Lula's legacy

The family of Lula (Stavroulla) Madden set up a Tribute Fund to raise money for Saint Francis Hospice when Lula sadly died in 2019. Here her sister-in-law Tracey Daly shares how the generosity of family and friends, including a daring skydive by Lula’s husband Lee Madden in September, has helped to raise close to £14,000 to help patients and their loved ones.

I first learned about Saint Francis Hospice around 15 years ago when my daughter did work experience in Pemberton Place where they used to do arts and crafts with the patients.

Then in 2019 Lula was admitted to the ward for pain management. She had battled cancer for two years and was in so much pain.

The staff were wonderful and were able to do so much for Lula and our family. A bed was put in her room so Lee could stay by her side, and I visited nearly every day to give them both support and help with Lula’s personal needs.

Our beautiful Lula

In those last few days Lee never left her side. It was an incredibly tough time, but Lula was able to have a peaceful ending.

People do not realise how calming a place the hospice is. There is no better place to be looked after at the end of your life, unless you wish to be at home.

Lee and Lula had married in Cyprus. The couple spent many holidays there, so it was a very special place for them. As soon as lockdown restrictions were lifted, Lee, together with a few members of our family, flew back to Cyprus to scatter some of her ashes there.  This was something Lula had wanted, and it was important for Lee too as it brought him some closure.

Lula's legacy keeps her memory alive

We know how much the hospice relies on donations so after Lula passed away, we set up a Tribute Fund through Much Loved and family and friends donated more than £7,000 to the charity in Lula’s memory.

Over the years, more donations have been made and Lee’s skydive was our latest fundraising effort. He has always been a dare devil, so this was the perfect experience for him.

Lee skydiving in Lula's memory

We will continue to do everything we can for the hospice so we can help other people who need its services, just like Lula and our family did.