William John March is remembered as the late son of Dame Mary Berry and her husband, Paul Hunnings. He was just 19 when he died in a car accident in January 1989, leaving behind a family whose memories of him remain strong decades later.
Many readers first learn of William’s story by watching Mary on television. Her calm manner and warm approach to cooking have made her a familiar presence in British homes. Yet her interviews also reveal a deeply personal loss that happened long before her years on The Great British Bake Off.
Through Mary’s recollections, a picture emerges of a young student who enjoyed sport, looked forward to his future and loved returning home to his family.
Quick Bio
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | William John March |
| Also Known As | William Hunnings, Will |
| Known For | Being the late son of Dame Mary Berry |
| Mother | Dame Mary Berry, food writer and television presenter |
| Father | Paul Hunnings, former antique bookseller |
| Brother | Thomas Hunnings |
| Sister | Annabel Hunnings |
| Educational Institution | Bristol Polytechnic |
| Subject Studied | Business studies |
| Interests | Rugby and tennis |
| Favourite Food | Roast lamb |
| Death | January 1989 |
| Age at Death | 19 years |
| Cause of Death | Car accident |
Who Was William John March?
William was one of three children born to Mary Berry and Paul Hunnings. He had a brother, Thomas, and a sister, Annabel. In Mary’s interviews, he is generally referred to simply as William, or affectionately as Will.
Much of what is publicly known about him comes from these family recollections. He was still studying when his life ended, so his story is largely told through memories of home, education, and the activities he enjoyed.
Those details are valuable because they bring him into focus as a person. He was a son and brother with familiar interests, everyday routines and plans that he had only begun to explore.
A Childhood During Mary Berry’s Working Years
William grew up while his mother was building her career as a food writer and broadcaster. Mary worked on magazine cookery pages, wrote books, and appeared on television while raising her children.
During the 1980s, she continued working from the family home in Buckinghamshire, where she wrote and filmed television programs. Her professional life and family responsibilities were closely connected during those years.
For readers who mainly remember Mary from The Great British Bake Off, the timing matters. William died more than two decades before she joined the program. The family memories she shares belong to an earlier chapter of her life, when her children were growing up.
His Studies and Hopes for the Future
At the time of his death, William John March was studying business at Bristol Polytechnic. Mary has recalled that he was enthusiastic about his course, offering a small but meaningful glimpse of his ambitions.
He was at an age when adult life was beginning to open up. His studies gave him interests to discuss at home, and his visits brought the family together between periods away in Bristol.
Mary remembered that he wanted to collect the weekend newspapers because of a business studies feature. It is a simple detail, but it shows a student taking an interest in his subject and looking beyond the classroom.
The January 1989 Accident
William was visiting home when the accident happened. He went out to buy newspapers with his sister, Annabel, who was a passenger in the car. William died in the crash, while Annabel survived.
Mary has spoken about the moment a police officer arrived at the house to tell her what had happened. She later went to the hospital with Paul, where she saw Annabel.
The account is painful because the day had begun so normally. A short trip to collect newspapers became a devastating turning point for the family. In her recollections, Mary has expressed both the heartbreak of losing William and gratitude that her daughter survived.
The Small Details Mary Still Remembers
One of Mary’s most personal memories concerns the meal she prepared before William’s final day. She cooked roast lamb, which she has described as his favorite, for his visit home.
That detail carries the warmth of an ordinary family evening. It is easy to understand why a parent might remember what was cooked, who was at home and how the time together felt.
Mary has also spoken about feeling fortunate to have shared 19 years with William. Her words acknowledge the scale of the loss while making room for the happiness he brought. The memories she chooses to share often return to that happiness.
Rugby, Tennis and His Place in Family Stories
Sport forms another part of the picture. William enjoyed rugby, and Mary has described how that interest creates a connection with younger members of the family who play the game.
She has recalled her grandson wondering whether William would have been proud of his achievements on the rugby field. The question shows how someone can become familiar to a younger generation through the stories told about him.
Mary has also remembered appreciating kind comments about William’s tennis playing. These memories help preserve the activities and qualities others associated with him. They add something personal to a biography otherwise often dominated by the accident.
How the Family Keeps His Memory Close
William still has a place in family conversations. Mary has described keeping photographs of him around and remembering him with a drink at Christmas.
She has explained that her grandchildren know about William even though they never met him. Family stories have helped them understand who he was and why he matters to the people around them.
These traditions give his relatives ways to remember him together. A photograph can start a conversation, while a familiar story can introduce another part of his personality. For the family, his name remains connected to shared affection and memories.
Mary Berry’s Work With Child Bereavement UK
Mary’s experience has given her a personal connection to Child Bereavement UK, where she is a patron. The organization supports bereaved children and families, including parents whose child has died.
Her involvement has included fundraising events, afternoon teas, book signings and an awareness campaign called One More Minute. She has spoken about the limited support she felt was available when William died.
Through this work, Mary has helped highlight the value of understanding and practical support. Her public role gives her opportunities to speak about a subject that can be difficult for families and their friends to discuss.
What Mary Has Said About Supporting Others
Mary has encouraged people to share thoughtful memories with parents whose child has died. In advice written for the charity, she suggested that a personal letter or photograph could become something the family treasures.
She has also spoken about practical kindness, including helping with shopping, gardening or bringing food. Her suggestions focus on small actions that show care and make daily life a little easier.
She cautioned against claiming to know exactly how someone feels or telling them they will get over their loss. Her advice reflects the value she places on listening and allowing people to remember their child in their own way.
Conclusion
The story of William John March is preserved in the memories of those who loved him. His business studies, sporting interests and visits home offer glimpses of a young man whose future was still unfolding.
Mary Berry’s recollections keep those details close: a favorite meal, a family photograph and a shared love of rugby. Through these moments, William remains part of the family’s conversations, giving younger generations a chance to know something of the
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was William John March?
William John March was the son of British food writer and television presenter Mary Berry and her husband, Paul Hunnings. He was also the brother of Thomas and Annabel.
2. How old was William when he died?
William was 19 years old when he died in a car accident in January 1989. He was visiting his family while studying in Bristol.
3. What was William studying?
He was studying business at Bristol Polytechnic. Mary has described his enthusiasm for the course and remembered his interest in a newspaper feature about the subject.
4. Did William’s sister survive the accident?
Yes. His sister, Annabel, was traveling with him and survived. Mary later recalled seeing her at the hospital after receiving news of the crash.
5. How does Mary Berry remember her son?
Mary shares family stories, keeps photographs and remembers William at Christmas. She has also spoken publicly about him while supporting bereaved families through her charity work.
