Marie Neal

There she is … Marie Neal at the top of her game as Sister-in-Charge of the Burns Unit, Tamworth Base Hospital, ready and able to help and heal both physical and emotional trauma.

She led by example in the 1960’s when many women gave up their careers to raise a family. With her well-acknowledged determination, strength and tenacity, she achieved both. As a qualified and compassionate midwife she led her field in Canada and Australia with courage and inspiration, particularly in maternal and child health for First Nations people... and there she is … my little mum as I saw her on a surprise visit at work, while on holiday from uni. Just look at that smile that delighted and embraced, making you feel like the most important person ever!

She had unwavering confidence in my abilities and my power as a woman comes from her.
Here she is in her beloved allotment in Edinburgh. When she got it 30 years ago her companions at the 'patch' were only old men escaping their wives they were convinced my Mum would never make it work! Always a keen gardener, she quickly dispelled their illusions!

Rose Neal made this donation #inhername