Following the inauguration of the Newbury branch of Parkinson's UK, Mary continued to fulfil numerous roles on the committee which were critical to the success of the branch. Over many years as an inspirational organiser Mary was responsible for setting up a range of health and social activities. These included:

• Monthly social meetings with an optional buffet followed by a presentation or entertainment
• Free weekly Chair exercises at three local locations, Wash Common, Thatcham and Hungerford
• Free weekly exercise session at the West Berkshire Therapy Centre
• Subsidised monthly Lunch meetings
• Free weekly Hydrotherapy classes at Highclere
• Personalised physiotherapy classes in conjunction with the CCG
• Respite care in conjunction with Crossroads
• Speech Therapy by a qualified instructor
• Subsidised summer outings
• Annual Theatre visits

All of these activities were co-ordinated by Mary Hansford who also arranged any transport that was required for people to attend these listed activities. There was also a partnership, arranged and managed by Mary, working with the local Crossroads Care organisation to offer a home respite service for those with complex stage  Parkinson’s. Mary had a deep insight into the need to avoid social isolation that often accompanied Parkinson’s and the need to mix socially.  As a result, Mary organised the Branch events calendar, a task she maintained personally from the beginning. 

To enable the Newbury branch to pay for these extremely valuable activities and the associated transport, significant fundraising activities were required. Mary applied for grants where applicable and applied for permission to collect in local shopping arcades, supermarkets, department stores and similar.  She was always looking for new opportunities to promote knowledge and understanding of Parkinson’s disease and organised an Information stand whenever possible, to raise public awareness. 

In 2008 the national charity Parkinson’s UK centrally funded a Parkinson’s Information and Support worker (ISW) for each regional area including Newbury. However, Mary had the foresight to see this need and singularly introduced a part time ISW for the Newbury and District branch eight years earlier in the year 2000. The ISW role was to ensure one-to-one provision of relevant information, advice and advocacy for people with Parkinson’s disease. This included signposting to relevant care pathways; appropriate health and social care networks and other voluntary organisations and specialist contacts for further support as appropriate. The initial post was entirely funded by the Newbury branch and Mary spearheaded and organised the fundraising, which paid for this over the years. This was a huge responsibility as without these funds it would not have been possible to offer the invaluable support to members.

Mary also led the quest for a specialist Parkinson’s nurse to serve the Newbury area, a task that took many years to convince the NHS would be of value to the NHS and to patients alike. Together with the Information Support Worker this nurse formed a crucial part of the service to the West Berkshire area and members of the branch, demonstrating excellent clinical and cost benefits.

Since the Newbury branch was formally established in 1991 Mary had personally been responsible for raising at least £430,000. This was achieved by her total dedication to her challenge of ensuring that the Newbury & District branch had sufficient funds to pay for the services needed for its members. It was estimated that 70% of the total income of the Branch could be directly attributed to Mary’s efforts. These included collections at supermarkets; Bric-a-Brac sales; Coffee Mornings; Raffles; ‘100 Club’; Annual Christmas Draw and Selling Parkinson’s products, all of which she organised and administrated.

Mary attended a huge number of meetings during the year, and liaised with carers groups including the Princess Royal Trust for Carers and the Neurological Alliance and was always willing to give her time and support to any requirement of the branch and its members. 

Mary played a key role on a committee that planned and organised a Research conference aimed at providing current and relevant research for people living with Parkinson’s. 

Mary was present at every function organised by the branch, including the three times weekly exercise classes to ensure that everything progressed smoothly and to make sure all who attended were provided with refreshments and a listening ear at every opportunity.

All of Mary's work was entirely voluntary and not a paid position.   Mary was an inspiration to all of us who worked with her and her position in the society deserved the greatest recognition possible. Mary was a fantastic ambassador for the organisation. Her total commitment was really a lifestyle to Mary. She was a very modest lady who was unstinting in the time she dedicated to people with Parkinson's and their carers.  From morning until night Mary was always available for Parkinson’s or the other charities of her choice since 1973.

Mary was a fantastic role model to anyone who worked within the voluntary sector. She carried the greatest respect of colleagues across the sector in West Berkshire, where very few, if any, matched her diligent and wise approach to volunteering and helping others. That she maintained this performance over so many years is remarkable.

It would be accurate to say that if Mary had not taken the initiative and laid the foundation for the Newbury & District branch of Parkinson’s UK as she did in the 1980s, the branch would not be in its current strong and established position.   She was a pillar of support to all those who benefited from her wisdom and help.

However, that isn’t all! Additionally, Mary served with several other voluntary associations and was held with the greatest respect by them all.