Tributes have continued to pour in for North West dealmaker Rachael Withnell, who has died at the age of 34.
She worked as an M&A manager in the Manchester office of Marktlink, having previously started her career at PwC.
Her funeral takes place on August 27 and her family have asked that as many people attend as possible.
Aisha Chipampe, M&A director at Marktlink (pictured), described her as an ‘amazing colleague’.
“Personally, and as a team, this has been utterly heartbreaking and devastating,” she said.
“My thoughts are particularly with those closest to Rachael, her family, her friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.
“Rachael was truly one of a kind. She was larger than life, and brought so much joy and energy into every room she entered.
“We started our Marktlink journey together and from the very beginning, I loved how Rachael was authentically herself, warm, funny, friendly and charismatic.
“We shared so many happy memories that I will cherish. From Marktlink experiences and ski trips, to socials, hosting our Women in M&A event together, and countless days in the office.
“Those who met Rachael rarely forgot her. Her warmth, laughter and unmistakable personality will be remembered by so many of us for a very long time.
“Rachael’s funeral will take place on Thursday August 27th, and her family would like as many people as possible to attend. If you would like to join us in remembering Rachael, please contact me and I can share further details.”
A spokesman for The 6% Club, which gets its name from the fact that only 6 per cent of the dealmaking community are female, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of our friend and 6PCC member Rachael Withnell.
“We’ve had the pleasure of Rachael’s company over the past few years. She hosted a fantastic event for us only a few months ago, alongside Aisha Chipampe (the double act we never knew we needed).
“Rachael was warm, funny and kind, and was hugely passionate about all of our values. She made the room brighter.”
Bubbly
Hope Olivia Bell, corporate associate at Lewis Silkin, said: “Rachael was such a wonderful warm and bubbly person, she will be deeply missed. Thinking of you, her family and the rest of the team.”
Anna Maria Jedrzejczak, managing partner at Marktlink Poland, said: “Rachael had such a bubbly personality – impossible to ignore or go unnoticed. She brought so much warmth and energy with her and always seemed to leave the room a little better than she found it. She will be deeply missed.”
Contact Jonny Parkinson, managing partner at Marktlink in Manchester, for funeral details. His email is j.parkinson@marktlink.co.uk