Writer Dianne Boardman recently visited midwife Nicolette Peel, co-founder of charity Mummy’s Star.
This visit made for one of the most moving stories we’ve ever featured in our Inspiring Lives series.
Photograph courtesy of Mummy’s Star.
Mummy’s Star is the only charity in the UK and Ireland dedicated to supporting women and their families affected by cancer during pregnancy or within 12 months after giving birth.
You can read all about it in the January 25 issue of the “Friend”.
Nicolette’s co-founder, Pete Wallroth, also spoke to Dianne to tell her more about how the charity came to be.
Pete’s story
“We started the charity in 2013, following our experiences when my wife Mair was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Pete said.
“We were introduced to Nicolette, and the support Mair received was unmatched. Seeing her connecting with another woman who had had a similar experience. That was probably the seed for Mummy’s Star.
“Mair’s cancer sadly spread very aggressively a couple of weeks later. She died shortly before Christmas 2012.
“In the new year I sat with Nicolette and bounced ideas around. And those ideas were essentially what formed Mummy’s Star.
“Since its launch in June 2013, we have gone on to support over 800 families. Plus we’ve expanded to support women throughout Ireland now, too.
“We have raised a huge amount of awareness — not only of cancer and pregnancy, but of the choices that women should be offered in these situations.
“We have spoken at some of the largest oncology and midwifery events in the world. And we’ve delivered education sessions to student midwives throughout the country. We aim to better prepare them for when they care for a women in this situation.”
Sharing the caring
“Personally,” Pete said, “after getting used to my new life as a widower and single dad, I have grown through the charity and by also speaking about my own journey.
“My family has grown in recent years, after I met Nicola, now my wife. We had a little boy Flynn in 2018.
“And Nicolette delivered him at Tameside Hospital.”
You can read more about Pete’s family’s story on the Mummy’s Star website.
Marion McGivern As editor of the cookery, money, pets and eco pages, Marion covers a wide range of regular Features content. Along with the rest of the Team, she enjoys finding interesting features for both the weekly and Special issues that readers will love. Having so much variety every day means that over ten years with the “Friend” has just flown by!
