‘FOR BEING AN INSPIRATIONAL AND NURTURING ADOPTIVE MOTHER’
Barrister Bev Cripps, 57, was adopted as a baby by Dot and John Cripps, and raised in Wales. Dot dedicated herself to helping others and, after her death, Bev forged ahead with her plans to help other women live their best lives.
I was so lucky to be adopted by two wonderful people. Mum was incredibly nurturing and encouraging – she was a ‘second mother’ to lots of my friends too – everyone was always welcome in our house. Mum came from a disadvantaged background, but was very well read. By the time I started school, she’d introduced me to the joys of reading, and I had a very happy childhood: we would spend wonderful summers on the beach. She was insightful too. She nicknamed me Marj Proops because she noticed how people loved to ask me for advice! I think it’s that part of me that has come to the fore recently. As a criminal barrister, I’ve seen people who haven’t had the luck I’ve had, and it’s made me reflect on what I can do to help them.
When Dad died, I started training as a transformational coach, but it was Mum’s resilience after a heart attack in 2019 that gave me the push forward. She was determined to recover, do her exercises and get mobile. Tragically, she died – but her determination was inspiring, and I’m putting that inspiration to good use. I’m planning to retire from the Bar this year so that I can dedicate myself to helping people who have experienced trauma to develop resilience that will allow them to reset their lives. My goal is to set up a foundation in my parents’ memory, to help young women from disadvantaged backgrounds turn their lives around, through my new venture Bcconnection (mybcconnection.com). >>
‘She was a second mother to my friends’