Tributes to pioneering cancer campaigner, 92, whose…

Tributes to pioneering cancer campaigner, 92, whose family has been 'devastated' by the disease

Maisie Stewart, a long-serving councillor in South Tyneside who founded the North East's first Macmillan Cancer Support fundraising group, died last month at the age of 92.

Maisie, who would have turned 93 on May 18, served as Mayor of Jarrow and Lord Mayor of South Tyneside during a long civic career, and dedicated decades to raising cash for cancer charity Macmillan. Maisie was also a founding member of the Bilton Community Hall in Jarrow.

She started the North East's first Macmillan group in 1973 and spent more 40 years at the helm, though more recently passed on the reins to her niece Beryl Coffey. She lost her husband Ken to cancer, while Beryl, 58, lost both parents to the disease. Maisie had three children - Gillian, Billy and Joan - who also form part of an "army" of eager fundraisers.

Beryl said: "Maisie never sought the lime-light but when it found her, she was always able to shine."

She added that her aunt had never shied away from speaking up for causes she believed in, sharing one particular story. She said: "On one famous occasion she spoke up in front of the attending dignitaries at the annual event speaking out against a suggestion for Macmillan to change the colour of their donation buckets fearing this would hinder cash strapped regional fundraisers diverting precious funds that could be better spent elsewhere.

Maisie Stewart and Beryl Coffey pictured with the then-Mayor and Mayoress of South Tyneside (Macmillan)

"The Duchess of Kent came over at the end of the meeting and shook Maisie’s hand to congratulate her on speaking out for what she believed in. Maisie was later recognised by the Duchess as a dedicated fundraiser receiving a commendation."

She explained that their family "has been devastated by cancer" over the years - and that Macmillan, along with Marie Curie, had helped support them. Maisie was recognised herself for her years of devoted fundraising in 2018 with a lifetime achievement award.

Beryl added: "Maisie has not been in good health for a long time, she had a small stroke and struggled to get around, losing the ability to walk over the last couple of years but when she was younger, she was a dancer and loved to sing, Patsy Cline ‘Crazy’ was a particular favourite of hers.

"The community is devastated at losing such an irrepressible soul. She was inspiration to everyone she met, her kindness and strength had a huge impact on me and I will miss her terribly."

Tina Thompson, partnership manager for Macmillan said: "I had the opportunity to visit Maisie with Jane Curry at her home a few years ago because Macmillan recognised all she had done for us with a prestigious award. It was an absolute pleasure to meet her, she has done so much for Macmillan and her community over the course of her long life. My heart goes out to her family and friends; an irreplaceable loss."

The charity's Jane Curry added: "Maisie has been such a loyal Macmillan fundraiser over the years and everyone here at Macmillan has been really affected by news of her passing, she was a true legend. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of such a warm and caring person and a giant of the community."

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