A Thetford couple who donated more than £1,100 to East Anglian Children’s Hospice (EACH) in their Wills have been remembered by their family with a memorial bench on Magdalen Street.
Bertie and Mary Smith were long-time supporters of the charity and had also requested donations to EACH at their funerals. Following Mary’s death in 2024, aged 92, their family presented a final donation of £1,120 to the charity shortly before Christmas.
“It’s along the route my nanny used to walk into town,” proud granddaughter Kirstie Oliver said of the memorial bench. “It felt like the perfect place to remember them. They were such loving parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, and this bench reflects the quiet, everyday life they enjoyed.”
The couple were married for more than 50 years and were well known in Thetford. Bertie, whose real name was Hubert, died suddenly in 2006 at the age of 73.
Their story began in Somerset, when Hubert was completing his National Service in Wincanton. Mary, whose real name was Sylvia, lived in the town, and after the pair met and fell in love they chose to settle together in Bertie’s hometown of Thetford.
They married in June 1953, with Mary travelling to Norfolk by train on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation. Over the following decades they raised four children, and their family later grew to include seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Bertie worked as a builder, while Mary helped with the business paperwork. According to their family, their home was known for homemade dinners, puddings and a roaring fire during the winter months.
“EACH was a charity close to their hearts,” Kirstie continued. “Money was raised at their funerals, and it was clearly important to them both to make this final donation to EACH.
“They would love to know that their money will directly help children and families receiving care and support.”
The family recently welcomed representatives from EACH to the memorial bench, where the donation cheque was formally received on behalf of the charity.
Natasha Butler, EACH’s Senior Community Fundraiser for Norfolk, said: “We’re extremely grateful for this very generous donation.
“Bertie and Mary sound such kind, compassionate and community-minded people, and we’re so thankful for their support.
“Contributions such as this make a meaningful difference, helping us to continue delivering our essential services, respond to growing needs and plan with confidence for the future.”
