Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page celebrating the life of CATH FORD, who was ‘Promoted to Glory’ on 26-Jan-2024, aged 100. A true servant of God.

Cath was born in Nottingham in the early 1920’s and moved around the length and breadth of the UK every 12-18 months with her parents who were Salvation Army Officers.  In 1948 she entered the Salvation Army Training College herself along with her future husband, Eric Ford. They were commissioned in May 1948 and then married in 1950. They were stationed at 16 corps across England, Scotland and Wales, serving for 21 years until leaving as Majors in 1969.  From 1989 until 1996 they were also Divisional Envoys at Manningtree Corps.

Their focus in life was to relentlessly help others, providing care and support on a very practical basis, mixed with sincere compassion for people’s welfare, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Cath then continued her career in midwifery and district nursing around the Harwich and Colchester areas.  Cath enjoyed a very active ‘retirement,
especially sharing her years of experience and wisdom as a midwife by running the mother & toddler group at Colchester. Cath spent her final months in a BUPA Care Home, where she enthusiastically participated in the daily activities along with other residents.  She was much loved and always made a special effort to ask the staff how they were, and if they needed to talk about anything.  Her years of caring for others, and her faith remained at the core of who she was.

During her 100 years Cath lived through some of the most significant events of the last century. She has seen the world change in countless ways, been a citizen under 5 monarchs, and 23 prime ministers, but one thing that remained constant was her unwavering commitment to helping others. Whether it was through her work as an Officer, a District Midwife, or through her volunteer efforts in the community, Cath was always there for those in need.

Over the years, Cath has touched the lives of countless people with her relentless kindness, compassion, and generosity. She was a source of inspiration for many, and her legacy will continue to live on for generations to come as she was blessed with 4 children, 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

In memory of Cath’s loyal service as a Midwife and Nurse, donations are being collected to support the work of ‘Cry in The Dark’. This is a charity Cath supported that operates a children’s home and hospice in Romania and was close to her heart. If Cath or her story has touched your life, then let her legacy live on by making a donation.