On International Woman’s Day we reflect on some amazing women who have influenced the health and wellbeing of people across Britain.
Florence Nightingale (1820–1910)
Florence Nightingale transformed nursing into a respected profession. She established hygiene and sanitation practices that drastically reduced death rates in hospital.
Marie Stopes (1880–1958)
Marie Stopes founded the first birth control clinic in the UK in 1921, providing women with family planning services and education. Her efforts have had a lasting impact on women’s health and autonomy.
Marie Curie (1867–1934)
Marie Curie discovered radium and polonium, leading to advancements in cancer treatment. She went on to create the Marie Curie charity, which continues to provide care and support for terminally ill patients in the UK.
Dame Cicely Saunders (1918–2005)
Dame Cicely founded the first modern hospice and established a culture of palliative care. She introduced pain management and promoted the idea that dying people need dignity, compassion, and respect.
Anne McLaren (1927–2007)
Anne McLaren’s research led to the development of IVF. She worked with many families in Britain and beyond to conceive through assisted reproductive technologies.
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Pioneering women continue to innovate for future generations. If you are working hard to improve health outcomes for people across Britain, please join our mailing list and consider applying for a grant when the funding window is open.