Pam was my friend, teacher and mentor and I'll miss her every day. I'm just one of hundreds of women who will vow to carry on her legacy of offering support to mothers and babies and to fight for better breastfeeding support worldwide. I know her family are proud of her achievements and I send them my best wishes at this sad time. Maddie xx

I thank God for Pam's life, and for the privilege of knowing her. Her smile, sense of fun, and determination to support mothers and babies to the hilt will live on in my memory and my heart.
Alison Blenkinsop, associate member of Lactation Consultants of Great Britain

A kindred spirit is someone who feels the same way and thinks the same way as you..when I met Pam all those years ago I knew I had found mine. A couple of working class girls who found themselves kinda oddly in the world of breastfeeding....
Working with Pam for the ABM I was Robin to her Batman..she was the boss and I was her buddy. As Lactation Consultants we learnt so much together, as friends we laughed so much together and the hours we spent on the phone..well my family just learnt to get their own tea :)
Pam believed passionately in a baby's right to have mother's milk and the fantastic work she did helping & supporting new mothers & babies over the years is something both I and the ABM will be proud to continue in her honour

To Chris, Christopher, Nick and all Pam's family my thoughts and love are with you

Sharon Breward ABM Vice Chair

Pam I will remember you for your fortitude, your dedication, your forthrightness, your genuineness, your gentleness, your sense of humour and your generosity. Thankyou for being there for me when I needed you and for the few times we shared together. I am humbled by you.
With love,
Dillian

Pam, oh what to say. I used to turn up on your doorstep and you always let me in. I would ring you from the hospital in the night when I was with a new mum. I laugh at small balloons as they remind me of the breastfeeding course you did and we used them as boobs!!!You were an inspiration. I thank you for listening, for being there and for never judging. You will be missed so much. Rest in peace special lady.

Sharon W. xx

I first met Pam almost 4 years ago, when my daughter was exactly a week old and I walked into the drop in at Upton Park, looking for help because she seemed to be feeding all night. I came out relieved that it was just a thing babies did and with my confidence as a breastfeeding mum greatly improved. When Chloé was about 18 months I enrolled into a Mother Supporter course taught by Pam and had a great time whilst learning so much about breastfeeding.

It was seeing Pam work so tirelessly to help the breastfeeding mums in my local area, and the amazing difference she made, that spurred me on to start training as a counsellor myself. And Pam was by my side throughout. Whenever I came across a new situation I would always think: "I'll ask Pam", and she always knew the answer! I have learnt so much just watching her with new mums and babies at breastfeeding clinic every week, she was so good with them. She was a rock that we all leant on for support and also a great friend, who took a genuine interest in the people she met.

Pam, we will miss you every day and remember you every day. We will do our best to carry on your amazing work but I'm afraid it will take quite a few of us to fill your shoes!

Chris, my thoughts are with you at this terribly sad time, and with "the boys" I have never met, but who Pam mentioned fondly every day.

Adeline Moston
ABM Mother Supporter and Trainee Counsellor

The 5th of November, what a day to go! But then I thought what a clever lady you are, go on a day when there are parties...with fireworks: colourful, bright and loud...illuminating the darkness. You were the ABM's firework, beautiful, sparkling and any whiff of breastfeeding injustice and you went off with a BANG!

I shall always remember sharing champagne with you last friday, celebrating life and LC results. Thank you for all you have taught me, for all you have done for me; for being the most amazing, strong, kind, clever lady who taught me sayings like: "Does he really look like he's STARVING??";

I shall think of you, dearest Pam, every time the helpline goes, every mother I help, every tongue tie, (and I promise I will train and treat!) every sore nipple and inflamed breast; and particularly... when I see fireworks.
fondest love from Sarah x

I first got to know Pam when we travelled together on the train to Crewe from the 1998 ABM Conference in North Wales.

A year later, when I had my second child, I had a painful infection for which doctors were denying me effective treatment because I was breastfeeding. Pam was a tower of strength and a mine of information to me at this incredibly difficult time.

In recent years, I could tell from many little things she said, that she shared my dismay at the forces which were turning the role of breastfeeding counsellor into a quasi health professional, and driving the ABM away from our 'Mums helping Mums' philosophy. But her utmost priority was to keep the show on the road, so that no matter what, mothers could continue to be helped.

