Happy Birthday Mum!
Born on 5th December 1930, My mum, Anne Robson, would have been 92 today.
It is 12 years since she died, in circumstances that prompted me to set up the Anne Robson Trust. I hope she would be proud of all we have achieved in the whirlwind four years since we launched the charity.
For as long as she could, Mum took an active role in the Suffolk village where she spent her last 20 years – doing church flowers, helping with the parish magazine and volunteering at the local primary school where she helped the children with their reading. She would have loved the fact that local volunteers are at the heart of The Anne Robson Trust’s work with hospitals.
I will never get over the sadness that my mum was unable to receive visitors during her final days in hospital. But I take great comfort in seeing the impact we are making on the lives of individuals and families as they go through the most difficult of times.
If she were here today, she would have loved cheering my nephew Archie on as he splashed through the Tough Mudder course to raise funds for us. She would be amazed at the breadth of people who generously support us with their time, money, and kind words. But most of all, I think she would cherish the fact that the charity set up in her memory has enabled thousands of people to receive support in their darkest moments.
Some deaths cannot be prepared for. But many can.
For as long as people lie alone in hospital beds, waiting for their life to end, or pace around their house – overcome with emotion but unsure who to call, we will continue our work bringing comfort and compassion when it is needed most.
Liz
