Mary Baum was an inveterate writer, ready to turn her hand to anything – from letters to local newspapers to plays and pantomimes. Humorous verse came easily. She wrote for family, friends and for the sheer joy of creating. But her greatest desire was to be recognised as a more serious poet. In her lifetime, Mary’s poetry had limited exposure but she was not without some small successes over the years. She was still writing right up to a few days before she died on 23 March 2016. Not Running, Only Walking brings together a selection of Mary’s verse and poetry so that a wider audience can now enjoy her work.

Every penny donated or received from the sale of Mary's book will go directly to Macmillan Specialist Palliative Care Services at Midhurst Community Hospital, who looked after Mary during her illness.

Macmillan do so much to support people with cancer and other life-limiting conditions, and the Midhurst Macmillan team provides the most amazing care at home to patients in Surrey, Hampshire and West Sussex.  

Every £500 raised  pays for a syringe driver, a support worker for 2 weeks or a Clinical Nurse Specialist for a week.

If you've enjoyed Mary's book and wish to show your appreciation, you can do so by donating to the Midlhurst Macmillan charity, in Mary's name.