Cruse Bereavement Care was formed in 1959 by Margaret Torrie to work with widows and their children. The name 'Cruse' is taken from the Bible story about a widow's cruse (or jug) of unfailing oil. The organisation has no religious or political affiliations.

Today the organisation has branches across the UK and almost 6,000 volunteers. Over 1,000 people contact Cruse each year for help and information.

Cambridge Cruse was established in 1965 and is based in central Cambridge.