In Memory

Donating or fundraising in memory of someone is a very special and meaningful way to remember them – honouring their life and helping others at the same time.

We’re always incredibly touched and grateful to receive these donations.

Patients came first 

When Mary passed away in the midst of the pandemic, her children knew her well enough to know that she wouldn’t want to put people at risk attending her funeral. They felt they would honour her legacy by asking, instead of floral tributes, for donations to support nurses and midwives on the front line.

Mary Abraham was just 16 when she began her nursing career in 1948 at West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance. She worked in service of her patients until she retired in 2001 at the age of 69. Across those 53 years she enjoyed a varied and exciting career as a nurse and midwife both in the NHS and in the private sector.

Mary’s husband sadly passed away suddenly at a young age, leaving her with three children and a low income to support them. The RCN Foundation was able to assist the family after Mary needed surgery by providing a grant to pay for convalescence. Mary’s daughter Nikki says that the family was so grateful for the support they received that when the opportunity to give back came along, they didn’t give it a second thought.

Nursing meant a lot to my parents 

Annette Poole trained at Northampton General Hospital and qualified as a nurse in 1960. She then retired in 1996, having given so much to nursing and helped thousands of patients. 

Being a nurse meant a lot to Annette and to her husband John. Whilst alive, they would often bring in food to younger nurses, or even giving lifts to many nurses who couldn't drive. Annette herself couldn't drive. Unfortunately Annette passed in 2019 and subsequently John in December 2022. 

Their son Julian knew just how much they loved nursing and decided to ask friends attending his father John's funeral to donate to the RCN Foundation in lieu of flowers. Julian says " I know that both my parents would feel honoured and very pleased to know that by asking for In Memory donations to the RCN Foundation, they would be continuing to support nurses, especially during this critical time" 

We are so grateful to have played a role in Mary and Annette's nursing stories. If you have been inspired by their stories, and would like to get in touch about making an In Memory gift, please email rcnfoundation@rcn.org.uk