The Art Of Giving

In life we all want to do something special, to be remembered for doing or saying it. Miriam
Ibberson was no different. Born Miriam McKay in 1975 Greenock, Scotland she grew up with purpose, from a young age. Miriam felt she had to do something for others, maybe this was due to her difficult upbringing, or a sense of treating people right, whatever it was Miriam was a giver from the start.

Miriam attended mainstream school until around her teenage years, she made friends easily, and took others under her wing at boarding school, supporting those who found it tough being away from home, she went on to college and trained to be a social worker, this however was not to be her career even though it was what she would have loved to do.

Miriam also studied media and marketing and had a few jobs in this area.

Miriam became a call handler for Halifax Bank Of Scotland and then E-ON, but this was not enough, she wanted to do more to help others so trained to be a union rep, taking numerous courses.

Miriam was diagnosed as having aniridia in the early years and she noticed the deterioration of her vision in later life. Despite all her difficulties she did not let anything get in her way.

She kindly presented at the 2019 Aniridia Network Conference in Birmgham. She spoke about her personal achievements and experiences whilst living with aniridia and the other health conditions.

2019 saw Miriam being retired on medical grounds, she had been diagnosed with another rare condition, yet still she did not stop. She volunteered in her local community in Creswell Derbyshire where she had moved to in 2005, organising events, promoting the local food bank and lending an ear to whoever needed it, All whilst living on life supporting oxygen and having around the clock care at home.

On the 6 January 2025 Miriam passed away due to her other rare condition: pulmonary
hypertension of the lung.

Funeral donation

Remember we said Miriam wouldn’t let anything get in her way? Well we were not kidding either. At her funeral people gave back to her and good causes, meaning that even in death she was still giving. A donation of £150 was destined for Aniridia Network to help it further research and support for its members.

The importance of having a will.

Whilst Miriam’s donation was not part of her will it shows the giving nature that she herself held and in that regard a donation was paid forward.

Things can be different for us all, trials can come our way, but none of us know what’s around the corner, Miriam would ask you what do you want to be remembered for? Miriam chose a giving lifestyle, even in death.

Having a “will” allows your estate to be divided up and donations made to charities and good causes of your choice. We’d like to encourage you make a will and in it leave a gift to Aniridia Network. Then you too can be remembered for having a giving nature and making a difference to the future of the research and more.

By Miriam’s brother David McKay.