Karen Duckmanton, a Witham resident who battled a rare condition, passed away. She’s remembered for her advocacy and spirit.
Karen learned about her condition at age seven after struggling to walk on a balance beam in a PE class. Despite this, Karen still lived a full life. She earned a law degree.
She worked at Citizens Advice for nearly two decades and also campaigned for better wheelchair access. Karen wanted quicker access to electric wheelchairs but faced rejection because she had some arm strength.
Neeru Naik, who directs services at Muscular Dystrophy UK, spoke about Karen’s impact, noting that she spoke softly but firmly. Wheelchairs with special features can be costly, ranging from £6,000 to £35,000.
Karen was also on the Joseph Patrick Trust panel, which provides grants for wheelchairs. In 2010, she supported MP David Anderson, as he raised wheelchair access in Parliament. Being quoted in Hansard made her proud.
She volunteered at Citizens Advice because she couldn’t work full-time. They recognized her potential quickly and adapted the office for her. Later, she became a paid supervisor, and Karen considered her coworkers family.
Two years prior to her death, her health declined. She also received a cancer diagnosis. Karen’s mother said she loved life and people. What annoyed her most was being ignored, when people spoke over her as if she wasn’t there.