Wife of Hospice patient takes part in ‘Lead On’ to pay tribute

Two years after the anniversary of her husband’s death, Margaret and her dog Charlie, signed up for the ‘Lead On’ challenge with Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Margaret chose the fundraiser because she wanted to give back to say thank you for the support that her husband, Philip Seymour received from the Charity.

Philip was 77 years old, fit and active, and a retired Salesman who loved lawn bowls and had even enjoyed SCUBA diving well into his seventies. On 3 December in 2022, without warning, he suffered a ruptured aortic artery. As he waited for the ambulance, he remarked that he “didn’t have time to be sick” and he wanted to see his grandsons grow up.

Philip spent ten months in hospital, facing stroke, paralysis, kidney failure, a collapsed lung, heart problems- setback after setback. But he kept fighting.

By September 2023, his condition worsened and he was transferred from Addenbrooke’s to the Inpatient Unit at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Margaret Shared:

“I travelled with him in the ambulance. He was scared and agitated but when we arrived at the Hospice something changed. He was wheeled through to the four-bed Ward and I saw him begin to relax. Once he was settled in a comfortable bed overlooking the garden, he fell into a peaceful sleep and didn’t wake up.”

Philip died on the evening of 19 September 2023, with his daughter by his side.

Margaret continued:

“We’d been married 48 years, 3 months and 19 days. Before I left, I told him it was okay to let go. For a long time, I felt guilty about not being there but I now believe he chose his moment. His daughter was there, taking her shift. He wasn’t alone.”

In September 2025, Margaret and her dog, Charlie walked over 105km and raised £423 on their fundraising page, with more pledges still to come.

“When Charlie and I finished, having walked 105.11km I was so proud of him! The challenge took place around the second anniversary of Philip’s death. I thought I’d feel sad but heading out with Charlie felt joyful and uplifting.

“I’m so glad to be raising funds for Arthur Rank Hospice Charity. Not just for the care they gave Philip, but for how they looked after me and our children too.

As for Charlie, he’s just been enjoying all the smells along the way!”

Sarah Clayton Community fundraiser commented:

“We were thrilled that Margaret and Charlie embraced ‘Lead On’, especially as it marked the second anniversary of Philip’s death. It’s very touching to see the family choose to honour his memory in this way, and we’re so pleased to have played a part in their journey.”

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If you have been inspired to support people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and end of life care and would like support, please email cf@arhc.org.uk or call 01223 675888.