Pam with Sheikh Bukhari With Ibtisam Mahamid in England Ibrahim, you're not in the army! At a meeting at the House of Lords, London Peacemakers at Stonehenge

Pam Perry

VP of CHN and a founder of Jerusalem Peacemakers

Pam passed away on 17th August 2007, after complications arising from a lung transplant she received in June 2007. We will miss her.

This is her story...

I was born in London and now live in Glastonbury, UK. I have two grown-up children and several cats.

I worked in the computer industry for many years as a programmer and then as a systems analyst. In 1983 I changed the direction of my life, deciding to train as a counsellor. I moved with my family to the South West of England, believing that my children would benefit from a country lifestyle. I am now not sure whether, retrospectively, they agree with my decision as they both prefer to live in London. I also have to admit to craving for city life.

However it is clear that my eventual move to Glastonbury was, and is, meant to be. In 1992 I met with Suzanne Keehn and a group of Americans who were on a pilgrimage to the ‘Isle of Avalon' (Glastonbury), having recently founded a non-profit organisation, the Creative Health Network. Impressed with the ethos of the group I established a sister organisation in the UK. I became a board member in 1994 and in 1997 became vice-president. From that point I ‘worked' full-time for CHN – 'full time' meaning whatever time my failing health would allow, and always as a volunteer. (Only CHN's accountant and lawyer receive payment for work done – and sometimes even they do it for free!)

My serious health problems began in the early 1980s when it became evident that carbon monoxide poisoning had destroyed large areas of my lungs. Since then the deterioration has continued and my lifestyle has adjusted accordingly. By 1998 it was evident that what remained of my lungs could no longer cope with air travel, Nevertheless, a home in Glastonbury has at least encouraged the world to visit me – since Glastonbury is a very visitable and cosmopolitan place.

My increasing immobility has led me to hone my mental skills. I have spent many years organising events that often I could not attend. The other honed area has been my spiritual belief system. My upbringing was as a Christian but my studies and contemplations have resulted in my describing myself as ‘multi-faith'.

My main passion in life has always been for the planet and the environment. I am very politically aware (my grandfather was a founding member of the UK Labour Party) and I would have been more active if circumstances had not directed me towards alternative and gentler methods of making a difference. Strangely I have returned recently to political life through an involvement with the developing Ministry For Peace in Britain. Several recent visits to the Houses of Parliament in London has reminded me of a life that might have been – very exciting and exhilarating, but of course not the way I was meant to do it!

I do have an exciting life but not in a conventional way. I work with many remarkable and brave human beings, people whom I feel privileged to know and support. Many have visited my home, others are just voices on the end of my phone, but all are my extended family. I care passionately for their well-being and for their brave and epic struggle. My focus has become the Holy Land. I believe strongly that we cannot have a harmonious world until we have a just peace in the Land of the Prophets.

As a counsellor, my focus became couple counselling, which of course gave me much experience in conflict resolution at the personal level. My belief now is that the world's problems mostly boil down to the same issues as those in relationships – bad communication being the major cause of nearly everything!

Another focus of the relationship issue is that of the male/female imbalance prevalent in the world. CHN is not a women's group but it has consisted mainly of women for many years. However, recently I have been lucky to meet with and work with many remarkable men, giving me much opportunity to understand and celebrate the differences and to bring my own self into greater balance.

Working with others who are willing to communicate well, respect each other's differences, praise each other and self-correct when necessary is truly inspiring. Working successfully with mature individuals can bring out the best in all involved – it's certainly not always easy, but the results are very rewarding.

Finally, the support and prayers of my family and friends have kept me alive far beyond expectations. In fact, so long that I am now on the waiting list for a lung transplant – previously something not possible for a person with my condition. I still have work to do and far-flung places to visit again – hopefully!!