Tributes to a generous, loving mother

May 16 2008 by Naomi Dunning, Chester Chronicle

TRIBUTES have been paid to “a loving mother, a generous hearted woman, and a human being of indescribable bravery”.

In the five years since her daughter’s death, Pauline Campbell campaigned tirelessly for prison reform, earning the respect and admiration of her peers.

Yesterday, some of the organisations she worked with paid tribute to their former colleague.

Prison Reform Trust director, Juliet Lyon, said: “Pauline Campbell campaigned bravely and tirelessly to save other families from having to endure the unbearable pain of losing a child through suicide in prison.

“She tried so hard to make a difference. The only way to respond to her death is to make sure people do understand how cruel it is to imprison vulnerable women, particularly those with mental health needs.”

Inquest is an organisation which supports families of those who die in custody.

Its co-director, Deborah Coles, said: “Having worked closely with Pauline since her daughter Sarah’s death in 2003, we were acutely aware of the impact the investigation and inquest had on her as she uncovered the horrendous circumstances in which Sarah died in HMP Styal.”

Pauline was a trustee of the Howard League for Penal Reform.

Director of the League, Frances Crook, said yesterday: “Pauline Campbell was a loving mother, a generous-hearted woman, and a human being of indescribable bravery.

“Pauline was also the single most effective and inspiring campaigner for penal reform in recent years. Her uniquely courageous voice will live on, as it must, for as long as injustice remains in our society.”