St Catherine's Hospice

Claire Humphrey

In Loving Memory Derek “Daddy” Fox

In Loving Memory Derek “Daddy” Fox

My Story

Raising funds for St Catherine's Hospice in Loving Memory of Derek Fox.
2023 would have marked the 90th birthday of Derek Fox. "Daddy Fox" as he was affectionately known to me was the beloved Father of my best friend Louise. 

Louise's own words:

How Dad lived and died continues to inspire me, he never lost his sense of humour and even in his last weeks in St Catherine's he laughed and joked with the nurses. It made all the difference to us as a family that he was cared for there where we could no longer look after him so well at home.

It must have been good as the original time frame we were given just before Christmas was a few days and he kept going until the 13th of January!

Claire was an amazing friend from the moment I called her in tears from the hospital on diagnosis to creating a stunning floral tribute to adorn Dads coffin. He loved her and spoke about her with a tenderness saved for a daughter. He would have been so proud of her as am I, and for having something so important being dedicated to him.

Louise's tribute to her Dad:

Derek Fox, A gentle man full of childish wonder and mischief! A loving Husband and Father he is greatly missed by us all every day. He was and still is an inspiration, his love for humanity and so many other things, poetry, music, art, photography, railways, books and nature.

He was never one to boast about his abilities which even though I'm biased were plenty and above average! Great at drawing, rewired our house, could fix most things and was even selected to play cricket for England.

He was pretty contented with his life and who he was. I loved spending time with him, he taught me how to tie my shoelaces and how to drive and so much more. I'm so lucky to have so many happy memories of him. x

About St Catherine's Hospice:

We're a local charity with a big ambition.

We want to live in a world where everyone can face death informed, supported and pain free. Providing expert hospice care, we're there for people in West Sussex and East Surrey when life comes full circle.

Established in 1983 St Catherine's Hospice cares for around 2,100 people annually in our local community who are living with a life limiting illness. As well as caring for patients we offer support to families and loved ones left behind.

With plans well under way to build and establish a new, larger hospice, our hope is that we can support a greater number of patients and their families. This exciting project is due for completion in Autumn 2023.

It costs us around £10m per year to run St Catherine's. Only one third of that £10m comes from NHS funding. The rest is raised by our local community - people like you.


A final word from Claire:

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please support my fundraising and donate whatever you can. Every little helps and enables St Catherine's to continue their vital work supporting local people and their families.

Claire x

St Catherine's Hospice

Raising for:

St Catherine's Hospice
196%

Funded

  • Target
    £1,000
  • Raised so far
    £1,964
  • Number of donors
    49

My Story

Raising funds for St Catherine's Hospice in Loving Memory of Derek Fox.
2023 would have marked the 90th birthday of Derek Fox. "Daddy Fox" as he was affectionately known to me was the beloved Father of my best friend Louise. 

Louise's own words:

How Dad lived and died continues to inspire me, he never lost his sense of humour and even in his last weeks in St Catherine's he laughed and joked with the nurses. It made all the difference to us as a family that he was cared for there where we could no longer look after him so well at home.

It must have been good as the original time frame we were given just before Christmas was a few days and he kept going until the 13th of January!

Claire was an amazing friend from the moment I called her in tears from the hospital on diagnosis to creating a stunning floral tribute to adorn Dads coffin. He loved her and spoke about her with a tenderness saved for a daughter. He would have been so proud of her as am I, and for having something so important being dedicated to him.

Louise's tribute to her Dad:

Derek Fox, A gentle man full of childish wonder and mischief! A loving Husband and Father he is greatly missed by us all every day. He was and still is an inspiration, his love for humanity and so many other things, poetry, music, art, photography, railways, books and nature.

He was never one to boast about his abilities which even though I'm biased were plenty and above average! Great at drawing, rewired our house, could fix most things and was even selected to play cricket for England.

He was pretty contented with his life and who he was. I loved spending time with him, he taught me how to tie my shoelaces and how to drive and so much more. I'm so lucky to have so many happy memories of him. x

About St Catherine's Hospice:

We're a local charity with a big ambition.

We want to live in a world where everyone can face death informed, supported and pain free. Providing expert hospice care, we're there for people in West Sussex and East Surrey when life comes full circle.

Established in 1983 St Catherine's Hospice cares for around 2,100 people annually in our local community who are living with a life limiting illness. As well as caring for patients we offer support to families and loved ones left behind.

With plans well under way to build and establish a new, larger hospice, our hope is that we can support a greater number of patients and their families. This exciting project is due for completion in Autumn 2023.

It costs us around £10m per year to run St Catherine's. Only one third of that £10m comes from NHS funding. The rest is raised by our local community - people like you.


A final word from Claire:

Thank you for taking the time to read my story. Please support my fundraising and donate whatever you can. Every little helps and enables St Catherine's to continue their vital work supporting local people and their families.

Claire x