Tributes paid to 'remarkable' Peterborough reverend and charity founder Carol Avery

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A memorial service for Reverend Carol Avery will take place on October 8 at Peterborough Cathedral.

Tributes have poured in following the passing of the Reverend Carol Avery BEM.

Carol was a much loved member of the community in Peterborough, particularly in her parishes of Stanground, Farcet and Fletton where she served as a Pioneer Priest.

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Carol passed away at aged 66 after a short illness earlier this month.

Reverend Carol Avery.Reverend Carol Avery.
Reverend Carol Avery.

Carol and her husband Andrew, the parish priest for Stanground, Farcet and Fletton dedicated their lives to helping others.

The charity also works closely with the Parish Pantry Carol set up, which not only delivers food to those in need but household items such as beds, cookers, washing machines and any other essentials required.

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The work of both organisations was particularly vital during the pandemic.

Reverend Carol Avery.Reverend Carol Avery.
Reverend Carol Avery.

Carol’s selfless charity work earned her a Community Involvement Award, along with Andrew, at the 2022 Civic Awards, handed out by Peterborough City Council.

She was also honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2019 with a for her work in the local community, through her work in the churches of St Mary Greenhithe and St Mary Stone, and the wider community.

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Carol- who was born in Kettering- and Andrew also spent time in Kent and Norfolk before arriving in Peterborough and this is where the work of Mary’s Child originally began before being extended into Peterborough.

She was ordained in 2018 and attended Theological College at St John’s in 2016.

Carol will also be remembered locally for being a frequent visitor to and Governor of St Michael’s Church School in Stanground.

Reverend Andrew Avery said: “Carol was a remarkable lady. She just identified a need and did something about it. If somebody was in need, Carol would try to plug that gap.

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“She always wanted to find a solution to someone else’s problem. She had a real can-do attitude. It was always say yes we can help and we’ll work out how we can do it afterwards.

“She had a real heart for people and those who were on the margins of society. I am very proud of my wife and the legacy she has left behind.”

The Diocese of Ely, in which Carol conducted her ministry, paid tribute by saying: “Her ministry in this diocese over the last five years has been marked by great warmth, courage and faith.

"Working alongside her husband, Andrew, she led the three parishes and a charity, Mary’s Child, which has played a significant role in supporting vulnerable and marginalised people across Peterborough.

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“Please hold Andrew and their family, as well as the parishes, in your prayers, as we thank God for Carol’s life and ministry. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.”

Among the other members of the local community to pay tribute was Stanground South ward councillor Chris Harper.

Cllr Harper said: “Such a selfless lady, one would struggle to identify anyone together with her husband Reverend Andrew, as being so utterly committed to their community and those in most need as the founders of the Mary’s Child Charity not just here in our ward but across the city.

“Her infectious work ethic was evident from the first day me and my wife Rita met her she inspired so many to come forward and help.

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“I hope her family can find some comfort in knowing that so many of us loved Carol and will miss her dearly and will promise to carry on her great work bringing the community together whilst helping those in greatest need.”

A spokesperson for Mary’s Child added: “Carol founded Mary’s Child charity and has touched the hearts of so many people. She was a remarkable lady and will be sadly missed.”

St Michael’s Church School added: “Reverend Carol was well known to the staff and children. She was a frequent attender at school events and Collective Worship, Community Café and through her Charity work, Mary’s child, she was instrumental in organizing the local food bank as well as direct support to families in need. She was also a Governor of the school, chairing the Children’s Committee.

“We have set up a Just Giving page for donations towards Mary’s Child Charity, and a book of condolences has been made available in the school entrance hall.”

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Carol’s funeral service will take place on Tuesday October 8 at 1pm at Peterborough Cathedral.

In keeping with Carol’s wishes, guests have been requested to wear something colourful, and clergy are invited to sit with guests in the congregation.

The service will be led by the Acting Bishop of Ely the Right Reverend Dr Dagmar Winter.

Donations can be made to Mary’s Child online or on the day of the service.

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