In Memory

Pat Gerrish

10 Feb 1949 - 14 Jun 2021

A tribute to Pat (Patsy) Gerrish 

Pat and her husband Phil were one of five couples who set up JAC in 1998, back in the day when all we thought God was asking us to do was reach out to the young people on the streets and in parks of Woodley!  We soon discovered, however, the need was greater than just what we saw on the streets.  The work developed over the years to include schools’ work and the therapeutic work we now do at Rehoboth.  Pat and Phil were both Trustees of the Charity before moving to Wales and Phil was our first Treasurer, worrying over the pennies but forever giving praise when God replenished our finances as soon as we spent any money.  Pat and Phil were also part of the detached youth work team, faithfully turning up on Friday evenings, rain or shine, and Pat always had such a big heart for every young person who came to the JAC van for a hot chocolate and chat, sharing her love for Jesus at every opportunity.   

Even before JAC was formed, Pat instilled a love for horses in Naomi from about the age of 4, she encouraged her in her riding and always took great interest as she progressed through her training and qualifications. As that love for horses grew and JAC came into being, God planted seeds of a vision in Pat and Naomi on how horses could help young people in JAC and they started to hatch a plan!  In 2004 Pat took a very young Naomi and slightly older Claire (Bryan), under her wing and set out to find a suitable first horse, they found Jack, a handsome Irish Cob who always held a soft spot in Pat’s heart, even riding him in sponsored rides in the early days of the project to raise funds and so the Equine Assisted Learning programme started. Pat could never visit Woodley without spending time at the stables with the horses (and us of course). The Equine Assisted Learning project in JAC has impacted thousands of lives over the years and continues to do so - that is the legacy Pat left behind. 

Pat’s big heart and love for life lives on, she was a faithful servant of God who worked out her faith in everyday life.  She was an amazing friend to our family, not only encouraging Naomi’s love of horses, but she also nurtured Naomi, Sam, and Lee’s faith in Jesus and has walked with Samuel and I through the ups and downs of JAC and our own personal lives.  We are heartbroken at her passing, but we also know with a certainty that comes from the Holy Spirit that her faith in Jesus has taken her safely into His arms, singing and dancing all the way! 

We love you Pat and always will.  Samuel and Yvonne Milligan, Founders of JAC, and Lee, Sam and Naomi 

If you would like to make a donation in memory Pat please use the website Donate button below ……..the money raised will go towards buying a new horse for the Equine Assisted Learning Project.  

Feel free to share your memories of Pat here on the page as we celebrate the life she led, thank God that he has her in his presence now, and mourn the loss of a dear friend for those left behind.