A Reading woman is honouring her mother’s final wish by raising thousands of pounds for Sue Ryder, after they planned a series of fundraisers together before she died.
Lucy Squires, 36, has organised several events in memory of her mum, Lindsey, who died at the Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice on August 30, 2025, just months after being diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer.
“My mum, Lindsey, was my best friend and my whole world. It’s hard to believe that only this time last year, everything was completely different,” Lucy said.
Lindsey was diagnosed in March 2025 after experiencing persistent stomach pain for several months. Although there was initial hope that the cancer wouldn’t progress, Lindsey’s health deteriorated quickly.
“She was then in and out of hospital constantly. She had stents fitted to relieve pressure and pain, and every time I saw her, she looked so unwell. It was heart-breaking,” Lucy said.
Lindsey began chemotherapy, but doctors later discovered it was not working. She had already been receiving support from Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice for pain relief and symptom management, before coming to the hospice for end-of-life care in August 2025.
“Mum was never quite the same because of the pain and medication, but when she arrived at the hospice, she was more positive. Her room opened out onto the gardens, and we spent so much time there. The staff encouraged us to make it feel like home, with photos and personal touches,” Lucy said.
It was during her time at the hospice that Lindsey suggested fundraising to give back for the care she was receiving. “She couldn’t believe how much the hospice has to raise itself to keep going. We wrote a list together in her notebook of all the fundraising ideas we wanted to do. I would have loved her to see just one of them, but it wasn’t to be,” Lucy said.
Since Lindsey’s death, Lucy and her family have worked through that list, raising more than £5,000 so far. In April 2026, Lucy organised “Lindsey’s Light Ball” at the Calcot Hotel in Reading, attended by 100 guests and raised £3,500.
“Some people didn’t even know my mum, they just wanted to support Sue Ryder. We had so much support from local businesses who donated raffle and auction prizes, and I was completely overwhelmed,” Lucy said.
Prior to this, Lucy’s 13-year-old son, Clayton, and Lucy’s dad, Kevin, completed a 10k run together. The family also hosted a Christmas bake sale at The Three Tuns pub in Reading, with contributions from local businesses and Lindsey’s colleagues.
Lucy has also pledged to complete a skydive, another fundraiser written in Lindsey’s notebook. Lucy says fundraising has become an important part of her grieving process.
“It’s helped me through my grief. I’ve thrown myself into it and I’ve loved it; it’s changed me as a person,” she said.
Reflecting on her mum’s care, Lucy added: “Mum wouldn’t have had the end-of-life care she deserved without Sue Ryder, and we’re so grateful they were there for us.”
To support Lucy’s fundraising, visit: Lucy Squires is fundraising for Sue Ryder Lindseys Light ? 'Finding hope through the darkness'.
