Ruth Wyner, who passed away at the age of 74, managed the Wintercomfort day center, which aimed to provide support to homeless individuals in Cambridge. In 1998, Ruth and her colleague John Brock were accused by the police of allowing drug-related activities on the premises. Undercover police officers posed as homeless individuals named “Ed” and “Swampy” for two months to gather evidence. The officers captured footage of drug transactions, showing £10 packages being exchanged in handshakes.
Dubbed the “Cambridge Two,” Ruth and John, both 49 years old with families to support, were convicted under the Misuse of Drugs Act at King’s Lynn Crown Court. Ruth received a five-year prison sentence, while John received four years. The verdict stirred up controversy among charity workers, prominent figures in Cambridge, and MPs, leading to a widespread campaign advocating for their release. The campaign involved protests, fundraisers, petitions, and a three-day sleep-out by homeless individuals in front of the Home Office.
Supporters highlighted Ruth and John’s efforts in assisting beggars, providing basic necessities, and aiding in rehabilitation from drug addiction. However, critics portrayed Ruth as an out-of-touch do-gooder who allowed the center to become a hub for drug activity. Despite arguments during the appeal in 2000, the judges upheld the initial verdict, stating that Ruth and John were likely aware of the drug dealings occurring at the center.
Following seven months in prison, Ruth Wyner and John Brock were eventually released. Ruth, born on April 1, 1950, in London, was the daughter of Percy Wyner, a cloth merchant, and Anna Nagley, a mosaic artist. She had a background in the underground and hippy movements, and following her time in the ashram in North Devon, she eventually settled in Norwich, where she worked as a reporter.
Daily News. Additionally, she joined the rock band Crazy Lizard and initiated a romantic relationship with its lead guitarist, Gordon Bell, whom she later married in 1978. The couple found themselves celebrating their release on bail while awaiting their appeal – as captured by Independent/Alamy. Amidst her residence in Norwich, her younger brother tragically took his own life by jumping from a window of a homeless hostel in London. This heartbreaking event propelled her into actively assisting the homeless community.
She commenced working shifts at a hostel operated by the St Martins Housing Trust, eventually progressing to the positions of manager and deputy director within the charity. Notably, at the time of her trial in 1999, it was highlighted that she had no prior criminal record. However, in 1993, she was dismissed from her role at St Martin’s for alleged gross misconduct related to claims of overlooking and permitting the use of cannabis by residents. Despite denying the accusation, she contested the decision in an industrial tribunal, which ultimately ruled against her unanimously.
Throughout this period, she built a reputation as a dedicated advocate. Transitioning to Great Yarmouth, she established a shelter for the homeless before being recruited by Wintercomfort, a Cambridge-based homelessness charity initially operating from a converted bus. Within a span of three years, she oversaw the establishment of new facilities in a converted dancing school, including a day center, a winter night shelter, and an outreach team.
Upon being informed by Cambridgeshire police about drug-related activities, Ruth Wyner collaborated with them to formulate an anti-drug policy recognized as a model of excellence. However, when pressed for information on potential drug dealers and banned individuals, she steadfastly upheld client confidentiality, believing that breaching trust could hinder her efforts to promote detoxification benefits to residents.
Following her release from prison, Ruth Wyner transitioned into a role as a tai chi instructor and therapist at the Cambridge Group Therapy Centre, eventually assuming the position of clinical lead. She is survived by her husband, daughter, and son.
Ruth Wyner, born on April 1, 1950, passed away on December 29, 2024.
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