The FitzRoy charity in Petersfield remembers its pioneering female founder to mark Women’s History Month.

More than sixty years ago, Elizabeth FitzRoy founded the charity’s first ever service on the Hampshire-Surrey border.

It all started when her son Michael, was diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome, and she was horrified to be told that he would fare better locked away in an institution.

Elizabeth went into battle, joining forces with other parents of children with learning disabilities, determined that Michael should get the education and choices that other children had.

She campaigned across the country, passionate in her belief that people with learning disabilities should lead ordinary lives and have the support they need to fulfil their potential.

As Michael got older and flourished, Elizabeth decided to do something about the institutions where so many people with learning disabilities were expected to live. She pioneered the idea of family-sized homes that enabled people with learning disabilities to receive individual support in a comfortable environment.

In 1962, her dream became a reality when Donec, a small children’s home in Grayshott, came up for sale and through contacts and fundraising, FitzRoy launched its first service.

The charity said: “Sixty years on, demand for these homes and services is bigger than ever, FitzRoy now supports more than 800 people with learning disabilities, autism and mental health issues in over 100 homes and services across England. The values shown by Elizabeth FitzRoy remain the values of FitzRoy today.”

Philippa was six-years-old when she came to live at Donec and she celebrated her 65th birthday there last year.

Her sister Caroline said: “Donec has always been a very happy home for Phillipa, thanks to the love and dedication of the staff. She lives such a fulfilled life at Donec, from annual holidays to theatre outings to wrestling matches!”

Article and image reproduced with permission of FitzRoy.