Fundraising children support the hospice in memory of mum

This Christmas, in memory of her mum, Gina, Olivia (age 10) and her friends Coco, Lena, Cleo and Annabelle, organised a cake sale at their school and raised over £100 to say thank you to the hospice for supporting them all.

Just a few short months after Gina crossed the finish line of her first half marathon, the 44-year-old mother of two was shocked to be told she had a stage four brain tumour. The diagnosis understandably came as a bitter blow to the whole family, including her parents and devoted husband Alfie.

Having previously described herself as fit, active and healthy, Gina’s decline was swift and four weeks later, she was referred to North London Hospice. With everyday tasks such as supporting her two young children with their homework becoming a daily struggle, our Barnet Community Team stepped in with physical and psychological support. Our Occupational Therapists helped to identify and achieve goals to optimise Gina’s independence and manage her symptoms, while the nursing team gently encouraged conversations around advanced care planning and their hopes and wishes for the future.

When all treatment ceased months later, an urgent referral was made for Gina to come to our Inpatient Unit, and albeit another big upheaval, a cuddle bed ensured that her family could lie close, while the hospice’s family room gave Gina’s parents – who live out of town – somewhere to stay. As always, their dog was welcome to visit at any time too.

Keen to address what mattered to Gina, as well as what the matter was, the nursing team organised a movie night, including cushions, fairy lights and popcorn, as well as a spa day for Gina and her daughters. And as was their tradition when Gina was well, it was arranged for her and her mum Pat to have a manicure together on site.

With Christmas approaching, the decision was taken to bring the day forward, and a tree was placed in Gina’s room, which her girls enjoyed decorating. Two additional trees were also added, to be planted by Alfie and her parents at a later date, and the hospice arranged for presents to be wrapped and placed in situ.

Gina died peacefully in November 2024 at North London Hospice, before the planned early Christmas Day. While supporting the family, including a member of the hospice team taking the children and dog to the park, staff and volunteers from across the hospice quietly supported one another in the face of their own professional grief.

Gina’s funeral was attended by representatives from the hospice, where our involvement was recognised and appreciated. The family very kindly took the opportunity to fundraise for us too.

Gina’s husband Alfie said afterwards: “North London Hospice will always have a special place in my heart. Every member of staff was so friendly, caring and most importantly Gina's dignity was upheld at every stage of her stay there. The doctors and nurses felt like friends and fun activities were arranged to keep our two young daughters busy while still having quality time with their mum.

“Our lives were destroyed by the cancer that took Gina but at least we have fond memories of her last month with us thanks to the hospice.”

Gina’s mum Pat added: “We would like to say thank you for all the excellent care Gina received and the love and support from all members of staff not only towards Gina but all the family at a very difficult time.”