My thoughts and sympathies go out to her two sons, who have lost their mother so much sooner than many people; also to her 'old man'.

Pam's physical person may now be returning to the earth, but she has achieved an immense immortality through the improved health and spirits of the thousands of mothers and babies she helped, which will continue to be passed down through the generations; and all those helped by the other breastfeeding counsellors she trained or inspired.

It is so incredibly appropriate to both her sense of humour and her self image that she should go out on fireworks day.

Ariadne Tampion

Pam, thank you for all your support and words of wisdom over the years. As said by the others, you have always been there and always been happy to return the call and help any way you can, you will be sorely missed.
Love and hugs Sallie xx

Pam was my assessor and mentor, and helped me throughout my training. She was such a great support to me and was always there for me. Thank you Pam. God bless.
Michele xxx

I first met Pam at a central committee meeting in 2001, when I was a trainee bf counsellor. I just went along to see what it was like. Nine years later I am still on the committee, and have learned so much from Pam. She was much softer than I thought she would be, yet with an 'iron will' when it came to ABM matters and getting effective support out there for breastfeeding mothers.

I was thinking of Pam last night and came up with a list of words which I associate with her:

bubbly
giggly
feisty
always
right
soft
compassionate
strong
knowledgable
smiley
welcoming
generous
savvy

The world of breastfeeding is a richer place for Pam's tireless work and shared knowledge, but we will miss her terribly.

Love and prayers to Chris and the boys

Sandra
ABM Breastfeeding Counsellor
& Regional Supervisor for the SW

I'm sure I'm not the only person to have experienced Pam's compassion, care, concern and good humour. I will always remember the way she listened, helped, inspired and led others. She will be deeply and truly missed.
Liz

Pam, you mean so much to me and Amilee.
I met you at Upton clinic and we became a bf and bby msg team!
You were my Doula mentor, assessor and all round inspiration to me.
When I had Amilee and ALL those BF problems you were there - every week. You came to Wexham with me and stayed until 2am when I was told Amilee would suffer SIDS if she didn't put weight on and you supported my decision to breastfeed through thick and thin! You refreshed your TT training so you could help when she was 4.5 mths She put on a lb a month after that and you encouraged me to do baby-led weaning which has also been successful!
You always made me laugh, you always saw the best side of life.
I'll remember you for your catch phrases at bf clinic Pam, when I'd metionw hat i thought to be correct and you'd say "Why?" then "who told you that?"! You taught me to question information and always seek the facts.
When you told me you had Amilee's photo on the dining table whilst you ate breakfast it confirmed to me you were Amilee's guardian angel!
Amilee's life as a bf baby is because of you, we will miss you and will treasure your memory always.

Chris your saintly support of Pam's passion for bf didnt go unnoticed by us (did you have a choice?) and we are forever grateful for your involvement to help Pam continue her fantastic support to the end. We hope you will see Pam's positive affect on Amilee as she continues to grow.

Pam always mentioned 'her boys' at clinic, you were both featured in her vocab every day, so much so I feel we know you a little better!

Love Amilee (11mts) and Lou x x

I first met you, Pam, at a committee meeting in 2005 and very quickly became involved in the ABM, which had you as it's heart. I soon learnt that you were a dedicated, feisty, straight talking leader who inspired all of those around you to do whatever they could to ensure that as many babies as possible received the best nature has to offer:breastmilk.
The ABM committee pride themselves on bring 'ordinary' mums, however there is nothing ordinary about your dedication and influence over the 25 years you have worked with families to support breastfeeding.
The ABM has lost it's extraordinary heart, but my sympathies are with Chris and the boys who have lost a wife and mother.
With love
Heidi

Pam was an inspiration to me. I would always look for her answers whenever someone had a problem, a question or just looked for reassurance. She was an amazing woman who worked hard helping people to the very end of her life. She will be greatly missed.
Noelia
ABM Counsellor.

My breastfeeding guru!
Thanks for all the times you were on the other end of the phone helping my clients through difficult times and encouraging me and giving me the confidence, after a ABM breastfeeding course at my own home to go it alone! I will miss you and know your friends and family must be aching at this sad time! Sending my love and light to you all! x
Ema Mortimer x

Dear Pam,
Thank you on behalf of all the mums and babies you helped over the years. The ABM will not be the same without you and we will all miss you loads.

