Life Charity co-founder Nuala Ann Scarisbrick has died peacefully at home with her husband Jack and their two daughters Emma and Sarah by her side on Tuesday 31 August.
Nuala was the driving force behind the building of the client support services Life operates today – especially her “hotline” which evolved into their National Helpline.
Nuala was born in January 1939 and began her career in teaching. In 1965 she married distinguished historian Professor John Joseph “Jack” Scarisbrick.
Nuala and Jack co-founded Life in 1970, and the duo spearheaded the charity’s work until they stepped down in 2017.
While Jack became the figurehead of the new charity, Nuala did the day-to-day running of the charity. For three decades, she took a full-time but unpaid position as National Administrator.
Jack described her as Life Charity’s “chief animator.” Speaking of her influence, he said:“[Nuala] ran Life … And [she] was amazing! Travelling all over the place, all over Europe, and addressing numerous meetings and founding the National Helpline. She was a leading figure on it for many years. Really without her, it would never have taken off as it did”.
Nuala was a woman of incredible energy and drive, and contributed to all areas of Life Charity’s work, from fundraising to hosting supporters to attending meetings to starting Life Charity’s national helpline, its education programme, operations, and the charity’s public relations. All while herself and Jack supported pregnant girls by taking them into their home.
Nuala and Jack lived in Leamington Spa. They have two daughters, eight grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren with a tenth due imminently.
Chris Whitehouse KCSG, a trustee of Right To Life UK, said: “Nuala was a pillar of the pro-life movement and an incredible woman. She will be sorely missed. Yet, the legacy that outlives her and her determination will surely be a model for the next generation”.
“The pro-life movement would not be where it is today without Nuala’s courage and tireless dedication. Nuala’s passion for supporting women and families in crisis has saved lives – these are literally thousands of people throughout the UK who are alive today because of her pioneering work.”
“If you would like to share your thoughts, memories, and condolences of Nuala, please do so on the Book of Condolence available on Life Charity’s website”.
