Madrugada were established in February 2009 in response to limited choices for end of life care in The Algarve. Madrugada relies entirely on the generosity of the general public to offer its services free of charge. Donations allow the charity to provide palliative care in the home; specialist equipment to alleviate symptoms and the assurance that care professionals have the appropriate resources necessary to ensure patients receive the best care possible in their final days.

In Memory of Mum - In March this year Mum was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometrial Carcinoma with metastatic spread to her brain. Mum sadly passed away 4 weeks following this diagnosis. Madrugada’s support meant it was possible for Mum to come home from hospital and be in the comfort of her own home that she loved so much and spend the last weeks of her life amongst her family who loved her dearly.

Madrugada provided Mum with all the specialist equipment she needed to be cared for at home, they provided professional support and advice to the family, and the nurses, namely Tanja, Helen and Maria Jose provided excellent nursing care with such genuine love for Mum and the family and we can’t thank them enough for their involvement at what can only be described as an extremely difficult time in all our lives.

Shirley, an amazing Mum to James and Helen, a doting Nanny of Willow, Imogen, Elliot and Lorelai will live on in our hearts. Please support Imogen and Elliot to raise money in memory of their Nanny and sponsor their goal to each swim 60m a day (Imogen unaided, Elliot with a woggle) whilst visiting Mums home for a week this month.