What an incredible woman Katie was. She achieved far more in her short life, than many who live on in to old age. She changed people’s lives – through her warm and loyal friendship, and also in her work.

We knew Katie’s wit, kindness and wisdom, her incredible brain, her calm approach to life’s challenges , her wicked sense of humour and wonderful laugh.

She qualified, as an immigration lawyer in 2009. She thoroughly enjoyed this work and was an excellent lawyer. Her intellect was suited to the challenge of law, and she cared deeply about her clients. Taking the time to get to know them and often working many hours to try and secure the best outcomes she could for them.

In January 2013, Katie began working at the Central England Law Centre and in 2016 she helped to set up Kids in Need of Defence UK, working with law firms to provide pro-bono advice to young people in the UK. By 2022 Kids In Need of Defence had helped 1,800 young people.

As one of her colleagues said “There are thousands of children and young people whose lives have changed for the better because of her work with KIND UK. So, she leaves quite a legacy..."

Katie cared. She cared for those who had no voice, she cared for those who made it possible for them to have a voice, she cared for her family, her friends and her colleagues. Her commitment and determination, and her ability to care changed the lives of so many people.

It is impossible to express how loved Katie was – or the positive difference she made to so many people’s lives… the impact she made and the incredible legacy that she leaves behind.

Katie was a very special woman indeed. She did what most of us can only dream of doing – she made a difference, and she left the world a better place. Her legacy will live on in all those she has loved and supported…

Katie died on the 12th December 2024 at Birmingham (St Mary’s) hospice. An estimated 100,000 people in the UK who could benefit from palliative care die without receiving it each year. Demand for this expert care continues to rise as people live longer, and with increasingly complex needs.

Katie was lucky enough to be one of the few able to spend her last days at Birmingham Hospice, we were able to use the family unit at the end, the staff were so supportive.

Just as Katie made a difference in her life, the staff and hospice made the difference at the end of hers.

We would like to honour that by raising as much money as we can. The hospice relies heavily on donations to keep providing the invaluable services they offer please help us make a difference worthy of the contribution Katie made to other people’s lives.

Birmingham Hospice's vision is a future where everyone with a life-limiting illness will live and die with dignity and in comfort.

Offering personalised support at home, in local communities or at their two sites, helping people across Birmingham and Sandwell to live well with their illness, right up to the very end of life.