Mary Grigg was a much loved and dedicated Duchy Health Charity Trustee and who sadly passed away on 30th December 2018 after a short illness, leaving behind her devoted husband, Russell, as well as lasting memories for all of those fortunate to have known her as colleague or friend.

She was a keen fundraiser and responsible for events and activities that produced the necessary funds in the late ‘70’s to build Cornwall’s first private hospital. The hospital thrived for 10 years before being sold to a private health company who had the necessary funds to upgrade the building and equipment.

As the funds had originally come from the ‘public purse’ it was decided to set up a charitable foundation for £5m and over the past 20 years we have been able to give away over three times that figure for the health and wellbeing of all living and working in Cornwall.

Mary was appointed Trustee in November 1994, soon after the Charity was formed and on hearing about the first recipient of the award, Russell said to two of our trustees, Carol O’Brien and Tim Guy, who met him in his home in Portreath:

‘Mary would be so happy and excited about this news. She was always passionate about helping young people in Cornwall and together we shared an absorbing and rewarding relationship with Cornwall Rugby and the training of future national stars. I hope that our recipient will in her way star in her chosen career in medicine and wish her well for the future.’

One day we hope to tell the award winner’s story as she goes on her journey to success.

We promised Russell that we would keep his extended family up to date with any future recipients of his wife’s award. He was clearly very moved and telephoned us the next day to say that he would be framing this story and giving copies to the family.

The award of £500 is aimed at providing support to an individual who may need some additional assistance. This could be due to significant changes in circumstances, health and wellbeing related, or need for equipment or learning resources. Examples of this could be the impact on family circumstances due to job loss; redeployment during covid affecting studies, extra travel expenses or attending an extra specialist course.The certificate and citation may be for”overcoming/ facing personal challenges”

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be continuing or starting a health or care related programme of study.
• Applicants must be undertaking a programme of study that lasts at least a year and have a minimum of one academic year remaining.
• Applicants must be adult learners (over 19), and currently resident in Cornwall .
• Applicants should preferably be employed in NHS or Health Care Organisations in Cornwall.
• Applicants are likely to successfully complete and pass but circumstances are putting this at risk.
• Applicants must evidence why they need assistance and what difference the Award would make.