Phillipa used to go with her father on his rounds and she was always impressed with his belief that every child is special and with his very positive approach to the families who had disabled children. Phillipa was once invited to the birthday party of a physically and mentally handicapped girl; her father told her to treat the girl like anyone else and above all, to make sure that she really enjoyed the party. When Phillipa's son Simon was born with Hydrocephalus, her life changed, but thanks to her father, she had already adopted the right attitude towards disability; this was to stand her in good stead, and prepare her for her future work. Mrs. Phillipa Russell (nee Stoneham) O.B.E. is now the principal officer for the National Children's Bureau, London, which is connected with work for handicapped children. Phillipa's brother, Marshall, (Dr. A.M. Stoneham), is Division Head of Material Physics and Metallurgy at Harwell A.E.R.E.
A commemorative brass plaque now hangs near the Maternity Ward in Furness General Hospital. The inscription reads....
"In Memory of Garth Stoneham M.B.Ch.B.F.RC.O.G. (1905 -1985). First Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist to the Furness Hospitals (1939-1970) and Freeman of the Borough of Barrow in Furness who developed the services in this specialty locally and who largely planned their provision in this Hospital".
"In Memory of Garth Stoneham M.B.Ch.B.F.RC.O.G. (1905 -
A fitting tribute to a great man ....one of.... "Our Barrovians"
Afterword 2011
Garth Stoneham’s son sadly died aged 70 in February 2011. He was born in Barrow in 1940 and he was educated at Barrow Grammar School. Professor Marshall Stoneham was Emeritus Massey Professor of Physics in the London Centre of Nanotechnology and the Department of Physics and Astronomy at University College London where he was an Honorary Fellow. He was a Senior Fellow in the Department of Materials in Oxford. His wife Doreen who was also a physicist spoke of his encyclopaedic knowledge, intellect and expertise,
Visit the web site Marshall Stoneham: 1940-2011 – physicsworld.com for more information and a photograph. www. physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/45160
Garth Stoneham’s daughter Phillippa was also born in Barrow. She was appointed Dame of the British Empire in 2009. She was the first Director of CDC – the Council for Disabled Children, when it was founded in 1974 where she advocated for the improvement of services for disabled children and young people, having personally experienced the need to improve the quality or services for both disabled people and their carers.
Sir Paul Ennals, Chief Executive, NCB had this to say about Phillippa’s award.
“This award is a testimony to Phillippa’s dedication to promoting the rights of disabled children and young people and to raising the standards of care services for both them and their families across the country.”
Sir Paul Ennals, Chief Executive, NCB had this to say about Phillippa’s award.
“This award is a testimony to Phillippa’s dedication to promoting the rights of disabled children and young people and to raising the standards of care services for both them and their families across the country.”
Garth Stoneham’s son and daughter have both had brilliant careers.
Like Father, Like Son and Daughter.
Like Father, Like Son and Daughter.
Dr.Vaidya Mrs.Stoneham Mr. Stoneham Mrs.Vaidya