In June 2016, Lydia Leo was diagnosed with bowel cancer, and for the next three years was treated at Heartlands Hospital, before sadly passing away in August 2019. Her sister, Ann, said: “Our family will never be the same without her. She was the most caring and loveable person you could wish to meet.

“When she was in hospital receiving chemotherapy she would walk to all the other patients and help to give out tea and coffee. That just shows the type of person she was. She was beautiful inside and out.”

Now, the family are organising a fundraising event to say thank you to the staff at Heartlands Hospital for the care that she received. Sean, Lydia’s son, said: “My mom always said that when she got better and was cleared of cancer the first thing she would do is raise money to say thank you to those that looked after her.”

Lydia with her sons, Sean and Niall.

On Friday 6 December, the family are holding a fundraising event at St Anne’s Club in Digbeth, where Lydia’s wake was held. The night will include a performance from a UB40 tribute band, a raffle, auction, face painting and many more activities.

The event will be raising money to support Heartlands Hospital Charity’s work on Ward 19, the specialist cancer ward at Heartlands Hospital where Lydia was treated. The family took donations for Ward 19 at her funeral, and raised an incredible £1,500.

Tickets are going to be available on the night for £8, or for £5 for those who buy them in advance. Doors open at 6pm for ticket holders and at 8pm for those who wish to buy them on the door.

For more information, or to buy tickets, please contact Ann Henning on w_billy@hotmail.co.uk

You can donate in Lydia’s memory on the family’s JustGiving page here.

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