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Cathy Murphy delights patients as she visits the hospice that cared for her mother

09 June 2011

A touch of Albert Square was brought to Saint Francis Hospice last week, as Eastenders actress Cathy Murphy revisited the charity that cared for her mother.

Cathy, who plays Billy Mitchell’s partner Julie in the BBC soap, spent almost two months in the hospice in 1998 when her mother, Catherine Murphy, was terminally ill with cancer. She visited the hospice to see the changes that have occurred in the past 13 years, and to meet the patients who are benefitting from the palliative care - provided free of charge - today.

“It’s still as beautiful as I remember it being,” she said. “A lot has developed over 13 years, but ultimately what hasn’t changed is the overwhelming feeling of kindness, support and back up for both the patients and the carers.”    

Cathy, from Ilford, was joined by her sister Elaine Murphy, and the pair recalled memories of the time they spent at the hospice, as they were shown new facilities including a new family therapy room.

“It’s incredible what they do at the hospice,” she said. “It’s brilliant that they’re working with children, ensuring they will be balanced adults, able to deal with their feelings, despite what they are going through. I don’t know how the staff all do their jobs, it’s very humbling.

“When I look back at the time we spent here, it’s full of happy memories, and you can’t ask for more than that. If you have a terminal illness there isn’t a better environment to be in than one that’s full of community, warmth and love.” 

The pair spent time in the day hospice, once the patients had finished their physiotherapy session. Many shared their opinions on Eastenders, the most common request to find a way of removing Ian Beale from the show.

“You would miss him if he was gone! He’s a character we all love to hate,” said Cathy.

“She was a joy to have in the day hospice,” Cecilia O’Keefe, the Day Hospice Manager said. “I remember her and her family from 13 years ago, as I was a nurse on the ward. They were a large family and were able to stay in the hospice for weeks together. Cathy was very grateful for the care her mum and family got, and she was great with the patients today, sitting down beside them and having a lovely chat.”
 

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