Remembering the life and times of a true champion of Sale

T he late Jane Baugh was a high-profile public figure in Sale but kept her illness private until her death three months ago.

Her husband Peter has revealed how she hid her cancer from friends and colleagues in the political world she had occupied for 30 years.

Jane, aged 77, was one of Sale’s most distinguished civic figures. The former Mayor of Trafford was involved in many activities, including helping to build the Waterside arts centre.

A fundraising campaign set up in her memory has raised £3,325, excluding Gift Aid, for St Ann’s Hospice which cared for her at home in her final days.

Peter said: “Jane was given eight months to live and she lived eight months, her condition deteriorating rapidly in the last two weeks when she was looked after by St Ann’s and Macmillan and district nurses. She also had loving care from our three sons and two daughters-in-law.

“Her family only knew about her illness weeks before her death and she kept it very quiet. She wanted to keep it private and didn’t want her friends to see her like that.”

Among the many messages of condolences was a personal note from Altrincham and Sale West MP Sir Graham Brady whose Parliamentary career almost didn’t get off the ground because of Jane.

As Labour candidate at the 1997 General Election, Jane was beaten by just 1,500 votes by Graham, then newly-elected to the House of Commons.

Peter said: “Jane made a name for herself and was highly respected but hated by the opposition. She didn’t mince her words.”

Jane served on Trafford Council for 30 years, the last 16 as councillor for Priory Ward. A passionate supporter of the town, she was vice chair of Sale Festival and was a member of the Friends of both Worthington Park and Walkden Gardens.

Jane served as a governor at several schools, including Moorlands Juniors, and was president of the Trafford branch of Parkinson’s, Sale Brass Band and the Alma Singers in which Peter is a member of the choir. She was also a patron of the Alex Hulme Foundation.

With her loyal Mayoral committee, they raised more than £26,000 for several charities during 2011-12. The couple were married for 54 years and to support the family with their fundraising go to:

www.justgiving.com/remember/776551/Jane-Everall%20Baugh

Peter is writing a biography of Jane called ‘An Extraordinary Life Among Many.’ The first of three editions covering their early years together from 1960-66 is available from 23 Priory Road, Sale. M33 2BU.