Thanks for all the help you have offered me over the years, there were many occasions, especially when I first went onto the help line, when I would call you in a panic to double check something or just offload. You always made the time to listen and somehow always knew the right things to say. Your extensive knowledge and passion for breastfeeding also meant that you were the one who had the answers the text books didn't - a real source of inspiration for new counsellors.

Sending lots of love to your family at this sad time,
Sue H x

Pam was a great support to me when I was starting out as a Birth Doula in an area where we were thin on the ground; we supported each other offering shared care and I soon realised that I had found a kindred spirit in her feistiness, humour and passion for giving mothers confidence in their abilities and instincts.Her common sense and down to earth approach to any problem made everything seem so clear. Her number and email address were my first port of call for any breastfeeding issues my mums were experiencing and her course notes are always in my bag! I shall miss her wisdom and warmth, her big heart and smile. Trust you to go out with a bang on Nov 5th Pam!
My love and condolences to Chris and her "boys"; thank you for sharing such a special person with us.
Sarah xx

I first got to know Pam online, 10 years ago when I was a trainee breastfeeding counsellor. This was despite my embryonic computer skills, which Pam has had a hand in improving. I have learnt so much from her, and not just about supporting breastfeeding and computers. I will really miss her energy, knowledge and being part of a team with her leading. It's not just her direct support and problem solving with mums that has been cut short, but also the way she encouraged other mums to support and empower, learn and share knowledge in varied situations. She was part of the team ( sometimes from a hospital bed) that meant the National Breastfeeding Helpline happened alongside the ABM helpline. She will still be with us through what we continue to do, our publications, training and direct support of other mothers. Pam's influence went from local to UK wide to wider, but its particularly to her family I want to send my condolences at this sad time.
Lyndsey, ABM Breastfeeding Counsellor
Regional Coordinator/ Supervisor for Wales and N Ireland

Pam was never failing in her support of us doulas and by passing on her wisdom we are able to support many more breastfeeding mothers. Always so giving of her time. My heart goes out to her family at this sad time. Her legacy will live on.

Rest in peace Pam. You will be missed by so many.

Beverly Ashwell. Vice Chair Doula UK

As well as all Pam's work directly with countless breast feeding mothers, she was also one of the most regular attenders at the Berkshire East breast feeding working group. This team was set up at Wexham Park Hospital several years ago to bring midwives, health visitors and the voluntary sector together to try and improve support for breast feeding and provide consistant advice. Pam worked tirelessly helping the hospital with policies, guidelines and staff training and always there to champion breast feeding women and challenge us in our work. All the local team will miss her enormously.
Ros Jones, consultant paediatrician, Wexham Park Hospital

A respected colleague and friend in the world of Lactation Consulting (IBCLC), Pam was always ready for a chat, full of energy and determined when on a mission, like a dog with a bone! This is what I will fondly remember. The profession has lost a valuable member.
Taken too soon and sadly missed,
My thoughts and prayers to her family,
Sue Saunders IBCLC, member of Lactation Consultants of Great Britain

Pam was not only a huge support, but also a huge inspiration, to many, many women. Her wise words, fortitude and spirit will stay with us all for ever, - she will never be forgotten.

Geraldine Watson. Co-Chair. Doula UK.

I want to pay my tribute to someone I admired.

I only met Pam a few times face to face, but of course I knew her by reputation. She came across as a warm and passionate woman who spoke common sense. Her committment to breastfeeding was plain to see and I can only imagine the sadness those who worked closley with her must feel.

Jane Putsey
Tutor
The Breastfeeding Network

Very very saddened by the loss of such a warm, vibrant, passionate woman, long before her time. I didn't know Pam very well but we had a lovely chat at the last LCGB conference, and she was a very active contributor to the various breastfeeding egroups.

The world of breastfeeding will be a sadder place without her presence.

I wish all the best to her family and happy memories.

