Tributes to Lincoln kids' hero

AN unsung hero who dedicated his life to helping thousands of children in Lincolnshire has died at the age of 93.

Sibnath "Sibu" Mukherjee, who spent the last two months of his life in Cathedral Nursing Home in Nettleham Road, Lincoln, died peacefully on Monday.

Mr Mukherjee, who previously lived in Allandale Close, Ermine, Lincoln, set up the Mukherjee Brothers' Charitable Trust – with his two brothers – when he moved to England from India in the 1950s.

Later, he set up another trust, the Mukherjee And Johnson Trust, with friend Joan Johnson.

The trusts aim to provide financial support for school projects that help youngsters become responsible members of the community.

Arthur Ridings, vice-chairman of the Mukherjee Brothers' Charitable Trust, said Mr Mukherjee was a quiet man who did not shout about his achievements.

He said: "Sibu was essentially a modest man, whose selfless way of life earned respect from and endeared him to those with whom he came into contact. Through his efforts, hundreds of young people have been able to benefit from the existence of his trusts."

When Mr Mukherjee first moved to the UK, he set up home in Manchester, where he worked in the medical physics department of Christie Hospital.

He later worked for health authorities in Humberside and Lincolnshire and spent his retirement in the county.

The Mukherjee Brothers' Charitable Trust has taken youngsters from county schools to Rand Farm Park for trips, and created sensory gardens at schools.

This year, the trust will provide financial assistance for projects at schools including Chad Varah Primary School, South Hykeham Community Primary School and Our Lady of Lincoln Roman Catholic Primary School.

Mr Mukherjee's funeral will be at Lincoln Crematorium at 3.10pm on Monday, August 17.

For the full story see Friday's Lincolnshire Echo.