Tributes for 'inspirational' York woman

Anne Platt, the inspirational former marketing and events manager at York's Mansion House, has died aged 48.

She had been ill with cancer for several years.

Anne served 13 of York’s Lord Mayors, and played a key role in some major events. She organised lunch for the Queen when she visited in 2012 and managed the civic party when the Tour de France rolled into York.

In this video, Anne introduces herself and explains what she does:

Anne raised money for charities including York Against Cancer and St Leonard’s Hospice, was named a Freeman of the City, and won a Community Pride Award.

But she was also well known for her enthusiasm and sense of humour.

Anne’s husband Chris said: “She was an absolutely fantastic woman.”

He said Anne was always laughing and joking, even with her doctors. And that one of her career highlights was meeting the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh.

Former Lord Mayor and council leader Ian Gillies praised Anne’s professionalism while she worked at the Mansion House – where she was involved with organisations including York Minster, the Armed Forces, emergency services and city guilds.

 “Anne’s attitude over the past few months in particular in relation to her illness was inspirational.

Her smile was infectious, her outlook always optimistic, and she will be sorely missed by her husband, family and friends.”

Cllr Janet Looker served as Lord Mayor when Anne started at the Mansion House:

“She was tremendous.

We were both of us learning on the job and I’ve always felt the Lord Mayors have had the benefit of working with Anne.

She went over and above the job description.

There is no one quite like Anne.”

Anne took early retirement at the age of 46 – and a party was thrown in her honour by former Lord Mayors.

Anne leaves behind her husband Chris, her brothers Paul and John and sister, Mary.

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