Posted on: 27 July, 2016
It is with a great deal of sadness that I return from a memorial service commemorating the life and passing of Annie Dixon, a co-founder of Cranstoun.
It is sad that someone that spent her life giving to and helping others, with such good humour, energy and grace is no longer with us. However, it is also well worth celebrating a life, well-lived by someone who gave so much to those around her and across her community.
It was in the late 1960s that Annie, together with her husband Dr Michael Dixon and friend Stephen O’Brien, started what was to become Cranstoun House, a residential rehabilitation service for those affected by alcohol and drug addiction. Responding to the needs of a heroin-dependent young man from Michael’s General Practice, with ‘love and normality’ and then providing him with a safe home environment were the acts of an individual that founded a national charity, Cranstoun.
Celebrated in today’s eulogies, tributes, readings and memories was a life that had a huge impact for good, on so many, in so many different ways.
On behalf of all those that Cranstoun has been able to help and support with ‘love and normality’ over the years, thank you to Annie, her family and friends. On behalf of Cranstoun, our thanks and thoughts are offered to Michael, his family and friends and a glass is raised in fond farewell to you, Annie.
Steve Rossell, Chief Executive