Tributes paid to hospital fundraiser Woman who campaigned in memory of son passes away
ARUNCORN mother who campaigned for a local hospital for years following the tragic death of her son has died.
Maureen Mainwaring was known as a tireless campaigner whose efforts enabled life-saving equipment to be fitted at Halton General Hospital.
Her passion came in the wake of tragic circumstances in June 1984 when her son James died after he was hit by a car while riding his bike outside the hospital.
The minor injuries unit at the time didn’t have a defibrillator, which might have helped save him, but her fundraising saw enough donations to get one installed.
She continued to support the hospital, receiving accolades including a medal from Pope John Paul II and a Woman of the Year award presented to her by Lord Brian Rix.
An avid Everton FC fan, her campaigning also received the support of the club’s legendary manager Howard Kendall. She even had her own charity float during the Runcorn carnival.
A permanent memorial to James was unveiled in Halton General’s grounds in 1993 amid Maureen’s continued support for the hospital.
Maureen, 77, died in Broadgreen Hospital on July 31 following a heart attack, leaving behind husband Stephen and children Karen and Andrew.
Her granddaughter Emma Kearns said: “She ended up raising money to get the defibs for the hospital because it’s not classed as A&E (accident and emergency), it was minor injuries.
“She kept on fundraising for the hospital. If they needed stuff, they’d contact my nan.
“As I say, she used to have her own chart in the hospital with how much she’d raised.”
She added: “The hospital do little things for my uncle. They’ve planted trees and done a little bench for him at the back.”
Describing memories of her nan, Emma said: “She was a very witty woman; she was a little character.
“If she wanted something doing, she’d make sure she got it done, and she was very straight-talking – there was no messing about, if she had something to tell you, she’d tell you.” ● Maureen’s funeral took place at St Edward’s Church on Ivy Street, Runcorn, on Tuesday (August 17).