Tributes paid to Peterborough nurse and Cancer Research fundraising hero Annette Beeton

Annette Beeton was a theatre sister, a beloved mum and a charity fundraiser who dedicated her life to helping others.

She had been living with vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s and sadly passed away at home surrounded by family on January 8. She was 84.

Annette leaves two daughters Sandra Beeton and Claire Moloney, grandson Finn and brother Robert Rowell. She was predeceased by husband Dr John Robert Beeton ‘Bob’– who was from Yaxley, Peterborough.

A career in nursing and working with patients undergoing cancer treatment motivated Annette to support the work of Cancer Research UK (CRUK).

She joined the The Burghley Park and Peterborough Ladies group over 40 years ago – a lunch club that organises fundraising events for CRUK. Five years later she was appointed chairman – a role which she remained in for an impressive 25 years before retiring in 2021. Since forming in 1974, the group has raised more than £1.5 million towards research into cancer, and played a vital role in funding the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Centre.

Annette was born in Northumberland on February 3, 1942, during a blizzard. Her family were farmers in Corbridge and Norfolk. When Annette decided she wanted to be a nurse she moved back to Northumberland, completing her training at the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle, where she met her future husband Bob – who was training to be a doctor.

The couple moved to Peterborough in the mid-1960s where Annette worked as a theatre sister in the Fitzwilliam Hospital and Peterborough District Hospital.

Involved in many clubs and organisations throughout her life, including girl guiding and the WI, Annette set up the Burghley Arts Society and became a governor for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust after retirement. Annette was also a guide at Burghley House for 32 years, a job she cherished.

In tribute, her daughter Sandra said: “She was just an extraordinary lady – and would do anything for anybody. How she had time to do everything that she did, I still don’t know.

“As a mum she was always really supportive of Claire and I, and would follow us around to our various hobbies, whether it was ice-skating, tennis, or the horses.

“So many people loved her and have wonderful memories of her. She was a phenomenal host, a fabulous cook and her dinner parties were legendary. She loved bringing people together.”

Speaking about what inspired Annette to support the work of CRUK, Sandra went on: “She showed us two letters she had kept from children on a cancer ward she worked on in Newcastle. Mum had been away on holiday and the children had written to her to say they wanted her to look after them, and asked her not to go away again. It meant so much to her. Her experiences in theatre and working with cancer patients inspired her to do whatever she could to make sure we got to a point where people don’t die of cancer anymore and can live with it – which is all CRUK is about.

"She was a very formidable lady – and an inspiration to many.”

Ann Hanson, chair of Burghley Park and Peterborough Ladies said: “I have known Annette Beeton for over 20 years, in all that time her strong motivation, and driving force, was to raise as much money for Cancer Research as possible.

It was because of Annette, and her determination, that all monies raised by the Ladies have always gone, and will continue to go, to the Scientists who work at The Cancer Research Institute in Cambridge. To date we have donated over £1.5 million - an achievement of which we are all extremely proud.

“I took over from Annette four years ago when she decided that due to ill health it was time for her to stand down. She has been a hard act to follow and will be sadly missed by us all.”

Gill Burgess, Relationship Manager for Cancer Research UK added: “Annette’s dedication and long standing commitment to Burghley Park and Peterborough Ladies for CRUK inspired everyone who had the pleasure of working alongside her. Her many years of steadfast leadership as Chair were truly invaluable, and it was always a joy to see her continue attending lunches and events even after stepping down from the role.

“Through her tireless efforts, Annette helped raise significant funds for CRUK, making a meaningful and lasting contribution to the charity’s work. Along the way, she built countless friendships and became an integral part of our community.

“Her absence will be felt deeply by all who knew her, and her legacy of kindness, commitment, and support will remain with us.”

• A memorial service for Annette will take place at St Martin’s Church in Stamford at 2pm on February 5.