Carla's Legacy of Love

Carla was a loving wife, mum and daughter. She was only 44 when she died of cancer at Saint Francis Hospice in February 2020. Here her mum Ivy pays tribute to Carla and shares why she is continuing her legacy of compassion and kindness to bring comfort to so many people.

Carla and her husband Andrew had two gorgeous boys, Harvey and George, my beautiful grandsons. She worked in London as a stockbroker and was sharp, driven, and full of life.

In 2018, a nurse discovered a lump when Carla went for a routine breast cancer screening. She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and for a while, we thought she was in remission. But the cancer came back—and this time, it spread.

Even with everything she had going on, Carla always put everyone’s needs before her own. She didn’t want to die at home. She wanted her boys to remember home as a happy place. So, on Boxing Day 2019, Carla was admitted to the ward at Saint Francis Hospice.

While she was on the ward, Carla was looking out for me. She noticed I was struggling to hear and booked a hearing test for me from her bed. She was right—I needed a hearing aid.

One of the most special moments happened a month before Carla died. Her birthday was coming up, and we had a tradition—Afternoon Tea, just the two of us. I couldn’t take her out, so I asked the staff if we could celebrate at the hospice. They said yes, once the kitchen had finished for the day.

We set up in the cafe. About 30 people came—family, friends, and colleagues. Everyone brought something. There were balloons, plates of food, and scratch cards (Carla loved scratch cards). It was low-key but full of love. I remember her looking over at me and mouthing, “Thank you.” I knew it was her way of saying goodbye. That day gave her—and all of us—a chance to celebrate her life while she was still here. It was a gift.

Carla also had reflexology and foot massages while she was on the ward. The hospice team didn’t just care for Carla—they cared for all of us. The nurses, and all the staff and volunteers are beautiful souls.  Sometimes I would walk out to the reception area just to breathe, and Belinda, one of the receptionists, would ask, “Do you need a hug?” I always said yes. She was always there for me. My grandsons and I also received counselling support and that was so helpful.

Carla was so organised. She planned her funeral, chose her songs, and made me promise to look after her boys. In her final moments, she was surrounded by love. When we got the call to come in, a nurse was holding Carla’s hand, and we were able to be with her until the end.

After she died, I kept thinking about how lucky we were. Carla had people—people who asked what she needed and brought things to the hospice. But not everyone has that. I remember seeing a paramedic bring someone in who had nothing with them. The staff explained that some people don’t have family nearby—or anyone at all. That stayed with me.

So now, I come in every now and then with donations—nightdresses, pyjamas, slippers, shower gels, toothbrushes. It warms my heart to help. The hospice is a charity, and they can’t afford to buy everything. This is my way of continuing Carla’s legacy—of caring for others, just like she always did.

Carla’s family and friends have also fundraised for the hospice. We all do what we can because we have experienced what real care looks like. Saint Francis Hospice gave Carla dignity, comfort, and love, along with a place to say goodbye.