Lorraine Ribbons, a dedicated volunteer nurse known for her extensive support of children with heart disorders, has died at the age of 72. Her work with the Association of Children with Heart Disorders (ACHD) spanned several decades, during which she provided emotional support, befriended families, and organized holiday breaks for young patients.

Born in Oxford, Lorraine was the daughter of Humphrey Turner, a World War II fighter pilot, and Stephanie Keller, a Swiss national. Raised in Poole, Dorset, she attended Talbot Heath School before training as a nurse in Oxford. After marrying Robert Simpson in 1976, the couple relocated to Edinburgh, where Lorraine became a full-time mother.

The health challenges faced by her family profoundly influenced her volunteer work. Two of her three sons were born with heart conditions, which led her to become involved with ACHD in the late 1970s. Utilizing her nursing background, she established a unique role at Edinburgh Sick Children’s Hospital, where consultants welcomed her presence on the cardiac wards. Her contributions there included providing both practical assistance and emotional counseling to young patients and their families.

Beyond hospital visits, Ribbons was instrumental in arranging holidays and weekend retreats in rural settings. These breaks often featured activities such as pony riding and archery, designed to give children a sense of freedom and normalcy away from their daily medical routines. She believed these experiences were especially important for young people with heart conditions, fostering independence and confidence.

Following her volunteer nursing work, which she continued until 2008, Ribbons expanded her commitment to community support by training as a marriage guidance counselor. She volunteered for Couple Counselling Lothian in Edinburgh for many years and eventually became a supervisor, offering guidance to couples facing challenges.

After divorcing Robert Simpson in 2006, Lorraine met Frank Ribbons during a sponsored bike ride, marrying him in 2010. Known for her adventurous spirit, she participated in a 2011 leg of her son Andrew’s motor trip from Carrickfergus to Cape Town, traveling through regions affected by the Arab Spring.

Lorraine Ribbons is survived by her husband Frank, her three sons—Russell, Adrian, and Andrew—and eight grandchildren. Her lifelong dedication to supporting children with heart disorders and her community continues to be remembered by those she helped and worked alongside.