Sarah ‘Fergie’ Ferguson has opened up on the moment she believes made her a ‘better mother’ to her two daughters – Princess Beatrice and Eugenie.
In 1992, Ferguson, the then Duchess of York, visited Poland – a trip the royal family strictly advised her not to take.
Writing a piece in the Evening Standard, Fergie writes: ‘I will never forget meeting Anya, a young girl dying of cancer in horrible conditions in Poland.
‘I’d been told about how the pollution in industrialised Upper Silesia meant there was a childhood mortality rate that was the highest in Europe, and decided I should see for myself what was happening.
‘I was told I shouldn’t make such a trip, that it would be controversial, but I’m glad I did.’
While in the European nation, Fergie reveals she saw horrifying scenes of poverty that left a lasting impact.
‘She was one of many children I saw suffering: on that ward there were no proper drugs or anaesthetics, and one chemotherapy needle was being shared by them all,’ she wrote.
‘Anya taught me the meaning of courage and inspired the launch of my charity, Children in Crisis.’
Ferguson reveals her charity work has influenced her life in a way she could have never expected, including making her a ‘better mother.’
She writes, ‘It has certainly made me a better mother to my daughters Beatrice and Eugenie, giving me a sense of perspective, and allowing me to encourage them to use the platform they have to get involved in charitable work.’
‘It has probably saved my life, too, by giving me purpose through hard times.
‘As my grandmother always said, ‘When you feel bad about yourself, go out there and do something for somebody else’.
‘Again, lots of people told me that I shouldn’t do it, that it was bound to fail. But I was convinced that there was more that could be done.’
The 58-year-old recently revealed her charity Children In Crisis and Street Child had merged.
Princess Eugenie announced the news with an emotional Instagram, captioning: ‘My wonderful mother @sarahferguson15 has merged her charity @childrenincrisis with @streetchilduk.
‘Together they will strive to provide children with education and ensure that every child has the chance to go to school and learn. So happy to see charities coming together for a common goal!’
Related: Historic palace news for Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew
Related: Sarah Ferguson and Prince Charles’ 38-year secret exposed
