Mary had lived in the town for most of her life with her husband Joe, who passed away five years ago, leaving their three children, Lynn, Lesley and Chris, together with three grandchildren, Jordan, Joe and Charlie.

Mary and Joe achieved great success in their business ventures, which included fruit and veg shops in the 1980s, and then property development, with their son Chris, who now has land and property holdings, both locally and nationally.

Alice House Hospice had been the chosen charity of Mary and Joe for over 20 years.  At the time of Joe’s death, his son Chris ‘stepped in’, and helped his mother to raise and donate money for the Hospice, so that patients are able to receive the highest quality of care.

Since Mary’s passing, family and friends have raised over £50,000 in donations, including gift aid, as a memorial in her name, which will be presented to the Hospice in the near future.

Chris intends to continue further financial support to the Hospice, in memory of his mother and father, with the help of his son, Joe junior, who will be the third generation of the family to assist the Alice House Hospice.

Chris Musgrave, in paying tribute to his mother said, “My mam loved Hartlepool and she never forgot where she was from, which is why she had so many happy memories of her life in the town.  She met my dad Joe, at The Rink Dance Hall in 1954, and they had a wonderful life together.  They worked hard and gave my two sisters and me the best upbringing.  We were lucky to have them as our mam and dad – whatever we have achieved is down to them.  I will miss my mam and she will always be in my thoughts”

Commenting on Alice House Hospice, Chris said, “The Hospice was a special place to my mam and dad, which is why they supported the charity from the day it opened.  The Memorial Fund in the name of my mam has received £50,000, which will be presented to the Hospice in the near future.  I am very grateful to everyone for their kind donations, as Alice House provide a vital service and is a ‘jewel in the crown’ of Hartlepool.”

Quote from Tracy Woodall,  Chief Executive of Alice House, “We are honoured that we were able to care for Mary at the end of her life and it is fitting that she was here in a place that was close to her heart.

Mary and Joe were wonderful supporters and friends of Alice House for many years.  They donated a great deal of money, so that our facilities could be enhanced, but they also gave their time, in visiting the Hospice regularly.  The donation of £50,000 is the largest in memorial amount the Hospice has received in its history, and it will assist us greatly in providing care to people who are seriously ill.  I am very grateful to the Musgrave family and all those people who have contributed to Mary’s Memorial Fund for their kindness and generosity, it shows how much Mary was loved and respected by all who knew her.”