Remembering Dr Habiba 'Bee' Hajallie

Colleagues, friends and family of Dr Habiba ‘Bee’ Hajallie planted a tree in her memory at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Bee, who worked with the frailty team at the hospital, died in a car accident while on her way to work in October last year.

Her fiancé Adam and daughter Izzy attended the memorial ceremony last Friday, which was organised by her colleagues.

Kirsty Tanton, senior sister for compliance and standards with GSM, who was a friend of Bee’s, said: “There was a great turn out from all areas within the hospital, alongside her family including her mother, fiancé and daughter.

“We planted a tree in her memory and unveiled a plaque to remember her, and everyone present was asked to place a rose at the base of the tree in remembrance of this wonderful person.

“Bee was a truly fantastic doctor and is still very sadly missed, and I am glad we now have a permanent memorial to honour her contribution and to celebrate her life.”

Clinical lead Paula McAvinia also spoke at the ceremony, paying tribute to Bee’s enthusiasm and positivity. She was a mentor to junior colleagues and had recently stepped up to work as a consultant.

A fundraising page set up in her memory raised more than £3,600 for causes close to Bee’s heart, including supporting children in Sierra Leone, where she was born.