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In memory of Peter Dunn

Posted on 2nd October 2019 at 12:20

Friends of Cerebral Palsy Midlands, it is with great sadness, that we announce the passing of our longest serving friend and citizen, Peter Dunn.

Peter was born in Mary Stevens Maternity in Stourbridge in 1943 and attended Cradley Secondary Modern School in Halesowen in his younger years.

Peter joined MSA, now Cerebral Palsy Midlands, in his late teens and he had been a member for over fifty years. In the earlier years at CPM, there are recorded experiences of him playing cricket, football, gardening, making and weaving baskets, cleaning, horse riding and being a general helper for the staff at the centre. He was a very independent man; it was only in the last few years as he become a bit more unstable on his feet that he found himself in a wheelchair.

He had fond memories of his earlier years at CPM, here are some words he said in an interview for the ‘Fulfilment Through Achievement: The History of Cerebral Palsy Midlands and its community of people’ Heritage Book published in 2014, Peter said:

“Yes. I got involved ‘cos I know the staff and – I enjoy working ‘ere and to begin with, it was canework and I made orders for – for different people and – I enjoy coming here and – it’s been an experience for me, you see. And – the staff is very nice and – the people – the people in the community and – I like it very much and – I enjoy coming to the centre every day and – doing things. I started off with making trays and – and other things and I like it very much.”

Everyone was fond of Peter

It was clear Peter enjoyed his time here as he went on to say;

“Yes – I had a wonderful life and – I – I enjoyed coming here, as I said, and – and I get on well with other people, they get on well with me you see, and – and – and they welcome me for the first time I did – I didn’t know - some of the people when I started first and – now they welcome me with open arms.”

Peter was a very helpful and kind man; he was always offering to help and support friends and staff. He was a friendly face in CPM and would welcome everyone who came into the centre.

Peter made many friends here, he had a passion for horse-riding with the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), swimming, singing with his ‘Being Heard Music group friends with tutor Richard Ganner and his Friday Karaoke sessions where he would be singing ‘Flying without wings’ lyrics from Westlife. He was a very active man and had a really fulfilling life, going on holidays, travelling and getting out into the community. We have so many fond memories of our beloved friend and we will miss him dearly.

Peter Dunn’s funeral will take place at 11.00am on Tuesday 8th October at Stourbridge crematorium.

If any one would like to get in touch please contact please email: Centre Manager Gary Watson gary@cpmids.org.uk or telephone 0121 427 3182.