Ann Phillips, co-founder of AGSD-UK, passed away on Tuesday 20th October shortly after contracting COVID-19 in her care home. She was 86.
Although Ann retired from active involvement with AGSD-UK a few years ago, many members will remember her from Annual Conferences and other events.
Born five years before World War Two, Ann was raised in Nevada, USA, where she drove cattle with her father in the summer and attended school in Reno in the winter. She moved to California where she enjoyed the sciences and history and played the double bass. She obtained a Masters in Physics from Marquette University in Wisconsin. Her thesis was on the structure of an organic molecule. Ann found employment as a physicist for the US Navy in California and won a scholarship to Imperial College in London, where she met her husband-to-be and settled in the UK in 1965.
Ann’s fourth child Peter, born in 1972, was diagnosed with Von Gierke’s disease (GSD1a) and sadly died in 2008. It was Peter’s diagnosis and a chance meeting with Sue del Mar, the mother of another GSD1a child, that led to the formation of AGSD-UK.
Ann’s co-founder Sue del Mar commented:
“Ann was such an unusual person. So bright with many sensible ideas, very forthright and determined, not always easy to deal with but always with the best interests of AGSD-UK at heart. Looking back to that day when we first met it seems incredible that between us we pioneered the charity from just the two of us, for it to now be in its present position. It was quite a battle at times but together we kept going and she was so brave not to give up after Peter died. We all owe a lot to her courage and tenacity.”
AGSD-UK Trustee Ailsa Arthur commented:
“Ann’s drive and wisdom were instrumental in ensuring that everyone’s voice was heard.”
Ann is to be buried along with Peter’s ashes on Thursday 29th October in Mottram, near Glossop.
I was saddened to hear that Ann Phillips had died, as she was an inspiration in many ways. Co-founding AGSD UK with my mother Sue Del Mar, more than 40 years ago, Ann always had the interests of GSD patients and families in everything she did. She dedicated a huge amount of time and effort over many years helping GSD families to improve their understanding, management and quality of life with GSD. Ann had the intellect to comprehend and discuss complex medical matters and the determination to keep going when others would give up. Her selfless nature drove her to help others, as was the case when her own son Peter died, Ann continued with her lifelong work to help others with GSD. Thanks to Ann and my mother, many GSD families have better lives for which I will always be grateful. Patrick and the rest of Ann’s family should be extremely proud of what their mother achieved. My love and thoughts are with you.
We were sad to hear of Ann’s passing. She worked tirelessly for the Association over the years and will be missed by many.
Although we only met her at the AGM meetings, she always knew who we were.