The world is a better place with Mary Dobbie in it.

It is a world…

…Where baby Margaret, who was found under a bridge in the dead of winter, was adopted into a happy home by two parents who adore her.

…Where an abused teen received the support she needed to pursue a career in law enforcement and is now empowered to protect the vulnerable.

…Where a heart broken young girl learns powerful lessons in self-love and, at the same time, becomes so adept at dressmaking that she was able to sew the stunning dress she wore to her matric farewell.

…Where a little boy arrives battered, bruised and caked is in own feces and is welcomed with a warm hug and an outpouring of love.

For more than 30 years, Mary has been a beacon of hope to abused women and children in Northern KwaZulu-Natal …

Pouring her blood, sweat and tears into providing a safe sanctuary where the broken and discarded can retreat, heal, and eventually, thrive.

To every single person who has crossed the threshold at the Newcastle Crisis Centre, Mary has been a mother, offering unconditional love, empathy and wisdom.

A lifetime dedicated to serving others

Mary relocated to Newcastle, NKZN, in 1975 from the UK after her husband was appointed as a factory supervisor at Iscor.

She first worked for Newcastle businessman, John Lamberti, at Pioneer Bakery, where she assisted with the cashing up after her children were in bed for the night.

When her children were a bit older, Mary worked as assistant manager at CNA (stationers), then as a bookkeeper at Holiday Inn, and later on, as customer services advisor at Pick n Pay.

During this time, Mary was a member of St John’s and did volunteer work for ‘A Place of Safety for Women and Children of Crime’. Unfortunately, the organisation closed down due to lack of funding.

When Mary retired from Pick n Pay in 1997, her manager asked her, “What are you going to do now?”

“It’s not ‘what I’m going to do now’,” she responded. “It’s what you’re going to do for me. I’m opening up a crisis centre and you’re going to help me.”

“I’ve always had a passion for people. I want to make everyone happy. I want to empower people and make them stronger,” explains Mary.

Mary established the Newcastle Crisis Centre in 1998, but was only able to register the centre with the Department of Social Development seven years later.

One of the requirements for registration was to have a qualified social worker on board.

Through distance learning, Mary qualified as a social auxiliary worker in 2005, and the Newcastle Crisis Centre was officially recognised by government as a place of safety for women and children.

Between 25 and 30 women and children are assisted at the Newcastle Crisis Centre every month.

“It’s been a sad, crying, happy, laughing journey …And it’s been amazing,” says Mary. “Every moment has been special. Just for one person to say thank you in any language makes life so special. I’ve had a really good life.” 

Aptly described in an article published in the Newcastle Advertiser in 2016 as the town’s ‘patron saint of women and children in need’, Mary has dedicated her life to helping others and will continue to do so for as long as she has breath in her lungs and for as long as her caring, compassionate heart still beats.

Now the woman who helped thousands needs help

Last week, Mary was diagnosed with cancer of the gallbladder, which has also spread to her liver.

Without timeous medical intervention Mary’s time may be cut short.

She does not have the funds to finance her treatment and recovery and relying on the public health care system means long waiting periods in between appointments.

With a 9cm mass invading her organs and no medical aid, for the first time in her life, Mary is the one who is vulnerable and afraid. For the first time, she is the one who needs help.

“I have to get better so I can get back to work,” she smiles. “My community needs me.” 

Mary’s heart is a place where hope lives eternally. The world is a better place with Mary Dobbie in it.

To make a contribution towards Mary’s medical costs or even just send a message of support, contact Lynn Duthie on 082 575 9226 or use the following banking details:

• Acc holder: B. Schwab
• Bank: Capitec bank
• Account no: 2553292127
• Reference: Mary Dobbie

Listen: Close friend, Juanita Bezuidenhoud sahres a heartfelt message:

Click here to read what family and friends have to say about Mary Dobbie

The news provided to you in this link has been investigated and compiled by the editorial staff of the Newcastle Advertiser, a sold newspaper distributed in the Newcastle area. Please follow us on Youtube and feel free to like, comment, and subscribe. For more local news, visit our webpage, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and follow us on our WhatsApp Channel