A book telling the story of how one of Corby’s best loved charities was established is now on sale – and a special event today (Sunday, August 26) sees author Sarah Ward signing copies.
By the People, For the People charts how the dream of breast cancer survivor Jean Clark came to life and together with fellow founders Vic Hardy and Ray Burke, the trio mobilised the community in a mass fundraising drive throughout the 1990s to provide a place of support for people with cancer and other life limiting illnesses.
Tireless campaigner: Jean Clark
The many ups and downs of the 15 year community effort to open the Lakelands Day Care Hospice is told in the new book, published by the Hickathrift Press. It mark this year’s silver anniversary of the beloved charity, for the first time telling the full story of how the community from Corby and the towns and villages beyond raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to build the hospice in Butland Road.
The author, well-respected Corby journalist Sarah Ward, was commissioned to write the book by the charity.
She said: “As a reporter who lived and works in the town, I was of course aware of the Lakelands, but I did not know of Jean Clark and her mission to create a place for people who were suffering from cancer and other life limiting illnesses.
What I discovered was an incredible woman, who used every ounce of her determination and fight to ensure that people who were going through their toughest times had somewhere to turn to for support.
“She and her team were determined to have an independent hospice, that was outside of NHS control, to ensure its longevity and the fact it is still thriving and helping so many people today is testament to the foundations they built.
“Along the way I have spoken to the many people involved in the effort to build the lakelands, who have shared their memories and in this book, there are many elements that are being shared for the first time.”
Jean died in 2016 and fellow founders Vic Hardy and Ray Burke. They will be remembered at the Birthday Bazaar taking place at the hospice on Sunday, July 26 from 11 am to 4 pm, where visitiors will be able to buy signed copies of the book..
Jean’s son Stuart said: “The Lakelands was my mum’s last bit of charitable work. I am proud of my mum and what she did for Corby and its people. She had a heart of gold. She would go out of her way to help. She would always put others before herself.”
David Renshaw, who was recently appointed as chair of the Lakelands said: “We are delighted to have the story of Lakelands Hospice published. Sarah has really captured the spirit of Jean, Vic and Ray and their tireless efforts to bring their dream into the reality that we see today. Celebrating our silver anniversary is a real milestone for us that has been achieved because of their original vision.”
By The People, For The People is priced at £9.99 (paperback). Hardback and Kindle e-book versions are also available to buy on Amazon. Profits will support the charity.
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