.
Lifelong Everton supporter recognised for remarkable dedication
Sheila’s love for Everton stretches back to the 1960s, when she first began attending matches at Goodison Park.
Margaret Rogers, Administration Service Manager at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, praised Sheila’s positive attitude and the impact she continues to have on those around her.
Margaret said:
“Everything’s a smile with Sheila, she just carries on regardless – she’s proper old school, salt of the earth. She’s always happy to chat, but always willing to listen. Everybody loves Sheila.
She loves Everton and she loves going to the games. It’s not just a passion for Sheila, it’s part of who she is.”
As well as enjoying a special matchday at Everton’s waterfront stadium, Sheila will receive another VIP experience later in the season.
Courtesy of Hill Dickinson, she will be invited behind the scenes to watch Everton’s Men’s Senior team train.
Duncan Ferguson, who scored 72 goals in 273 appearances for Everton and has been appointed manager of Northern Irish club Glentoran, said meeting Sheila was a privilege.
He said:
“Sheila’s a special person, a massive Evertonian and it’s an incredible feat to spend 60 years with the NHS.
“It was fantastic meeting her, and I just feel proud and privileged to have come along and seen the amazing reaction she got from her friends and colleagues. It was truly deserved – well done, Sheila.”
Hill Dickinson celebrates NHS dedication
The recognition forms part of an initiative supported by Hill Dickinson, the commercial law firm and Everton’s Official Stadium Naming Rights Partner, which celebrates the contributions of Everton supporters working across the NHS.
Andrew Craggs, Head of Health at Hill Dickinson, said Sheila represents the dedication shown by NHS staff across the country.
He said:
“The NHS continues to be home to countless examples of quiet, everyday heroism, and Sheila perfectly embodies the spirit of people working in NHS Trusts up and down the country.
“It’s incredibly important to us that Hill Dickinson Stadium has a positive impact in the community, so it’s our pleasure to be able to put together a unique experience for Sheila to enjoy with her loved ones to say thank you.”
Sheila’s surprise was captured on camera, with Everton sharing the heartwarming moment as colleagues gathered to celebrate her extraordinary achievement.
Watch the video of Duncan Ferguson surprising Sheila on Everton’s official YouTube channel.
