A Tribute, thank you Sue and Frank McDermott

 In tribute to Sue McDermott (OBE) Patron, and formally National Director, Non- Executive Director for Rainbows Bereavement Support GB

Special thanks to Frank McDermott (husband to Sue and Patron of Rainbows) for his help in providing valuable information

It is perhaps difficult to know where to start when writing about Sue McDermott (OBE) who for, over 25 years, has lived and breathed Rainbows in various guises, before retiring in 2020 and continuing to support Rainbows as a Patron. In 2017 Sue’s work in education and supporting children and young people grieving a significant loss was recognised and she was awarded the O.B.E.

Sue and Frank have been married for 45 years, and have 4 grown up children and 7 grandchildren. It seems fitting to use Frank’s words to demonstrate the outstanding work Sue has done for Rainbows in its 30^th year in Great Britain.

“Sue’s contribution to education and the lives of children, young, people and their families is inspirational. Sue has enhanced the lives of hundreds of children and young people in many different roles. In her voluntary role as Brown Owl within the Guide Movement, leading and facilitating Parent and Toddler Groups, being a church welcomer, an ESL tutor and a bereavement support volunteers, all within the community of South Yorkshire and especially Stainforth in Doncaster”

As an educator, Sue has opened doors to adults with special needs, developed their reading skills, life skills and developed their self-esteem, confidence and personality. In her teaching roles and especially in her roles as Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher in schools in areas of social deprivation, she dramatically helped improve standards, behaviour and aspirations but even more importantly through her determined and passionate presence, she enhanced the self-esteem and emotional development of her pupils, their ability to form and sustain relationships and their inclusion in school life – all important characteristics of healthy mental well-being.

Her greatest national contribution and impact however has been her work over twenty five years for Rainbows Bereavement Support GB with children and young people grieving a significant and often devastating loss in their lives.

For 25 years Sue listened to those grieving; gave hope where there was despair; calmed the angry; challenged the depressed; and encouraged and supported acceptance of the loss and belief in life itself.

Her practical experience and expertise, her depth of understanding, empathy, personal warmth and wisdom which she has openly shared with those grieving, have had a huge impact on the thousands of lives she has touched.

Because of her inspirational leadership, rigorous management, enthusiasm and wisdom as National Director, she enabled Rainbows Bereavement Support GB to touch the lives of many more grieving children and young people throughout Great Britain.

Sue transformed and deepened the professionalism of the charity, developing a highly successful strategic sense of direction, increasing the number of vibrant, highly credible regional structures, revising training programmes, oversaw the development of new programmes and resources and forged excellent relationships with many different agencies and organisations.

Finally we leave the last words to Sue (on receiving her OBE)

“I’m delighted to accept this honour on behalf of Rainbows and everyone who contributes to our important work to grieving children and young people.”

 “From my own personal experience I’ve always acknowledged that the loss of someone significant in our lives has massive life changing implications.  It’s so very important that all those grieving have the opportunity to express their feelings to someone they trust in a safe, secure setting.”

“To be able to help grieving children and young people express their feelings and develop coping strategies is essential. Every grieving child and young person needs to be understood and supported appropriately. Not to do so may well have a negative impact on their mental health and general well-being. That’s why I’m so delighted to accept the honour – Rainbows matters!”