Tributes paid to former Carlisle Mayor Heather Bradley

Heather had been Carlisle's longest-serving councillor and had been a dedicated public servant and a cherished mentor to many, including Carlisle's Mayor Abdul Harid. She sadly passed away this week. 

"Heather was a councillor alongside me," Mayor Abdul Harid said. 

"She was my mentor.

"I was really saddened to hear of her passing. She was like a family member to me, a mentor, especially when I was new to the council when I was first elected." 

Before those 30 years of service, Heather had a music career with folk trio Swan Arcade which included six albums, three sessions for John Peel's legendary Radio 1 show, and concerts for thousands of people.

Heather would go on to become Mayor of Carlisle in 1998. 

Flashback: Heather Bradley, when she was mayor of Carlisle, push starts Carlisle's campaign as part of the second annual 732-mile Prutour. (Image: Loftus Brown)

Describing her as a stalwart of Carlisle, particularly in Currock, Carlisle's Mayor highlighted Heather's passion for helping people and making a positive impact.

"She was a pillar of the community, especially in Currock. She was passionate about helping people and making a difference.

"To me, she was a personal friend.

"During election times, she advised and supported me. As a family man, my son passed his GSCE results, she even invited him to her house and gave him a gift. To see me become the Mayor she was so pleased.

"We're really sad to lose her.

"My deepest condolences to her family and everyone she knows," he said.