The Lady Hoare Thalidomide Appeal

Correspondence and papers.

The Lady Hoare Thalidomide Appeal had been launched as a national appeal in 1960, by Lady Hoare, at the time the Mayoress of London. In 1963 she became the President of the Thalidomide Society and some three years later, also the Chairman.

The Society and what became known as the Lady Hoare Trust worked closely together 1962-1973. During this time the Society was able to build up resources from which donations were made to the Lady Hoare Trust. Surplus funds of the Society were invested, the income allowing the Society to continue to function.

Through the Trust's team of welfare social workers, Lady Hoare Trust funds were used to help and support thalidomide families. Funds were also used to sponsor research into artificial limbs, a special typewriter (POSSUM) and an electric car; for the holiday home at Pevensey; and for an insurance scheme to last 21 years, which completed its term in 1988.

Lady Hoare died in 1973. The next year, following the compensation settlement and the setting up of the Thalidomide Trust, the trustees of the Lady Hoare Trust felt they could no longer care for thalidomide young people and the Society and the Lady Hoare Trust went their separate ways.

1962-1996

7 files