Ruth Tamir

Breastfeeding support in the UK has lost one of its great champions. Your spirit and commitment to breastfeeding has inspired so many people and lives on in the work they still do today. May your memory be for blessing,

Eve Sacker

I am so upset, I didnt know Pam was so ill. I have cherished memories of Pam during my school days and after. Pam was such a great friend, my best friend. we were always in trouble for laughing. Pam was there for me when my bad times came and I for her, then she found happiness with Chris and had 2 smashing boys. My thoughts and prayers are with Chris, Christopher and Nick and Norma. Sorry I wont be able to make the funeral at such late notice but I shall be thinking of you all on the day. Take care and god bless. Keep laughing Pam in heaven. Terri Gosden

I first met Pam at the Upton Clinic Breastfeeding group and she gave me some of the best advice i ever had regarding my babies. Although it has been nearly three years since I last saw her I have never forgotten the help, inspiration and encouragement she gave me. She was a very special lady who will be sadly missed. My love and condolences goes to your family Pam.

I felt I knew Pam well through the Lact-Helpers list, even though I never met her. It is with great sadness I learned of her passing at the BfN AGM.

On Lact-Helpers her warmth and passion for women and breastfeeding shone through. She often had a sensible few words to add, sometimes many words! I often smiled, I often nodded in agreement..

The world had lost a wonderful woman but your legacy Pam lives on through ABM and all you have been involved in. Condolences and love to Pams family, friends and colleagues,

xxx

Jenny Richardson.
BfN Tutor.

Pam was one of those people in life, who made you feel like you could conquer the world. I feel truly blessed to have known and been friends with this amazing lady. She supported and guided not only Breastfeeding mothers, but those who wanted to support them too. Her passion in supporting Breastfeeding mothers was contagious. She worked tirelessly to make sure that the ABM is the amazingly supportive ‘Family’ that it is. She has taught me so much and pushed me (gently!) to doing so much more than I set out to do. I was going to do my LC next year but she told me I was going to do it this year and I know she was proud of me when I passed. She has taught me so much and made me question everything. The Breastfeeding world has lost such a vibrant, energetic supporter but we will all make sure that her work continues. Thank you Pam, Rest In peace. X
Chris, Christopher and Nick, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing Pam with us.
Julie Boddington IBCLC

I feel truly blessed that I knew Pam.
She has touched many people in such a positive way, helping Mums and babies off to the best possible start.
Pam was so supportive and helpful and I will really, really miss her.
My thoughts are with all her friends and family at this difficult time.

Dawn Spears

ABM Treasurer

Dear Pam, I've been racking my brains for the right words to write. No words will do justice to my memories of you. We used to natter on the phone for hours, putting the world to rights, having such a laugh. You taught me so much, you were a true friend, a real one in a million and an inspiration to so many. You used to tell me to 'just wing it - you'll know what to say' whenever I had to teach or do a presentation... So here i am, just winging it! I miss you Pam, the world has lost a special person, but rest assured, we'll all continue with what you've started. Love to your family, Chris and 'The Boys' . Rest well lovely lady, god bless, Vick xxx

Everyone at Baby Milk Action is so shocked and saddened to hear the news of Pam's death. She has been a wonderful support and friend and we'll all miss her terribly. Under her leadership ABM has gone from strength to strength becoming a fantastic and outspoken ally our the struggle to protect and support breastfeeding everywhere.

On a personal note Pam has always been a a trusted, joyful and wise support on all matters relating to the horrible C, giving me huge encouragement and support during the treatments - never once complaining about her own discomfort and making sure I was linked in to all the people who could help. I'll miss her terribly.

All our love to her family and also to the thousands of friends and colleagues who will also miss her.

Patti Rundall, Mike Brady, Lida Woodburn, Sarah Hansen, Gay Palmer, Rachel O´leary and all at Baby Milk Action

Dearest Pam

How I miss you so much already. Always available at the end of the phone, whether I had just come from a birth or was rushing across town to help a mother with newborn twins.

My walking encyclopedia! Where will I find your like again?

Funny, fiesty woman. Those long, long heated discussions. The laughter, the screams of laughter!

The wonderfulness that was you.

Thank you for all the times when you stopped to help me. For all the times your encouraged and supported me. For the way you grabbed new bits of knowledge and were so keen to share.

Love you! Miss you!

