MargaretBULLOCKMARGARET Bullock, aged 86, of Accrington, passed away peacefully on March 6 at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.
She was a devoted mother to Susan, Deborah, and David, a much-loved grandmother to Susan's sons, Alexander and Nicholas, and mother-in-law to Christopher Ford.
Margaret was born in Accrington to Harold and Alice Ann Bullock (formerly Bancroft). Except for a period in London when she trained as a nurse at the Whittington Hospital in Islington, she spent her entire life in the town she loved. Following her training, Margaret welcomed her first daughter, Susan, and returned to Accrington, where she worked as a nurse at Accrington Victoria Hospital. After the births of Deborah and David, she stepped away from nursing to focus on raising her family.
Years later, when David was diagnosed with autism at the age of 17, Margaret became a passionate advocate for greater awareness and support for people with autism in Accrington and across Lancashire. She devoted countless hours to campaigning and fundraising, determined to create better opportunities and care for adults with autism. She also set up the Hyndburn and East Lancashire Autistic Society in 1987. As the society gained recognition, parents of children and adults joined the society to help raise awareness and funds to find a suitable place for adults with autism to reside in the local community.
Through her tireless efforts, and many appearances in the local press, TV and Radio Lancashire, funding was eventually secured, and the foundations were laid for Clayton Brook House, a residential facility for adults with autism. A second home was later built, and in recognition of Margaret's extraordinary dedication, the National Autistic Society named the building in her honour: Margaret House. More homes were added as time went on. Margaret continued her work with the society as a support worker for several years before retiring at the age of 63. She will be remembered for her compassion, determination, and the lasting difference she made to the lives of so many families.
In her spare time, Margaret volunteered at Rough Lee Home, providing the residents with manicures and makeup. She sang in the Choir at St. Anne's Church and was also part of the Friendship Club that gathered at St. Joseph's Church, Accrington.
A Requiem Mass will be held on Monday, March 23 at St. Anne's Church, Cobham Road, beginning at 10.15am, followed by cremation at Accrington Crematorium on Burnley Road. Afterwards, family and friends are warmly invited to gather for a wake at the Peel Park Pub, next to Peel Park Primary School on Alice Street.
Family flowers only. Donations in Margaret's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Society.
A donation box will be available at the church, or donations may be made online.
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