Hundreds of grateful Horsham mums share fond memories of ‘angel’ midwife

Ann O’Donoghue, who died at Worthing Hospital last month, delivered more than 400 babies in Horsham.

She worked at Horsham Maternity Unit and then as a community midwife in the town.

News of Ann’s death has sparked many fond memories from mums and grandmas throughout the area.

More than 200 have taken to West Sussex County Times’ Facebook page to share their thanks for Ann’s caring work.

Emma Clifford told how Ann had saved her son’s life. “She helped deliver both my sons at home and prevented one from being strangled in the process, so I owe her a lot. Rest in Peace Ann.”

Tina Gasson posted: “The world has lost another angel x x RIP Ann and thankyou for all the love and support you gave me during 2 of my pregnancies and the wonderful aftercare you gave to us all x x x .”❤

Sallyanne King said: “Such a special lady, I will never forget how she cried with us shortly after the birth of our first daughter,”

Helen Davey posted: “Such wonderfull stories of our dear sweet Ann ... Pat and Ann were absolutely amazingly empathetic with me when I went through the heartbreak of losing my first daughter at birth.

“Ann carried on visiting me at home for a long time just sitting with me and crying.

“I remember her bringing me Savoy Cabbage leaves to stuff down my bra to dry my milk up!!!

“She was later my 2nd daughter’s midwife. I will miss our little chats whenever I served her and she never forgot the story of those cabbage leaves. An amazing lady always happy and great to joke with. I shall miss her.”

Deirdre Baulch added: “An amazing lovely lady. I was lucky to have her with me with for all three of my girls. She loved her dogs and remember seeing her when I worked at Farthings Vets, always seemed to bump into her and she remembered everyone. God Bless lovely lady and thank you xxx”

Lee Pratt remembered: “Sister O’Donoghue delivered my second baby in 1983. She was wonderful and so caring. Introduced me to Guinness! Condolences to her family.”

Carole Gearing said: “She was such a lovely lady and my favourite midwife. I was lucky to have Ann look after me with all my pregnancies.

“She always had time to listen even though she was often very busy. Didn’t mind telling me off sometimes too!!”❤

Carrie Blackman added: “Ann was midwife for two of my children, She was such a wonderful caring lady, She had an infectious smile that would brighten any room.”

Jenny Brown said: “Such a lovely lady I remember her when I was expecting my son she was amazing, always there to listen and help with a great sense of humour she will be missed by so many xx”

Julie Avis said: “Ann was so lovely ..she helped me through 3 pregnancies at Horsham Hospital.. they broke the mould when they made her a midwife.”

Laura Elkins-green said: “She was my midwife and Such a lovely lady. She always stopped for a chat whenever I saw her and always asked after my girls. She really was one in a million.”

Debbie Lansberry added: “Ann was my wonderful midwife for my successful home birth of my daughter. I would never have done it with any other midwife. So so saddened, a true angel in life, and forever more an angel.

Ann’s daughter Claire and son Simon thanked those who had shared memories of their mother. “Both my brother and I are overwhelmed and humbled by the responses,” said Claire.