Remembering Reverend Deacon Martyn Swaby

By Sarah Kessling (Director)

I first met Martyn while working as a Training Lead for Let’s Talk Training, the educational arm of Harmless. As a fellow Catholic, Martyn reminded me very much of the priest I grew up with; tall and slender, with a warm, steady smile. He had a way of making you feel as though he had all the time in the world for you.

From the moment you spoke with him, it was clear he had both a big heart and a deep commitment to serving his community. At the time Harmless was a small non-profit with equally big ambitions. Martyn made those shared values feel reachable. He helped bridge the gap between intention and action, reminding us that meaningful change begins with connection.

Where others might see a community hall as simply four walls with tables and chairs, Martyn understood the potential of a space, how it could empower, support and bring people together.

Through his collaboration with Harmless, he founded the Mind to Merciful Café in Bulwell. A space where people could feel safe, heard and accepted. A place grounded in non-judgement, empathy, compassion and love.

It was also through Martyn and the church that we were able to deliver life-saving training and raise awareness across the East Midlands, reaching those who needed it most. I have fond memories of delivering training at the community hall, walking in and seeing Martyn’s presence reflected around the space. It always gave me a quiet sense of motivation to show up fully and serve well.

It is therefore with the greatest sadness that I learned of Martyn’s passing. Though his presence in my life had become less direct over time, it remained steady and reassuring, a quiet source of comfort.

‘Blessed are those who plant trees under whose shade they will never sit’.

Martyn embodied this. His and the Church’s support enabled Harmless to grow and reach more people than we could have done alone. For that, we remain deeply grateful.

Our thoughts are with his family and all who knew him. The seeds he planted will continue to grow in the lives and communities he so deeply cared for, and we at Harmless will continue his legacy with care and commitment.