About the Founder 

Maureen Booth-Martin

Early Advocacy and Medical Campaigns

By June 2012, Maureen Booth-Martin had worked resolutely for thirty years in the voluntary sector — and continues to serve as a dedicated volunteer across a wide field of need, from medical equipment shortages to bullying in schools.

Her journey began in 1982, fundraising for local charities. In June 1985, her six-week-old baby developed life-threatening breathing difficulties known as Apnoea Attacks, which can result in fatalities in newborns. Within days of admission to Llandough Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit, Maureen discovered a critical shortage of Apnoea Alarms — devices that trigger a piercing siren within seconds of a baby stopping breathing.

Maureen launched an urgent campaign, joining forces with the local Police Service and Cardiff communities to raise funds. Despite each alarm costing approximately £2,000, her efforts secured ample supplies for Llandough and other baby units across Cardiff. Families with high-risk infants — including those vulnerable to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) — received alarms free of charge.

She went on to initiate the Llandough Hospital CT Scanner Appeal, later funded by Welsh children’s cancer charity LATCH, with Maureen’s contributions supporting building work and maintenance. Her final fundraising efforts for the Radiology Department resulted in the purchase of a Piggostat X-ray machine for newborns — sourced from the USA, with additional funds raised for transport and installation.

The remaining funds were used to purchase a stereo system for the children’s cancer unit, allowing young patients to listen to music during treatment.

Respiratory Support and Community Impact

Maureen continued fundraising, donating numerous travelling Nebulisers to local hospitals for children and young people with chronic asthma. These devices reduced hospital admissions and finally allowed families to take short breaks and holidays — a previously impossible option.

Anti-Bullying Advocacy and CURB’s Origins

Maureen’s next focus was bullying in schools. At the time, the only support she could find was Kidscape, based in London. During a traumatic period for her family, Kidscape offered vital guidance — and in return, Maureen became their main volunteer for Wales.

This led to the creation of the Cardiff Anti-Bullying Initiative (CABI). By 1991, its overwhelming success prompted Maureen to restructure the helpline, expanding services for parents of children affected by bullying. Thus, CURB (Children Under Risk from Bullying) — Wales’ first and only anti-bullying organisation — was born.

Despite her family commitments, Maureen continued organising fundraising events for other local charities in need.

Jonathan’s Story & Community Action

A Family Tragedy and a Promise Kept

In January 1993, Maureen was deep into another fundraising mission — working to secure thousands of pounds to send nine seriously ill children from Cardiff Royal Infirmary’s Renal Unit on their first-ever holiday. The plan included nursing staff, a specialist dietician, and vital medical equipment to keep the children alive during their trip.

But on June 15th, 1993, tragedy struck. Maureen’s youngest son, Jonathan, then eight years old, was mowed down by a hit-and-run driver. She stood helpless as paramedics resuscitated him at the roadside — the driver had left him to die.

Jonathan suffered catastrophic head injuries. After hours of surgery, Maureen was told her son would remain in a permanent vegetative state — a prognosis that would have broken many.

But Maureen honoured her pledge. She completed the fundraising and ensured the children went to Euro Disney for four days. They had a fantastic time.

From Grief to Action

While Jonathan remained in hospital, local residents approached Maureen with concerns about speeding and anti-social behaviour in their area. They had written to authorities for 18 months — to no avail.

Maureen met with them on hospital grounds. With their support, she founded the Mynachdy Tenants and Residents Action Group, which quickly expanded into the Mynachdy, Gabalfa & Maindy Community Action Group (MGM).

Rehabilitation and Recognition

During the acute phase of Jonathan’s brain injuries, Maureen discovered there were no rehabilitation units for children — only adults. She gathered information from adult centres and designed her own programme for Jonathan: daily physiotherapy, simple achievement targets, and eventually a more vigorous schedule to strengthen areas of weakness.

Over nineteen years, Maureen’s persistence led to exceptional outcomes. Jonathan achieved outstanding academic results, securing a place at the University of Glamorgan in 2011 and progressing to his second year.

Her dedication was formally recognised by the Court of Protection/Public Guardianship Office, which commended her as an unpaid Court Appointed Deputy for Jonathan — honouring her unwavering commitment to his safety and wellbeing.

Her son — known here as Cub — remains at the heart of her legacy.

Maureen has seen him endure more than his fair share of trials and setbacks, each one more daunting than the last. Yet through every reversal, every silence, every system that looked away, her Cub never gave up.

His courage, humour, and quiet strength give her the resolve to keep going — to protect her child from further harm, even when others seem determined to inflict it.

This page closes with pride.

A mother’s pride.

And a vow that his story will never be buried.

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