Popular couple married for 53 years leave legacy to children's hospice |
Hubert Smith, known as Bertie, and his wife of 53 years, Sylvia, who usually went by Mary, were both long-time supporters of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
The couple met when Bertie was doing National Service in Wincanton. He was 20 and Sylvia, who lived in the Somerset town and who was known as Mary, was 22.
Bertie and Mary Smith, of Thetford (Image: Family)
After falling in love, they decided to get married and settled in Bertie’s hometown of Thetford.
Their big day was in June 1953, and Mary travelled to Norfolk by train on the day of Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation.
Bertie worked as a builder, and his wife helped with the paperwork. They went on to have four children, seven grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
The couple were well-known in Thetford, and their family recently unveiled a memorial bench in Magdalen Street.
“This location was chosen as it was along the route my nanny walked to go into town,” said granddaughter Kirstie Oliver.
“They were both such loving parents, grandparents and great grandparents.
“Their door was always open with homemade dinners and puddings and a roaring fire in winter.”
Bertie and Mary Smith's memorial bench in Thetford (Image: Family)
Bertie died suddenly in 2006, aged 73, while his wife died aged 92 in 2024.
The couple had requested money be donated at their funerals to be given to EACH
Now it has been revealed that the kind-hearted pair also decided to leave £1,120 to EACH in their wills, and that the money was presented by their family just before Christmas.
“EACH was a charity close to their hearts,” said Ms Oliver.
“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.”
EACH media and PR manager Matt Plummer and senior digital communications coordinator Grace McGill recently visited the bench to receive a cheque on behalf of Bertie and Mary’s family (Image: EACH)
Natasha Butler, EACH’s senior community fundraiser for Norfolk, said: “We’re extremely grateful for this very generous donation.
“Bertie and Mary sound like 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.”