Mary Taylor lived through two world wars and a global flu pandemic, but it is her volunteering, campaigning, fundraising and dedication to local charities that she will be best remembered for. 

One of seven children, Mary was the last remaining daughter of William and Sarah Gough of the well-known William Gough and Sons Limited construction specialists in Wolverhampton. 



She was one of the first volunteers at the cities Compton Care (then Compton Hospice) when it opened its doors for patients living with complex and incurable illnesses. Over the course of 25 years, Mary volunteered at the Wolverhampton-based charity on its Inpatient Unit, as well as promoting its work and fundraising at events as a stallholder.

Sadly, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, Mary became unwell and was transferred to Compton Care where she died on March 30, just three months before her 105th birthday. Now her granddaughter, Jenni Smith is taking on a mammoth challenge in her memory alongside husband Will and best friend Leanne to raise funds for Compton. Jenni said:

“My Nan has always been so incredibly strong, and we have always been extremely close. She had the most caring nature and beautiful spirit and always left a huge impression wherever she went and would put the welfare of others before herself. She was so loved by us all and her joy for life was infectious.

“When she was transferred to Compton, I doubted whether there would be anyone still working there when she was a volunteer, so I was astonished when a nurse, Adrian, entered the room and informed me that they had worked together before and had had so much fun together during their shifts.

"Over the next few days more and more staff came in saying they knew Mary or had heard of her. It was so emotional for me to hear that and to be amongst people who knew and loved her. It made me incredibly proud of her as I always have been. 

“We remained at Compton for four days, Nan died on Monday 30th March at 8:10pm. The staff cared for me as much as they cared for Nan. I didn’t leave her side from the moment she arrived, and I was given meals and drinks and quite often a face would pop in the door just to ask how I was. 



“The Covid restrictions meant that it was not possible for Nan to have other family members come visit, so as a result I was on my own. I gained strength from the visits from Compton’s Rev. Elaine who was wonderful. I find words inadequate to express the depth of gratitude I feel towards all the staff at Compton, not just for me and my wonderful Nan but for everyone who receives their care and support at what, for many, is at the most difficult time."

Mary would have been 105-years-old on June 28, so Jenni, her best friend Leanne and husband Will have decided to honour those years in miles. Leanne and Jenni will be running 105 miles and Will, a keen cyclist, will be cycling 1050 miles throughout the month of June.


Leanne and Jenni have been friends for 15 years, with Mary often referring to Leanne as her adopted granddaughter. The two are both keen runners having ran the Virgin London Marathon together in 2017. However, with Leanne living in Yorkshire and Jenni in Wolverhampton, they will be tracking their miles through the Strava app and will try to run some distances together despite being in different counties. 



Meanwhile, Will has taken part in various cycling events, including the iconic European Sportive, La Marmotte Granfondo in the French Alps in 2016. Upon finishing the race, he called Jenni at the top of the Alpe d’Huez to propose to her. They married the following year with Mary as their guest of honour.

The group’s fundraising target is to raise £1,050 for Compton Care. Jenni added:

"I am sure my nan would have been very proud as we move forward to raise money to support this fantastic cause that was so dear to her heart. We felt it very fitting to use her 105 fabulous years to set our milestones, both physically and financially. 

"We are very excited to take part in ‘Mary’s 105 Compton Challenge’ and with each pedal turn and trainer clad step, we will remember her and pay tribute to her extraordinary life."


To keep up to date with Jenni’s progress. or to donate to her fundraiser, you can visit her JustGiving page.