Meg Henderson recalls her Glasgow childhood struggles and loss

Meg Henderson, born on May 10, 1948, in Townhead, Glasgow, faced a tumultuous childhood marked by her father's alcoholism and the tragic death of her Aunt Peggy during childbirth. Her father, a skilled shoemaker, struggled to provide for the family, leading to a life of poverty. At 13, she endured a traumatic assault while waiting for her father outside a pub, an experience that highlighted the dangers she faced growing up. Despite her mother's efforts to shield her from their father's drinking, the family fell apart after Aunt Peggy's death, which was exacerbated by medical negligence. In 1971, Meg married Robert Henderson in a simple ceremony, avoiding a traditional wedding due to her father's drinking. The couple later adopted and fostered children, motivated by guilt over Peggy's children. However, many of the children they took in had troubled backgrounds, leading to significant challenges, including the tragic loss of one child to suicide in 2016. This experience inspired Meg to establish a charity aimed at supporting families in similar situations. Throughout her life, Meg sought to reclaim the lost childhood of her aunt and provide a better future for vulnerable children. In 2004, she gained attention for her work with Sir Sean Connery on his autobiography, showcasing her prominence as a journalist and author. Meg's husband passed away in 2021, leaving her with a son and daughter, and her legacy continues through her writing and charitable efforts. Her memoir, 'Finding Peggy,' published in 1994, serves as a poignant reflection on her upbringing and the impact of her family's struggles, shedding light on the broader issues of poverty and loss in Glasgow during her childhood.