It is our sad duty to report that our City has lost what can only be described as the embodiment of the true Spirit of Salford, undeniably one of our cities greatest ambassadors who met every challenge face on to ensure that those who needed a voice got one. Mrs Helen Wyatt, wife and soul mate of Canon David Wyatt, was a power house in the local community with a heart filled with a sense of charity and community spirit, she never shied away from helping anyone who asked, myself included.
Canon Wyatt was a close friend of my family and was there at the start of my journey through life, having performed my christening almost 52 years ago in the hallowed font at St Pauls Church in Pendleton, both he and Mrs Wyatt remained by my families side through the joyous occasions of weddings and christenings and equally through those less than happy occasions that test us with indescribable heartbreak.
When my eldest son died shortly after birth back in 1995, the Wyatts were called upon once more to perform the funeral service, which was carried out with love and compassion by them both. I shall never forget that same love and compassion shown by them a few years later when my beloved Nin passed away, once more stepping in to perform the beautiful service. Thankfully as I said above, they have also been there for those happier occasions, christenings and marriages too.
I honestly don’t think anyone could physically count the amount of lives they have both touched over the years and I have no doubt that an angel got her much deserved wings upon her passing on Friday (27th December). If I had to sum Mrs Wyatt up in one word it would be Formidable as she truly was. One Wyatt on their own is a force to be reckoned with but two were unstoppable.
Myself and Tony Flynn were filled with pride upon hearing they were to be awarded MBE’s in 2022 for their tireless work in the community and I remember with fondness the interview we did with Canon Wyatt at the time. The pair appreciated the honour but you could tell that for them that was not what it was all about. They were both put on this Earth to help others and that is exactly what they both did throughout their lives.
I have fond memories of around ten years or so back when I was let down a the last moment by someone who had offered to sign for my daughters passport as she was heading off to New York and time was of the essence. A quick 2 minute phone call by my mum and we were all sat having a cup of tea as Helen (Mrs Wyatt) happily added her signature to the form. She was full of joy at knowing my daughter was off to explore the world and dropped everything she was doing to ensure that the task was done, even offering a nervous father a welcome prayer for her safe journey.
It has taken me a few days to write this as I did not want to just do a quick eulogy listing Mrs Wyatts deeds and merits, trust me when I say our webserver would run out of resources if I tried. I wanted to speak from the heart and let the world know just how much she touched upon my life, brought me comfort in the worst of times and was there for me equally through the good times too.
I know for sure that I am not the only one out there that thinks the same.
I offer my sincere condolences to Canon Wyatt and his family and friends, I also thank both he and Mrs Wyatt for all they have done for our community. You are pioneers and have always shown the Spirit of Salford and you are both loved by countless thankful citizens in this City.
In my opinion, you are both worthy of receiving the key to this City and myself and Tony Flynn would love nothing more than to see this happen. If anyone deserves such recognition it is without a doubt them both.
