Anne Marden (activist)

Anne Marden (1926–2022) was a Hong Kong children's rights activist.[1]

Biography

Marden was born in 1926 in Hong Kong.[2] She spent her early life in Shanghai.[3] After completing her education at Bristol University, she married John Marden, a World War II veterans associated with the Normandy landings.[2] Upon his ascent as the "taipan" of Wheelock Marden and Co., the couple relocated to Hong Kong in 1947, where they raised four children.[2][4][5]

In the early 1960s, Marden became the director of the Hong Kong Red Cross, coordinating aid during events such as Typhoon Wanda in 1962 and responses to squatter hut fires.[2] In the same year, she played a major role in the establishment of the Princess Alexandra Red Cross School, Hong Kong's first residential institution for children with disabilities.[2]

By 1973, along with her husband, Marden co-established the Marden Foundation.[2] Later, in the 1980s, she contributed to the development of the first inclusive playground in King's Park, Hong Kong.[2]

During her career, Marden was affiliated with several organizations, including the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth, the Rehabaid Society, and the Hong Kong branch of the International Social Service.[2] Additionally, Marden co-founded TREATS and held an honorary presidency at Playright, promoting the cause of special needs education and infrastructure during a period of limited resources in Hong Kong.[2]

References

1. "Children's rights advocate Anne Marden dies - RTHK". news.rthk.hk. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
2. "Hong Kong philanthropist Anne Marden dies aged 96". South China Morning Post. 2022-06-01. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
3. "Wherever help is needed this worker will be there". South China Morning Post. 2013-10-04. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
4. "Taipan's wife who leads war on drugs". South China Morning Post. 1993-03-15. Retrieved 2023-10-15.
5. "John Marden, 'taipan of taipans', dies at 80". South China Morning Post. 1999-03-19. Retrieved 2023-10-15.