MARY BERRY Patron of Child Bereavement UK

Mary Berry, 83, has worked with the charity since 2009. child Bereavement UK supports families and educates professionals when a child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement. she has supported many fundraising events, including the Make for Mum campaign supporting families on Mother’s Day, and the #oneMoreMinute tV ads.

how do you feel about winning this

award? i’m absolutely amazed. i saw the line-up of very famous, lovely, gracious people who were also nominated – and i can’t quite believe i’m the winner. i feel honoured. Which woman has inspired you in your life? my first cookery teacher, miss Date. not only did she teach me to cook, she inspired me to do well. What achievements are you most

proud of? receiving my cbe was a huge moment for me, but ultimately i’m immensely proud of my work with child bereavement uK. we lost a child, william, aged 19, and there was nothing like child bereavement uK then. the charity does a wonderful job. What advice would you give to your younger self? if you have a dream, go for it. if you think you can get there, you can get there.

What is your mantra? put your very best into life and pass on your wisdom. i’ve learnt a lot and i’m now at this stage where it’s payback time. What couldn’t you live without? my husband, my children and my grandchildren. they’re my life.

✢ childbereavementuk.org