Mrs Brenda Valerie Akester (née Dyer)

18 February 1931 – 2 November 2024

In Brenda’s memory, her family welcome donations in favour of the RNLI and MND Association

Brenda was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, a naturally bright girl who did well at school and came up to Cambridge University in 1950, joining Girton College. Here, she met Roger, her life-time soul mate and husband. They had three children, with whom they embarked on a series of adventures and travel.

In 1970, they took up sailing. Brenda was the family navigator and she was very aware of the dangers to a small yacht from weather, tides, commercial shipping, rocks and shifting sands. As the family sailed around Britain and across all the seas around the UK to other countries, it was a comfort to her to know there were lifeboats who could come to our aid if needed. Thankfully, we never did need them, but she always supported the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), who provide such a valuable and brave service to all seagoers.

Having been a very active person throughout her life, it was a cruel irony to lose the use of her legs and have symptoms of motor neurone disease diagnosed in her 90s. She remained stoic, intellectually bright, and mentally strong throughout her last few years of declining physical health. She managed to remain in her own flat with live-in care and supporting equipment from the NHS. She took pleasure in daily outings around Cambridge and enjoying visits from her family.

As a scientist and a former researcher herself at one time, she was interested in scientific research for health purposes and she supported the Motor Neurone Disease Association, particularly in the hope of understanding the causes of this debilitating disease and preventing its progression, as well as helping with practical care.

We are very grateful for all donations to her chosen charities.