As Bishop of Whitby Paul Ferguson and his family prepare for the funeral of his wife, Penny, who died on the 16th January, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell has spoken of his sorrow for their loss and his appreciation of Penny.
"I want to assure Bishop Paul of how much he and Penny are loved in this diocese, and the high regard we hold him in—we are so thankful for all the service he has given and that Penny gave to us too."
Penny, married to Bishop Paul for 39 years, died in the small hours of Sunday 16th January, almost exactly six months after being diagnosed with incurable brain cancer. Until last summer she had worked as Tees Valley Music Service’s coordinator for Redcar and Cleveland.
Bishop Paul has written, "Friends, family and colleagues, together with NHS and care staff, have been a wonderful support during this time.
"The fact that from the first we knew to expect this outcome does not make it any less devastating: but Penny was rational throughout, and more concerned for us than for herself.
"She was the most wonderful example of faith and hope in facing her own death. May she rest in peace and rise in glory."
Archbishop Stephen added, "The whole Diocese will want to join me in praying for Bishop Paul, their three children and five grandchildren as the family comes together at St Peter's, Redcar on the 1st February to give thanks for Penny and to commend her to God's love and care.