Steve Hitchins, who led Islington Council from 1999 to 2006

• THANK you for reporting the recent sudden death of my beloved husband Steve Hitchins, (‘Steve Hitchins was a giant of Islington political life’, September 22).

Obviously this is a source of huge sadness to me, our families and friends. But we also want to mark his life and achievements, as ward councillor for St Peter’s for 16 years 1990-2006, leader of Islington Council 1999-2006 and chairman of Whittington Health Trust 2013-2019.

I am extremely grateful for all the wonderful kind messages of condolence I have received, including from political opponents who respected him while disagreeing with him!

There will therefore be a celebration of his life at St Mary’s Church Islington, Upper Street N1 2TX on Thursday November 21 at 2pm, with hopefully a lot of humour as well as tributes to his public service.

Everyone who knew and appreciated or admired Steve is very welcome; there is no need to RSVP. I look forward to welcoming many of your readers.

SARAH LUDFORD
St Peter’s Street, N1