Amanda Beard-Neilson

Many of you will have known Amanda’s cancer journey over the last 18 or so months. The treatment had been gruelling for her and even had some setbacks. Not only did she come through smiling but it was successful.

Along the way she achieved incredible things - attending Dreamforce ’22 between treatments and a week later, celebrating her 50th birthday on a yacht, sailing around the Greek Islands. She also continued her work with the Salesforce Community in London, with regular London Admins’ User Group sessions and the immensely successful London’s Calling.

In early November we discovered that her cancer had returned. A week later she was admitted to hospital where she received the best possible treatment and support. Despite that, Amanda passed away on 29th November 2023.

It feels only right that I focus on Amanda’s incredible generosity, drive and energy. Qualities that many of you will have seen. She also loved, and indeed lived for, the communities that she was part of. Whether that was work related or within our own neighbourhood.

We were together for 25 years and in that time we built up a wonderful range of experiences. Our first trip away was to Paris and it confirmed that we actually could live together! That gave way to holidays in chateaus, and just as gleefully, in a tent surrounded by mud. But wherever we were, there was champagne and there was cake.

We met in Brighton, but shortly after, moved to London where we bought our house. Some years later, Amanda realised a dream and bought her Porsche - a life goal that carried a huge significance for her, not just for the car (which we absolutely loved) but also the sense of achievement.

Yet Amanda would still gain most of her strength from being with the people around her. Her ability to inspire and lead was limitless - even occasionally leading friends astray! Sometimes that was working as a team towards a common goal, perhaps supporting and sometimes mentoring, and sharing her experience and lessons as examples. She flourished on stage as she established herself as a vibrant and approachable public speaker, owning the room whenever she presented. She gained great satisfaction from watching other people’s careers grow through these various communities.

If you would like to donate to Macmillan in honour of Amanda’s incredible life, you can do so by clicking on the button below.

Piers
December 2023