"I've been waiting all my life to do this," exclaimed my mother-in-law, Frances David, when she flew off in 1993 to teach in Uganda after retiring as deputy head of a large comprehensive school, John Kyrle High, in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Frances, who has died aged 80, led an active, practical and engaged life.
Born in Newport, Gwent, the daughter of Sally and Geoff Rainforth, she married into a large farming family in her early 20s and quickly produced six children. However, the marriage did not last and she became a single parent and a teacher, a profession which, alongside her profound Christian faith, guided her life and principles.
She had joined the Labour party while studying history at St Hugh's College, Oxford, but crossed over to the Social Democrats when they formed in the 1980s. She was closely involved in the negotiations that formed the Liberal Democrats in 1988 and stood as a parliamentary candidate for Newport East in 1983 and 1987 and for Monmouth in 1991. She was a tireless campaigner for CND and then later for fair trade, debt relief and peace.
However, it was her work in Uganda that many will remember. She had a lifelong interest in Africa, and through church connections first went there to teach for a year after she retired. On her return, she was indefatigable in raising money for clean water wells through the Busoga Trust, and in sponsoring young people through school and university. She made sure that every penny donated went to someone who needed it.
Holding court at her dinner table, she was always willing to argue a point, yet she would listen to others. Her generosity, warmth and tact made her many friends. An accomplished gardener, she turned the food she grew into many of the meals she shared. In her last weeks, in her beloved village of Skenfrith, Monmouthshire, she enjoyed sitting in her cottage garden with family and friends.
She is survived by her children, Joanna, Lucy, Patrick, Rebecca, Thomas and Rosalind, 10 grandchildren and her brother, John.