Partners in Hope   Claire Wilson’s Legacy          Born 12.10.1961  Died 7.01.2012

Claire felt it was a huge injustice that the dreams and aspirations of young people growing up in care are so often replaced by a reality involving unemployment, social exclusion and homelessness.

Alongside Martha she set up the charity to provide support, mentoring, and a pathway into fulfilling work for young care leavers.

She brought her determination, tenacity, compassion and boundless optimism into her work. She galvanised us into action at meetings, if we half volunteered to do something after a glass of wine she confirmed it by mail the next day so we had to get on with it, she brought her warmth , smile and hugs to the young care leavers, she fought alongside Martha for businesses to get involved in the charity and for funding (even when she was very ill). She believed that through practical steps it was possible to change young lives and she leaves behind a charity which is going from strength to strength and is doing just that.

A last word from the care leavers whose lives she was helping to change.

Claire was always such a happy face to see.   She never judged me and was so understanding.  Last time I met Claire was at our Christmas Party: she gave me a big hug (and congratulated me on my pregnancy). She was a genuine and lovely person and she will be missed sincerely.  My heart goes to her family.  I am going to miss her very much.   (Delvina Taylor)

She was truly passionate about making all of our lives better and providing us with the appropriate help/support we needed.  Claire has been an inspiration to me and always will be.  It might not mean something to many people but the fact that her vision was to create opportunities for people like me is a blessing indeed.  May she rest in peace.   (Francis Anane)

Claire inspired us all and she made a difference.  She had an ingrained sense of injustice and was genuinely committed to championing the cause of the ‘dispossessed’ in London, young people in institutional care in Russia, victims of conflict in Afghanistan to orphans in Romania not to mention the many charities she worked with in the UK , campaigning for rights for the disabled and street children across the UK .  She believed passionately in giving the unheard a voice and a place in their respective societies.   Long may her legacy continue.