Tribute to campaigner Frank Widow carries on justice battle for care abuse victims
The widow of a leading campaigner for survivors of state care child abuse has vowed to continue the fight for justice in his name.
Frank Docherty, founder and honorary president of charity In Care Abuse Survivors (Incas), died from heart failure at his Murray home in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Sadly, his death means he will never get the closure he has fought 20 years for after his own abuse hell.
But the widely-respected great-grandad has left a lasting legacy as his charity continues to seek justice for those who suffered abuse in the care system through a public inquiry.
Frank’s widow Janet told the News that her husband touched the hearts of hundreds of people through his work with Incas.
She said: “Frank had a huge heart and gave his life to Incas. He put his heart and soul into everything he did and supported hundreds of lives.
“He made himself available to survivors of abuse 24/7 and was committed to fighting for
From the age of nine, Frank was physically and mentally abused by nuns at Lanark’s Catholic-run orphange Smyllum Park.
Now, thanks to Frank’s tireless campaigning, the institution is one of many being investigated by the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry.
Heartfelt tributes have poured in from fellow survivors in Portugal, Canada and Australia.
Incas vice-chair Jim Buckley, also a survivor of children’s home abuse, built the charity with Frank from its inception.
The pair were the first in Scotland to give testimony on the cruel regimes they were forced to endure throughout their childhoods.
He said: “I’m devastated. Frank was like a brother to me. Frank was such a tireless fighter for justice for people who had been abused in care and was hugely respected for his campaign work. He will be so badly missed by his family, friends and Incas. “We will always keep a chair for him.” Frank’s funeral will take place next Tuesday, May 9 at 2.45pm at South Lanarkshire Crematorium. Janet revealed plans to scatter his ashes at the Incas memorial site in St Mary’s cemetery, Lanark, during the charity’s annual service this August.
He promised to fight for justice until his dying day so it’s sad he won’t be here to see it happen. But we’re halfway there and will carry on the fight in his memory