Catherine the Great

My friend Catherine was one of those rare colleagues whose presence shaped the rhythm of a workplace. When she was diagnosed with lung cancer, she faced a reality that would have caused most people to step away from work completely. But Catherine chose a different path. Work gave her purpose, connection, and a sense of normality, and she was determined to hold onto that for as long as she could.

As Catherine’s illness progressed and the cancer spread to her bones, mobility became a challenge. She was no longer able to clerk in Crown Court, a role she had carried out with skill and pride. Yet Catherine remained undeterred. With the support and understanding of HMCTS, she continued to contribute in a meaningful way. The employer allowed her to work at her own pace and take on duties she felt able to manage safely. She threw herself into completing, checking, and correcting cases on the IT system - work that eased the pressure on other clerks and helped the whole team operate more smoothly.

Catherine was also a staunch PCS member, someone who supported every event, every picket line, and every action without hesitation. Presenting her with her PCS gold badge remains one of the most memorable moments, because she was so thrilled to receive it and she truly represented the values of solidarity, fairness, and perseverance.

Catherine passed away at just 49, far too soon. I miss her laugh and the fun we had but I take comfort in knowing that the support she received allowed her to maintain a sense of normal life until the end.

Her story, however, is not the story of all disabled workers in PCS. We must fight to ensure that those nearing the end of life are treated with dignity, respect, and genuine care. Catherine showed what is possible and we owe it to others to make that the standard.

Read more about Disability History Month and this year's theme of Disability, Life and Death.