'Elaine was a force of nature - I was not surprised to see the huge outpouring of love for her'

COLLEAGUES BEREFT AT THE LOSS OF 'WITTY, CLEVER' RESEARCHER

- By LIAM THORP

THE sudden death of a much-loved Liverpool mum-of-two and pioneering library research leader has led to an enormous outpouring of shock, grief and love from the huge number of people whose lives she touched.

Elaine Sykes was described as 'witty, clever, passionate and a force of nature' by friends who are still trying to come to terms with her passing.

Elaine, who came from and lived in Dingle, was the head of open research at Lancaster University, having previously worked at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU).

Since her unexpected death at the age of just 40, tributes have poured in from the vast number of people who knew and loved her.

Elaine lived with her husband Jack, a minister at the Toxteth Tabernacle Baptist Church, and her beloved six-year-old twins Florence and Lily. Friends said her family was the 'centre of her universe' who she would do absolutely anything for.

Following her passing, and with the blessing of Elaine's family, the ECHO has spoken to her close friend and colleague Andrew Barker, the director of Lancaster University Library about the incredible person she was and the huge legacy she created through her work, her relationships and her captivating personality.

Andrew and Elaine first worked together at LJMU in 2016, before later reconnecting at Lancaster.

Andrew says having met and worked with Elaine in Liverpool - he knew he 'wouldn't want to work a day of his life without her!

"I remember when I was joining LJMU and we were on an away day and there was quite a challenging meeting," he said.

"Elaine just said 'good luck, are you sure you want to join us?' which just set out her character straight away. She completely disarmed me.

"When I started working there Elaine would often be in the room taking notes and very quickly I realised how solid her judgement was.