“Kat was a truly inspirational person, funny, bubbly and so loving. I know how cliché it sounds but we were just all so amazed by how positive, strong, and brave she was throughout everything, always having a smile on her face,” shares Bec. “Kat impacted and touched so many people’s lives – family, friends, and clinicians. She was just so positive despite the bad days with everything she was going through and remained a loving and lovable person. Kat was so friendly and would speak to everyone and anyone. I am so proud that she is my sister. And she is a dearly loved and missed daughter, sister and mum.”

Kat was diagnosed with cancer in 2017 just after her 28th birthday, and spent time between Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, hospital, and home. She died in May 2019 a few months after her 30th birthday in January.

Bec, Kat’s sister, wants to raise the staggering amount of £30,000 with a series of charity events and challenges to mark her 30th birthday year, in memory of her much loved and dearly missed sister Kat. 

“I turned 30 on 4th January 2022 and it is so bittersweet for me. I’m excited, but at the same time this was the age my sister was when she tragically passed away from cancer.” shares Bec. “I really wanted to do something positive to honour Kat, while doing something to support Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, where she spent her final days.”

“The hospice was Kat’s safe place, and it holds many memories for us as a family. Kat spent a lot of time there and we as a family spent a lot of time there with her. It is such a peaceful place surrounded by wildlife. Kat had a room with a little hobbit door which goes out directly onto a grassed area. We would often see foxes, deers, woodpeckers and a cat that she named Precious, it would come and see Kat every day. Kat felt really cared for and the staff were friendly and took the time to get to know us all.” “We had a lot of girly sleepovers, watching movies together, chilling and having girlie chats while I did her nails or gave her a massage. She loved having her nails painted.”

“Now I have so many different people involved in doing fundraising events which feels so supportive, all while benefiting a place that Kat felt looked after and safe during a time of devastating illness.”

“My aim is to raise £30,000 for the hospice and I have loads of different things planned to bring in money from lots of different angles and avenues. The fundraising started in 2022 when I turned 30 and continues today until I reach my target!” One of the main fundraising activities took place in April 2022 with a climb up Snowdon with 10 friends and family. “I only started the challenge to climb Snowdon with a team of 3, but when I mentioned it to others they wanted to join in, and the group became a team of 10!”

In addition to the climb, other fundraising events included: Ride for Ryder, two sponsored running events, art exhibition, coffee mornings and Starlight Hike, plus lots more! “We will be holding a coffee and cake morning near the anniversary of when Kat died so we can share memories about her. Friends will be holding their own coffee mornings in memory of Kat across the UK raising donations for the Leckhampton Court Hospice too.”

Bec also hopes to arrange some family friendly fundraising events. “Kat had dedicated her life being a mum and she was such an amazing mum. When Kat had to go into hospital the hospice would hold her room with the hobbit door which opened out onto the grassy area which was a private place for Kat and her son to play together.”

“I would just like to thank everyone who is supporting our fundraising in memory of my sister Kat” Bec shared. “Especially my mum and dad. They have thrown themselves behind every fundraising challenge. I think Kat would be proud of what we are all doing in her memory. She would be grabbing everyone saying, ‘give us your money!’ I think she would be supportive of the fact that the funds we are raising will be going to an amazing place where she felt so cared for.”

For more information on Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice, visit sueryder.org/leckhampton