It is with deep sorrow that the Association announces the death of Elmbridge Borough Councillor Charu Sood, who passed away this morning, 7th August 2024.
Chairman Colin McFarlane said: "Charu was elected as a Borough Councillor for the St. Georges Hill Ward in 2018 and again in 2022. It was a role she cherished and motivated all her colleagues with her great passion. She had all the qualities and determination required of a great Councillor.
"Weybridge has lost a great champion who fought to improve every aspect of life for the constituents in our area. She touched many lives in her quest leaving a multitude of happy memories. It is these memories that will live on and help us to carry on in her memory. Our deepest sympathies go to her family during this difficult time."
Charu was a community champion in every sense. She helped to start-up Weybridge in Bloom, taking pride in its successes including regenerating the landscape at Monument Hill. In the pandemic she ran litter picks and delivered for the foodbank and Meals on Wheels. She started a sewing group to create PPE for the NHS and raised funds for victims of domestic violence. Charu also prepared meals for the winter homeless shelter in Molesey, and much else.
At Council, Charu campaigned to reopen the local paddling pools and championed the borough's taxi drivers in their fight for fairer licence fees. She also persuaded Mercedes Benz to support efforts to clean up the River Wey near their HQ. She served on the Planning and Licensing committees, the Climate Advisory Board, and was Shadow Cabinet Member for Environment and Deputy Mayor.
This latter role she took up with pride following her triumphant re-election in 2022, but was forced to step down after being diagnosed with cancer. Charu fought her illness with incredible bravery and determination, staying positive throughout and continuing to think of others.
Cllr John Cope, Leader of the Conservative group at Elmbridge said: "We are all devastated to have lost Charu. While she had been battling with enormous strength with her health for a few years, it doesn't take away from the sense of shock and sadness we all feel. Charu was the best of us - and we couldn't have asked for a better friend or colleague. There wasn't a moment, person, or issue she didn't approach with total kindness and selflessness. She felt like a second mum to me and I will miss her wisdom awfully. All our thoughts are with her husband and daughters who have lost a wonderful wife and mum."
MP for Runnymede & Weybridge Dr Ben Spencer recently paid tribute to Charu in Parliament, calling her "the embodiment of a local community champion". His words will be recorded in Hansard ensuring Charu's name and deeds will be preserved forever.
Charu was previously an Events Officer for the Association and Chairman of the Runnymede and Weybridge Conservative Women's Organisation.
Paying tribute Neva Novaky, Surrey Area Deputy Chairman, added: "Charu made valuable contributions to local democracy not only as a Councillor but also as the Chairman of the local Conservative Women's Organisation. She will also be remembered for her leading role in Weybridge in Bloom as well as her energy, drive and determination."
Charu is survived by her husband Saurabh and three daughters. They are in our thoughts at this time.