A heartfelt fundraising campaign launched in memory of Leicester’s Lucy Simpson has already raised almost £3,500 for Bowel Cancer UK, following her passing last week.
Lucy, aged 40, died last Monday, (August 11) after a brave and unwavering battle with advanced bowel cancer. Diagnosed in November 2024, she faced her illness with remarkable strength, kindness, and positivity—qualities that deeply inspired all who knew her.
Picture: Supplied
In honour of her legacy, Lucy’s family has chosen to support Bowel Cancer UK, a cause that became profoundly personal during her illness. The fundraiser aims to help the charity continue its essential work in improving patient care, raising awareness, and funding research—paving the way for a future where no one has to endure what Lucy did.
“Lucy was endlessly generous and always thinking of others. Supporting this fundraiser feels like a natural continuation of the love and care she showed every day,” said a close family member.
“There are no words that can fully capture the depth of our grief. Nor can words do justice to the legacy Lucy leaves behind—one of love, loyalty, and unwavering generosity. Even while facing the cruellest of illnesses, she continued to put her family and friends first—just as she always had.”
Lucy’s sister, Stevie Beeby, spoke candidly about the shock of Lucy’s diagnosis and the rapid progression of her illness.
“Her diagnosis was a complete shock. She was a member of the 5am club and started her day regularly at the gym. She had just turned 40 three months beforehand. She was training for a 10k race—at the very peak of her fitness. She had no symptoms,” she told the Leicester Times.
“She was at our younger sister Tami’s house to celebrate Tami’s last weekend of ‘freedom’ before the due date of her first child. They were doing a Harry Potter marathon when Lucy started complaining about abdomen pain. We thought it was trapped wind or indigestion—but the next morning it had worsened so much that they had to call an ambulance.
“She was told it might be appendicitis. But following scans, we got the devastating news: she had advanced, stage 4 bowel cancer. To make it even more surreal, our other sister Tami was admitted to the very same hospital that week to give birth. It was an insane situation—heartbreaking and completely out of the blue.”
Despite the overwhelming nature of her illness, Lucy remained committed to raising awareness about the increasing number of younger adults being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
“Lucy really wanted to raise awareness about this,” Stevie said. “She questioned whether the screening age in the UK needs to be lowered, or at the very least, whether younger people need to be targeted in health campaigns. Not that she herself had any symptoms to look out for—but many people do, and they’re unaware of the risks.”
Even amid aggressive treatments and declining health, Lucy continued to carry the weight of those around her.
“She did try to remain very positive. In fact, we had to tell her off a few times when she criticised herself for feeling sad or angry. She’d say things like, ‘I thought I was stronger than this’—and this was the same woman still working, supporting her family, and enduring horrific side effects from treatment. She was incredibly strong.”
“There was a glimmer of hope at one point—her main tumour had shrunk due to a new trial drug. But it was short-lived. The cancer grew incredibly fast. It was cruel. She effectively had no chance. This wasn’t a ‘fight’; it was a sneak attack. And she didn’t ‘lose a battle’—she just had the worst possible luck.”
Lucy received treatment at University Hospital Coventry & Warwickshire, where she was cared for by a dedicated team of oncology and clinical trials professionals. Her family expressed heartfelt thanks for their care and support.
The campaign, hosted on GoFundMe, has become a source of light for the Simpson family during this incredibly dark time.
“The fundraising page has been a real blessing to us,” Stevie shared. “We are so, so, so devastated, but seeing how people have responded with such generosity has added a little light. Knowing how pleased Lucy would be with the rising total is a great comfort. She would never want anyone to go through the relentless cruelty she endured.”
“It’s incredibly important to raise awareness. People need to know what they’re looking for—and to report any bowel symptoms to their doctor. Doctors also need to understand that younger people are developing bowel cancer more often now. Symptoms need to be taken seriously and investigated properly.”
Though Lucy lived only 40 years, the impact she made was immeasurable. She leaves behind her loving husband, daughter, and two cherished stepsons—as well as countless friends and family members who are at a complete loss without her.
“She was an amazing wife, a devoted mum and stepmum, a precious sister, daughter, granddaughter, auntie, niece, cousin, and friend,” her family said. “To be loved by Lucy was to know you had someone in your corner 150%—always.”
“She was your fiercest cheerleader when you needed one, endlessly optimistic, and had a remarkable gift for helping people find the light—even in the darkest of times.”
To donate to the cause in Lucy’s memory, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/lucysimpson
