We are proud to continue our blog series introducing the dedicated members of Anam Cara’s Board. Today, we meet Nora Lawton, whose warmth, professional expertise and deep understanding of the importance of connection help guide and support Anam Cara’s work with bereaved parents and families.
We hope you enjoy learning more about Nora and the role she plays as part of Anam Cara’s Board.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I’m originally from West Cork, just outside Clonakilty, a place called Barryroe. I come from a large family, lots of first cousins. I’m the eldest of five, three brothers and one sister. In 2021, my youngest brother Killian died from cancer. He was just a few weeks shy of his 25th birthday. Loss like that is tragic. It’s such a waste. And it’s devasting. Life will never be the same yet we talk about Killian every day. We think about him every day. And we will always say that; we are one of five.
I live and work in Cork now, working in communications for Johnson & Johnson. My career has mostly been in communications. I spent close to ten years working in Brussels and before that worked in agencies like Edelman and Wilson Hartnell in Dublin. I’ve worked across consumer and corporate communications, sport sponsorship and stakeholder engagement.
I’ve always found communications to be a great leveler. In essence, no matter who you’re speaking with, people bring their own lived experience to a conversation. Health, in particular, has a way of connecting people on a very human level. In J&J we say, Health is everything. It really is!
Outside of work, sport and being outdoors have always played a big part in my life. A simple walk in the garden or in the woods. Being in nature. Being by the sea. Swimming grounds me and clears the head.
How did you first get involved with Anam Cara?
I was first introduced to Anam Cara through a conversation with Tony Mahon. At the time, Anam Cara was looking for someone with experience in communications to join the Board, and the conversation grew naturally from there.
My connection to Anam Cara is also personal. Friends of ours in West Cork, who had also tragically lost a child – they had attended Anam Cara sessions, and that gave me insight into the importance of peer-led, compassionate support for bereaved parents.
There is no single way to grieve, even within the same family. Any form of bereavement support or counselling needs to respect individual and shared experiences.
What does Anam Cara’s support mean to you personally?
Anam Cara represents a safe space. It is rooted in understanding. Grief is deeply personal. Everyone’s journey is different. People process their grief differently. And it takes time. What matters is knowing that support is there, when and if the time is right.
That sense of choice is incredibly important. Support works best when it creates space without pressure and allows people to engage in the way that feels right for them.
What is your role on the Board?
My role focuses primarily on communications and engagement. I’ve supported media training with parents and volunteers and worked with the team to help develop Anam Cara’s communications in a way that is authentic, respectful and human. I support the organisation of the annual fundraiser in Cork.
One particularly meaningful experience was creating supportive spaces where parents could share their stories. In their own time and way. It’s about compassion, trust, care and safety
What do you think people should know about Anam Cara?
At its heart, Anam Cara is about inclusivity and connection.
If Anam Cara isn’t the right fit for someone, the organisation will help guide them to other supports. That collaborative, person-centred approach is vital. Support doesn’t exist in isolation, and sometimes the most important thing is simply helping someone find their way.
In essence it’s about walking alongside people, not directing them.
What keeps you motivated?
A phrase that really resonates with me is ‘we’re all just walking each other home’. That truly captures the spirit of Anam Cara, people supporting people with kindness, empathy and without judgement.
Being part of an organisation that lives those values so genuinely is something I feel very proud of.