A North Tyneside woman who 'blazed a trail' for disability rights in the UK will be honoured with a blue plaque at her childhood home in Whitley Bay.
Mary Greaves (1907-1983) was instrumental in the passage of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970, a landmark piece of legislation in the UK.
Born in Newcastle on April 23 1907, she contracted polio as a child, which left her severely disabled. Despite this, she pursued higher education and a successful career, earning a BSc in economics and a degree in sociology and statistics from the London School of Economics while working for the Ministry of Works.
After retiring, she focused on improving employment opportunities for disabled people, authoring the influential book Work and Disability in 1969.
She later became head of the Disablement Income Group and played a crucial role in the campaign for the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970.
Known for her practical and determined approach, she famously stated, "I don't want to sit at home having everyone be nice to me. I'd rather go out and do things and have people being nasty to me if they feel so inclined, and then I'll fight back."
Mary Greaves passed away on January 16, 1983, remembered as a courageous advocate who transformed disability rights in the UK.
The Blue Plaque will be unveiled on Thursday 18 July at 10.45am, at 2 Lish Avenue, the house where she grew up.
Baroness Joyce Quin, Member of the House of Lords, who nominated Mary for the Blue Plaque, will say a few words before the unveiling. She will be joined by North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Dame Norma Redfearn DBE and Professor John Heckels, one of Mary’s relatives.
Baroness Quin said: “Mary’s campaigning work to help people with disabilities brought about changes which have become an accepted and established part of British life. Her crucial role and achievements need to be highlighted, not forgotten, and for this reason, I am delighted to be asked to unveil a plaque commemorating her.”
North Tyneside’s Elected Mayor, Norma Redfearn DBE, said: “Mary Greaves was a trailblazer in her time, working tirelessly to ensure that individuals with disabilities received the recognition, respect, and opportunities they deserved.
“Her efforts have left a lasting impact on the community and continue to inspire and guide those advocating for equality and inclusion today, and we’re very proud of all that she achieved.”
Members of the public are welcome to attend the unveiling.