Miranda and Olivia are raising money for St Kentigern Hospice, which our wonderful Nana helped to set up and cared greatly about. We would love to reach £500 and if we do, Miranda will shave Olivias head in the name of feminism on 02/03/13. Nana (Anne) was passionate about feminism and campaigned womens rights, in particular for the right to the contraceptive pill for all women whether they were married or not. This caused huge contraversy in the 1960s and although publicly critisised she was not deterred. Her family planning clinic led the way for the freedoms of women today. She achieved so much in her wonderful life despite her ill health for decades. We are so proud of her, her achievements for womenkind and her inspirational work for St Kentigern which wouldn't exist without her help.

Miranda and myself knew Nana not as an acitivist, feminist, politican or doctor, but simply as our Nana. To us she was always tremedous fun. She gave us chocolate bunnies before our lunch and swore us to secrecy, taught us songs about putting Trebor mints up our bottoms (I am sure all the grandchildren remember our parents dissaproval at this!) and was incredibly warm and loving. She always gave us her undivided attention, encouragement and perhaps most important of all, she supported us no matter what. She was also, dare I say it, a bit of a gossip! To us she wasn't just an old lady, she was timeless, funny, beautiful and incredibly clever. She was forever young of spirit and was always eager for the 6 o'clock, "gin and tonic time", which I was always encouraged to make nice and strong. Her great grandchildren loved the trips we made to Prestatyn, and enjoyed our many phone conversations with their "Granny Grape". Eva recalls fondly times spent picking apples from the tree outside her house and the wicker basket Nana gave her to do so. She also happily recollects pushing the button of Granny Grapes chair while sat on her lap and causing her to crash! Nana also found this hilarious at the time.

Nana suffered with a virus that spread to her spinal cord in 1987, a rare condition that has only been documented a handful of times. Despite the disabilities it caused her she made a recovery that astounded both the doctors who worked to save her and everyone that knew her, managing to learn to walk again against all odds. However she was affected with progressive paralysis over the next 2 and a half decades. She continued to be involved in local politics into the final years of her life, never ceasing to make a difference to those around her. She was lucky enough to die how she wanted, peacefully and surrounded by her children and in her own bed. Many people are not as lucky as she was, but St Kentigern helps to provide end of life care and look after not only peoples phyical needs, but also takes a holistic approach to their social and spiritual wellbeing. This was something that was incredibly close to her heart.

So please DIG DEEP AND GIVE GENEROUSLY.. And if we reach our £500 target, Miranda will shave my head! Xxxxxxxx