It is with great sadness that we announce the passing Of Melanie Louise Ford née Selby. She passed away peacefully on Friday 11th April, at St Wilfrid's Hospice in Bosham.

She was born on Sunday September 27th 1981 to Terrence (Terry) Selby and Marian Selby née Aggas in Poole. She graduated as a Diagnostic Radiographer from St Margaret's University in Edinburgh in 2005 with honours. She worked as a general radiographer in Truro before moving to North Tees in Durham before ultimately ending up working in the pioneering interventional cardiac catheter labs in James Cook hospital Middlesbrough. Later She married Edward (Ned) Ford on November 3rd 2012 in Croydon and they moved to Chichester where she continued working as a general radiographer in Spire Hospital Havant.

Throughout her life Mel was extremely active in the Girl-Guiding movement both locally and internationally at World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).  She has visited four of the five World Guiding centres and taken her family to three of them! A brilliant leader, she was always able to get the best out of people and ensure everyone's voice was heard. As a trainer she has inspired thousands of young women and made hundreds of friends across the globe. Mel loved to coordinate projects and would reguarly be arranging meetings at any time of day or night to coordinate with colleagues in Australia, Brazil, America and many other countries. If ever there was a problem that was particularly hard - it was usually assigned to Mel safe in the knowledge that she would get it done and get it done well. In recognition of her herculean contribution to the guiding movement she has been awarded countless awards including the WAGGGS medal of service (the highest award for volunteers), the UK guiding silver fish (the highest award for volunteers), and earlier this year an MBE for her wonderful work with young people. There is a growing book with pages filled by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across the globe who have been inspired by Mel which can be read here: https://groupcards.io/share/uQztvVY3Y0I

She had been battling an extremely aggressive breast cancer which defied all treatment. Throughout her illness she rarely had anything negative to say about anyone or anything. Her resolve was beyond inspirational. To the end she was brave and stoic and her positivity was palpable. As I look through all of our old photos I realise that in every one her blue eyes are sparkling and she is wearing her infectious smile which would beam across the whole room and encourage others to smile too. 

In the 26 years I have known Mel she has taught me so much, her ability to see positives where no one else can is amazing.  She was a fabulous and supportive wife and encouraged me to follow my aspirations, and was a wonderful Mummy to Barney who continues to make us so incredibly proud. She was incredibly organised and was a great fan of stationary. Every trip or holiday we went on required a new folder or binder - her passing will be a great loss to Paperchase. I am immeasurably glad to have known her and proud of everything she has achieved. Her untimely passing leaves an enormous hole which will never be filled.

Her funeral is going to be held at Chichester Cathedral on 28th May 2025 at 11am. No flowers please - she has requested donations be made to St Wilfrid's Hospice: https://stwh.co.uk/donate/

or to go to the Mel Ford Leadership Fund: https://www.wagggs.org/en/news/honouring-the-legacy-of-mel-ford-a-true-leader-and-mentor/.