Everton icon Duncan Ferguson paid a surprise visit to NHS stalwart Sheila Westhorp, a passionate Evertonian, before taking up his new role as manager of Glentoran. The 77-year-old, who has dedicated 60 years to the NHS, is currently undergoing cancer treatment but refuses to give up her role as a clerical officer at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
A Legendary Career and a New Challenge
Ferguson, who made 273 appearances and scored 72 goals over two spells at Goodison Park, was appointed manager of Glentoran on Monday. The Belfast-based club finished third in the NIFL Premiership last season and have been champions on 23 occasions, with their most recent title coming in 2009.
This is not Ferguson's first managerial role; he previously managed Forest Green Rovers and Inverness Caledonian Thistle, as well as serving as caretaker boss of Everton in December 2019 and January 2022.
A Surprise Visit for a Dedicated NHS Worker
Before heading across the Irish Sea, Ferguson visited Sheila Westhorp at the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, where she joined the A&E department in August 1966, the same month Alan Ball moved to Everton from Blackpool. Her colleagues nominated her for a special reward as part of a Hill Dickinson-sponsored initiative that recognises Blues working in the NHS.
Sheila was stunned to be greeted by one of her all-time Everton favourites, who arrived with blue and white flowers and four tickets for an upcoming matchday in one of Hill Dickinson Stadium's premium restaurants. Colleagues past and present from her 60 years at the Royal also joined the celebrations.
Emotional Response and Tributes
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!'"
She added: "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."
Margaret Rogers, administration service manager at the Royal, praised Sheila's resilience and warmth, saying: "Everything is 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."
Rogers also noted Sheila's unwavering love for Everton, a passion dating back to the 1960s. "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," she added.
VIP Experience and Community Impact
As well as enjoying an upcoming fixture at Everton's 52,769-capacity waterfront home, Sheila will be invited to a VIP experience later in the season, where she will go behind the scenes and watch David Moyes' first team train, courtesy of Hill Dickinson.
Ferguson 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."
Andrew Craggs, head of health at Hill Dickinson, a commercial law firm and Everton's official stadium naming rights partner, 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."
