Brown pays tribute to ‘pioneering’ Anita Roddick
Gordon Brown has paid tribute to Anita Roddick, saying she was one of the country’s “true pioneers”.
The prime minister said he was “deeply saddened” to hear of the death of the Body Shop founder and green activist, who died last night of a brain haemorrhage.
He said: “She campaigned for green issues for many years before it became fashionable to do so and inspired millions to the cause by bringing sustainable products to a mass market.
“She will be remembered not only as a great campaigner but also as a great entrepreneur. As one of this country’s most successful businesswomen she was an inspiration to women throughout the country striving to set up and grow their own companies.”
Friends of the Earth echoed his tribute, announcing it was “shocked and saddened” to learn of her death.
Director Tony Juniper said: “Anita was a leading light of the modern green movement, and was one of the first people to combine a profitable business with environmental responsibility.
“She spent an enormous amount of energy not only in running a pioneering company but also devoted passion and creativity to helping green, human rights and development organisations achieve their aims.”
Ms Roddick died in St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester at the age of 64 after collapsing at home.
