Margaret Marshall, whose dedication spans decades, has been involved with Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) for over 30 years.
Her journey with the charity began in its early days, and her commitment continues to leave a legacy of care, creativity and kindness.
A conversation Margaret had at Church ignited a lifelong connection for her.
“I’ve supported CHSW for over 30 years,” says Margaret. “I’m the treasurer for the Midsomer Norton Friends Group, which started after a talk given to our church ladies group.
“Our support for the hospice sparked during the Babe Appeal, the campaign to raise funds to build CHSW’s Charlton Farm hospice in North Somerset. Since then, we’ve held and attended various events with a CHSW stall, at which I volunteer, and I’ve made endless cakes for people to enjoy!”
Support comes in many forms, and for Margaret, it’s often delivered through her talent for sewing and craft. When a child visits the hospice, their name is placed on a welcome board in their room, often themed to their interests. Margaret has lovingly made some of the fabric letters that staff use to spell out children’s names to personalise and decorate the space.
Her handmade gifts have brought comfort to many families. One particularly meaningful creation was a memory quilt she made for a bereaved family, using clothing their child had worn throughout the years. Margaret carefully stitched each piece together to create a lasting keepsake for the family to treasure.
Margaret’s thoughtful sewing projects have also included practical items that support children and families in their everyday moments at the hospice. She has made waterproof bibs for children, and her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. One family even approached her to ask for more, saying the bibs she made were far better than anything they could buy.
Margaret has also sewn kitchen tea towels and aprons for both staff and children to use while cooking or baking together in the kitchen at Charlton Farm, helping to make those shared times even more special.
Thinking to the future, Margaret and her husband Tim have chosen to leave a gift for CHSW in their will. This was a deeply personal decision that reflects their care and love for children.
“We don’t have any children of our own, but we’ve been involved in the lives of many youngsters from both family and friends over the years.
We know this is a good charity, and it just feels right to leave a gift in our will. If we can help the children, and their families, in any way we can, then all well and good.
My favourite saying is:
A little kindness can bring a lot of happiness.
Margaret hopes her legacy will help support all aspects of hospice life, from the joyful to the deeply emotional.
We hope to help make the most of short and precious lives and also support the siblings and bereavement services that the service provides for families.
When asked what she would say to others thinking about leaving a gift in their will to CHSW, Margaret encourages people to experience the hospice first-hand.
“As a volunteer tour guide at Charlton Farm, I would always encourage people to visit the hospice. The photographs you see are not a true reflection of how wonderful the hospice is."
It is a place of sadness, but also a place that provides of a lot of happiness.