Dear Family & Friends,

We have set up this JustGiving page to honour the life of our wonderful mother, Lucy.

Mum had always been a sprightly, active, busy, truly caring and selfless person, with a huge heart and an immense interest in just about everything.

Her love of animals — especially horses and dogs, her love of the outdoors, and the love she had for her family and friends were at the core of everything she did.

As her sons, Charlie and I felt that love deeply and profoundly.

In the last year or so, Mum had begun to slow down a little, physically more than mentally. But at just sixty-five, I think we all felt there was still time for her to regain some of the energy she’d always had.

With that said, Mum was admitted to hospital in mid-April following a short illness. At first, no one was entirely sure what had caused the illness or the issues she was facing. However, after a fortnight in hospital, with daily visits from myself, my wife Lisa, and her best friend Frany, things seemed to improve. It looked as though Mum may be able to return home.

On the morning of 26th April 2026, I visited Mum in hospital. We spent time together sitting in the sun and basking in its warmth. We commented on the beautiful tulips growing in the courtyard gardens, and we sat, laughed and relaxed in each other’s company. It was the best she’d been in two weeks.

That afternoon, her best friend Frany also visited her and, although Mum was a little tired, this wasn’t particularly unusual and she was still in fairly good spirits.

Later that evening, things took a significant turn. At midnight, I received a call from the hospital to say that, at around 11pm, Mum had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Thanks to the incredible efforts of the medical team, they were able to save her and bring her back to us.

When my wife Lisa and I arrived at the hospital, we were told that the cardiac arrest had happened in her sleep and that, due to the quick thinking of the Sister on duty, they were able to come to her aid very quickly. We were also reassured that she would have been unaware and would not have suffered.

We were taken to ICU and, following the results of a CT scan, it quickly became clear that Mum had suffered a major stroke, which had in turn caused a catastrophic bleed on the brain.

We were told, with honesty, clarity and great sensitivity, that sadly it would be miraculous if Mum woke up and that, even if she did, her function would be extremely limited.

In the days that followed, we visited Mum every day. Holding her hand, praying for her, singing to her, and laughing about the incredible memories she had given us throughout her life. She may not have been able to participate in those moments, but I truly believe she heard every word and felt every touch.

We were then made aware that Mum had been on the organ donation register and, as such, may be able to give the gift of life to people in need of an organ transplant.

Mum remained on life support for four days and was cared for around the clock by an incredible team of doctors and nurses. The care she received was nothing short of extraordinary.

In Mum’s final moments, with *The Lark Ascending* playing, we held her hand as her heart beat for the last time and, on 30th April 2026, Mum passed away peacefully.

Following Mum’s passing, she was taken into surgery where her kidneys and liver would have the chance to live on through others.

It is with immense pride that we can say Mum saved the lives of two people who had been on the organ donation waiting list for many months.

Even in her final moments, Mum’s care and love for others knew no bounds, as she gave them that final gift.

The care Mum received at East Surrey Hospital throughout her two and a half weeks there was phenomenal. She was treated with respect, dignity, compassion and absolute care throughout.

It is our wish that, if you are able to, we can raise funds for the Friends of East Surrey Hospital Charity (FEOSH).

If you would like to donate, please give whatever you can to the hospital that gave our mum the peaceful passing she deserved.

Much love,

James & Family