Carmel Thomason

Mary Butterwick, OBE, lost her husband, John to cancer in March 1979. At that time there was no support network in the North East for those suffering from life-limiting illnesses and no real advice and support for the family they left behind. Mary found John's loss very hard to bear and believed there had to be a better way to help families facing a similar situation.

At the time when she started campaigning for better palliative care, Mary was a 54 year old widow who worked part-time in a tea factory. She had no medical background and no influential friends, but she believed in the power of love, recognised the importance of our smallest actions and had strength to speak her mind and take action against injustice. Today Butterwick Hospice Care helps up to 200 patients and their families each day, with two dedicated adult hospice units and a children’s unit.

Mary Butterwick is proof that one person, no matter what age or circumstances can make a difference – can help to create a better world.

An inspirational true story, written by journalist (and close friend of Mary) Carmel Thomason, .