Tributes have been paid to 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 by spending five years with PwC in its transaction services and assurance departments.
Jonny Parkinson, partner and founder of Marktlink’s Manchester office, said: “I am devastated to be sharing the news of the passing of Rachael Withnell on August 7th.
“Rachael was a manager in our Manchester team. A much-loved colleague, Rachael brought boundless energy to the office and was highly regarded by clients and teammates alike.
“But as much as a valued colleague, she was a friend – engaging, funny, kind and a deeply caring person. It is difficult to put into words the loss we are feeling, and the office will for a long time feel a lot emptier and quieter without her here.
“It feels a strange thing to be posting on LinkedIn, however I also know that Rachael had a wide range of contacts, former colleagues and friends in her network who held her in high regard. With the family’s permission, they have asked me to share this news.
Funeral details
“The funeral is due to take place on Thursday, August 27th, and the family would like as many people as possible to attend the service. If you would like to attend then please contact me and I can share further details.
“The hole Rachael leaves behind is enormous. She was a brilliant colleague and a cherished friend and I will always value the years that we got to work together.
“My thoughts are with those closest to Rachael at this incredibly difficult time, particularly her family, friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.”
In May, Rachael completed the Manchester 10K in support of Mustard Tree.
Tributes
Rachael Taplin, investment manager at Palatine Private Equity, was one of several people to post tributes on LinkedIn.
She wrote: “This is absolutely awful news. Sending my condolences and strength to all of Rachael’s family, friends and the team at Marktlink. She was breath of fresh air and will be missed.”
Ingrid Velderman, HR manager at Marktlink, said: “Rachael was a truly cheerful and kind person, with such a beautiful spirit. She will be deeply missed. My condolences and thoughts are with her family, friends, colleagues, and everyone who held her close to their hearts. The sky gained a beautiful star.”