Yesterday the firm paid tribute to a much-cherished member of staff: 

Paula was a dynamic, popular, influential (yet modest) member of our team. She made an immense contribution to the Firm, our clients and our staff, and on a personal level she was a good friend to many and a valued counsellor. She will be greatly missed.

Paula was educated at Monifieth High before going on to Dundee University to achieve a first-class honours degree in accountancy, where she finished top of her year, amassing several prizes along the way. She joined EQ in 2009 as a trainee Chartered Accountant, qualifying in 2012 and winning the Ian Stevenson Prize for her academic achievements in her ICAS studies.

Within EQ she rose quickly through the ranks, deservedly achieving a senior manager position and heading up the promotion of our EQ Leisure services.

Paula met Stu when they were teenagers, they made their home in Monifieth and were married in September 2015. They welcomed their much-loved son, Rhys in September 2017 and, despite ongoing challenges she threw herself headlong into life as a committed new mum.

Throughout her illness, Paula never lost her strength of spirit, her rapier sharp mind or her positivity in all things that she did. Her determination and this positivity allowed her to continue working until a few months ago.

In addition, appreciative of the support of Maggie’s Dundee, Paula, along with her colleagues, raised almost £35,000 for this worthy cause over the course of a year, with a series of fundraising events. These activities were drawn to a close at a Charity Ball at the Apex Hotel in 2018, where Paula’s poignant speech in support of Maggie’s is well remembered and treasured.

Partner, David Morrison, said: “Words like ‘great’ and ‘inspirational’ are used often but in Paula’s case they do not do her life justice.  In her work and manner, she led by example and her fortitude in the face of such adversity was simply incredible. She drew tremendous strength from her family, friends and colleagues, all of whom are devastated by her death.”

Paula is survived by husband Stu, son Rhys, parents Graeme and Liz and brother Grant. All at EQ would like to pass on our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies to them and her extended family and friends at this time.