Mars xxx

Today, as I prepare to come to Slough on this cold bright morning to celebrate Pam’s life and say goodbye, my mind is full of images; of breasts, knitted and otherwise; of visual aids and all the paraphernalia of a teacher; of women holding dolls and teddy bears, absorbing images of kangaroo care, preparing to go out and spread sound information, give support within the limits of their knowledge and signposting on where appropriate.

Pam, your example and guidance at all levels, for doulas and those teaching doulas, is a great legacy, which will live on in Doula UK.

From me and from mothers (and fathers) and babies everywhere – thank you.

Bridget Baker
Co-Chair Doula UK

Pam was a constant defender of breastfeeding at many levels, always dedicated to her work and up to speed on issues, yet right there with generous support for individuals and families when she was needed. Her passion, understanding and positive attitude has helped so many.

ABM has grown in spirit and reputation under her leadership. We at NCT are proud to have known and worked with her.

Rosie Dodds,

As I live at the other end of the country, I never had the pleasure of meeting Pam in person - I had chatted to her on the phone, messenger and email lists; and in all honesty I think it's pretty awesome one person can inspire someone as much as Pam did me, without ever even meeting...

When I first started training I remember reading an email from Pam and it suddenly hitting me how little I knew. Not only did Pam have the most amazing breastfeeding knowledge, but she had a way of expressing things that everyone could understand and which fuelled the passion in others. I can also clearly remember getting firmly put in my place when I used the word "advice", and at first her plain speaking was daunting - but it soon became clear it was because of the passion Pam had herself, not only for supporting mothers and babies, but ensuring everyone else doing so was doing it well! She had an amazing insight and understanding - not just about breastfeeding itself; but the barriers mums face, the tactics companies employ and how we could best support mothers to truly nurture their babies.

I also realised quickly how kind Pam was, how she could always spare time to patiently answer my never ending questions about anything and everything lactation related! When my own preemie had weight issues, Pam was there - the voice of reason, instilling confidence; her fantastically quick and witty sense of humour, and way of turning everything upside down to see it from a different angle.

During her time as chair, Pam didn't only help the mothers and babies she worked directly with - she changed things for thousands of mothers by the impact she made on others. If I can be a tenth of the lactation pioneer or "lactationeer" Pam was, I will feel it's a job well done - but I will also think of Pam, and strive to be that little bit better...

Thank you Pam!

What a special sevice today,you will be missed by so many Pam!It was a pleasure to work with you, you kept us on our toes and made a lasting impact, thank you, Louise. Wexham Park Hospital

We are so sorry to hear of the untimely death of Pam. She worked tirelessly in the support of women and breastfeeding. There are many women and babies in the world today who have enjoyed a breastfeeding relationship because of the support they got from the ABM. People like Pam make a difference to the world and we send our sincere condolences to her family, friends and all who worked with her.

Anna Burbidge, Chair, Council of Directors, La Leche League, GB

I am humbled to have known you and wiser for the knowledge and encouragement you so freely gave to me for my Mummies and babies.

Blessings and Thanks
Catherine O

I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone for your lovely messages.

Nick Lacey
(youngest son)

I was both shocked and very sad to hear of Pam's death, going onto the ABM website and seeing the remembrance page. I joined the ABM and did my training as a breastfeeding counsellor with the ABM because of Pam, and I am grateful to have known her and gone on a very inspirational and informative home visit with her. I also admire the work she did in her breastfeeding clinic in Slough, and the running of the tongue-tie clinic there to which I referred a couple of babies. It's a great shame Pam didn't have more time to do her wonderful work - what a loss of knowledge. My condolences to her family!

I will always remember her as a great teacher and a very approachable, kind person!

Julia Solovieva

ABM breastfeeding counsellor and midwife

I would like to say Thankyou to everyone for all there nice words and thoughtful words. She was a great mum and is very very missed.

I just wish she could have got to see her granchild (which is due in June) as she always wanted to be a Nan and would have been a fantastic one, and I am gutted it will never get to know my Mum and gutted myself that all the help & experiance she has given people over the years will not be coming my way when the baby is born. 

Chris Lacey

(Oldest Son)

I just remember what an awesome and inspiring lady Pam was - she gave her time and knowledge to answer the most basic questions with sympathy and tact and understanding.