I met Maggie during the last 4 weeks of her life. She was in the bed next to my Mum in Addenbrookes hospital. Because, in my Mum’s and Maggie’s opinion, they were the only ‘sane’ ones in the ward, we were able to have good conversations. She told many stories about her life as a pub land-lady and it turned out, my Mum and her had mutual acquaintances from the past, neither of them they much liked themselves, it turned out.
Maggie was a tonic to my Mum and we spent several hours a day, chatting and laughing with her. The nurses were wondering what was going on and why are we laughing when everyone is sick 😊
Unfortunately, Maggie went downhill very quickly from the Sunday and it was hard watching her suffer, particularly as she was the life and soul of the ward days before. We didn’t know Maggie long but she left her mark on us, with her straightforward talking and no filter. My mum was not as ill as Maggie, but she boosted my mum’s experience in hospital and made it less of a sad place to be.
When I left the hospital for the last time, as I had to return to Scotland on the Monday, Maggie had, in her words, ‘had enough’. I was really sad to say goodbye to her. Even though I knew her for just a few days, she made a huge impact with her large personality and humour.
Maggie was a larger than character and I know she will be missed by everyone who knew her. Mine and my Mum’s thoughts are with all her dear friends and family.
Tracy Bottomley
16/10/2025
