Vicki died at the hospice in April 2024 but that didn’t stop her organising an epic fundraiser first.
At 45, Vicki had been a dedicated physiotherapist for over 20 years, during which she poured her heart and soul into caring for others. Her commitment to her work was matched only by her unwavering devotion to her family, where she found her greatest joy as a mother to her children, aged 10 and 7. Just how special Vicki was is reflected in the memories of her close friends, Sam and Eilis – memories that span three decades. From their school days at Thomas Tallis Secondary School to the present, Vicki was a constant source of joy and laughter. She was known for her competitive spirit, fierce organisational skills, love for rugby and an unwavering support for her beloved West Ham football team. When Vicki’s illness led her to the Community Hospice, she found comfort in the care provided by the hospice team. “Whenever we spoke to her about the hospice, she was so animated and told us how amazing the hospice team were.” Sam reflects, “They made her last days truly special and comfortable. The nurses went above and beyond to ensure she was able to get home most days and be a mummy to her kids again which meant the world to her.”
Whenever we spoke to Vicki about the hospice, she was so animated and told us how amazing the hospice team were. The nurses went above and beyond to ensure she was able to get home most days and be a mummy to her kids again which meant the world to her.
Vicki and her children wanted to do something to raise awareness of the hospice and say thank you for all the care it was giving their family. With faultless organisational skills still in full force, Vicki and some of her fellow school mums organised for her children and their schoolmates to take part in the Hospice Mini Marathon. Although Vicki died before the Mini Marathon took place, the day itself was filled with excitement and determination – and a huge turnout of support from so many people that knew Vicki and her family. The Hook Lane Primary School runners raised an incredible £40,000 – far exceeding their initial target of £100. And through their fundraising efforts Sam and Eilis met many people who had a connection to the hospice, and they really got an idea of how important it has been to so many people’s lives and their experiences of losing someone they love. We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Hook Lane runners and everyone that sponsored them. Every penny raised makes such a difference, helping more families benefit from our care and meaning that we can make sure they’re able to make their last wishes a reality, like Vicki did.
