Margaret Harrison, founder of the family support charity Home-Start, passed away on Sunday 16 August.

Harrison started the charity in 1973 and led it for 25 years. It was the fastest growing social franchise in the UK during the 1980s, with branches across the UK and on British military bases in Germany and Cyprus.

In 1988 she launched Home-Start International, expanding the charity to a further 22 countries including Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Japan and Australia.

James Sainsbury, chair of Home-Start, said: “The 25 years of Margaret’s leadership seemed blessed. There was patronage from Princess Diana and then Princess Alexandra; endorsement of Home-Start’s approach from archbishops, authors such as Sue Townsend, academics, army colonels, ministers and prime ministers; and constant enquiries from groups wanting to set up a Home-Start in their community; recognising the immense value of the approach. Always, at the heart of the charity, were children and families.”

Chief executive Rob Parkinson said Harrison remained actively involved with the charity even after her resignation.

“Margaret remained actively involved in the charity. Regular updates with me, attending the Home-Start International Convention in Oslo in 2014, and accepting as many invitations to speak at the AGMs of local Home-Starts as she could. Most recently she agreed to judge an award in her name for outstanding family support amongst Home-Start volunteers.  

“The fact that she was doing this as her own health faltered and recovered, and while she cared increasingly for Basil, her beloved husband of more than four decades, is testament to her phenomenal energy, kindness and resilience.”

Harrison was awarded an OBE in 1989 and a CBE in 2001.