Marking the UK’s National Day of Reflection 

The UK’s National Day of Reflection takes place on 9 March 2025, as an opportunity to come together to remember those who died as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to honour the tireless work and acts of kindness shown during this unprecedented time.

World Cancer Research Fund are proud to be involved in this day and extend it into an opportunity to remember all of those we love who have died. We know many of our fantastic supporters welcome our innovative and groundbreaking work in memory of someone special.

Remembering Mary Towsey

Mary’s family kindly shared this tribute to her, as a supporter of World Cancer Research Fund.

Born in Epsom on 24 July 1936 to Freda and Norman Prideaux, Mary grew up in a loving household with her younger sisters, Jane and Jill. After the war, they all settled into what was to become a bustling, lively, family home in Hampshire filled with grandparents, friends, dogs, cats, geese, heifers, chickens and, most importantly, love and laughter.

Her favourite expression was “Find a way, make a way”. She could make something from nothing, whether an impromptu meal or a beautiful and cosy room in her house. She often saw beauty where others didn’t, and had a gift for showing others the world through her eyes.

Mary started her own very successful art school in Cobham, Surrey, where she would share her skill and knowledge with many aspiring artists. As was so typical of her, she often said she learned as much from her students as they did from her.

When she finally retired from teaching and moved to a smaller house, Mary continued to paint, having made a small studio in her attic, and she continued to socialise with her many friends. Still being full of energy and wanting to do more, she started going to a Pilates class for the more mature woman. There she met a lovely group of women with whom she spent most of her time laughing.

In her quiet moments, Mary would enjoy sitting in her conservatory, drinking coffee while watching the birds feast from the bird table. Mary was an active person, filled with energy who kept gardening and painting until the end of her life.

World Cancer Research Fund is humbled to receive gifts in memory of special people, like Mary.

We have a tailored in memory programme where we supply forget me not seeds in the spring, and memorial baubles at Christmas, as well as online ways to share your loved one’s life. Visit Give in memory for more information.

Would you like to share your loved one’s story? We’d love to hear from you. Please telephone our in memory team on 020 7343 4293 or e-mail tributes@wcrf.org.