Lionel Walsh: A tale of courage and solidarity

This is a tale of courage and solidarity. The hero is Lionel Walsh, a long service Reuter man whose postings included France, Germany and Latin America. He was felled by a stroke two years ago. Since then tragedy has struck twice again: Lionel's wife and elder son have both died of cancer.

Twice a week since he was half paralysed, Harrogate-born Lionel is pushed in a wheelchair from his French rest centre to a local school at l’Hermenault in the Loire Valley where he gives English lessons to 30 pre-teens.

Totally numbed on the left side of his body, lion-hearted Lionel gave a seasonal image to his curriculum at Easter. His pupils listened eagerly as Lionel told them: ”French tradition has it that in Easter week church bells fly from their steeples off to Rome. On Easter Sunday the bells fly back, carrying Easter eggs and hiding them in people’s gardens.”

Lionel read to his amused young audience: “In England, the Easter Bunny brings delicious chocolate Easter eggs for all children who have been good during the past year. The Easter Bunny hides the eggs in the garden. Actually it is usually Mummy and Daddy who hide the eggs for the children to find. They can then eat a piece of their Easter egg every day, taking care not to make themselves sick. With care, a really big Easter egg will last several weeks. Happy Easter, children of l’Hermenault!”

Chantal Dormegnies, the mayor of l’Hermenault, told me: “Lionel is an exceptional person. Life has not been kind to him. But he has responded to personal tragedy with generosity and consideration for our children and their parents. These kiddies get a valuable push forwards in the relentless French schooling programme.”

Fabienne Micaud-Richard, headmistress of the village primary school, said: “Thanks to Lionel, our children are getting a privileged start in spoken English from a man who gives a real and practical sense to solidarity and courage.”

Lionel, a former director of communications at the International Chamber of Commerce, is a modest person. For that I can vouch as a friend for over 30 years. He merely says: “These English courses have helped me cope with my paralysis. I hope they been useful to the kiddies.”

His family live in England. Most of his friends are former colleagues from Reuters and from the Paris-based International Chamber of Commerce where, as director of communications, he was always ready with a smile and helping hand to business journalists.

Until the successive tragic deaths last year of his wife Veronika at 72 and his elder son Brendan at 47, their visits brightened a dismal routine. His brother, retired General Michael Walsh who is a former Chief Scout, is now 82. Clearly, ageing kinsfolk cannot be expected to visit him for ever. Reuter friends who are particularly assiduous in visiting Lionel include Julian Nundy and Donald Armour.

Looking ahead, Lionel is not attracted by the idea of leaving l’Hermenault. He regards this French village, his carers and his enthusiastic pupils as his closest ties with the world at large. He relies on television for company, repeatedly playing World War II DVDs. So don’t chuck your oldies out: they have a keen fan in Lionel.

Lionel is preparing yet another topic close to his pupils. He will soon explain the workings of pounds and pennies to youngsters whose pocket money - and outgoings - are paid in euros. “Valuable information in an era of economic crisis,” says Lionel with the smile that never leaves him.

Lionel would be glad to hear from former colleagues. His address is: Lionel Walsh, Residence Bellevue, 46, rue Salomon Raitig, 85570 L'Hermenault, France. E-mail is lionel.walsh@iccwbo.org.

Lionel Walsh: My Life and Times

PHOTO: Adeline Roy ■