Simone Shares Her Story as Part of the ‘What Makes Life Meaningful’ Campaign for Strathcarron Hospice’s 45^th Anniversary

Scottish actress Simone Lahbib is encouraging people to “make every moment count” following the death of her younger brother Stephen.

The 45-year-old was devastatingly given a terminal cancer diagnosis in May 2024 and told he may have up to only two years to live.

Within months, sadly his health deteriorated and Strathcarron Hospice at Home Service and Clinical Nurses Specialists supported Stephen and his family at home. Due to the complexity of his symptoms, he was admitted into the Hospice for further specialist support, and died in the Hospice surrounded by his loved ones, in November 2024.

As part of Strathcarron Hospice’s 45^th anniversary year, Simone has chosen to share her experience of palliative and end of life Hospice care and back the Hospice’s 2026 campaign ‘What Makes Life Meaningful’.

 

As part of the campaign, a new study* released today by Strathcarron reveals that the people of Scotland value time, relationships and kindness, far above money or success when it comes to what makes life meaningful. 

In mid-January, as many of us are already giving up on the New Year’s resolutions and goals we set on the first day of the month, the Hospice delves into what is really important in life.

Simone shares that Stephen greatly valued his connections with friends and family, and that making music and singing brought him joy and was meaningful for him. 

 

MEANINGFUL

• Nearly six in ten people (59%) believe family and close relationships give life its greatest meaning, ahead of things such as personal achievements and success (14%) or even looking good (7%).
• Enjoying life’s experiences (36%) and having choice and control over how we live (29%) also ranked high on the list of priorities. 
• When it came to day-to-day life, physical or mental wellbeing (58%) and having freedom and independence (48%) ranked high, way ahead of the likes of work or career purpose (16%).
• It seems then, that joy comes from the little things like spending time with family, friends, or pets (59%), relaxing with TV, films, books or games (52%) or simply having the freedom to choose how we spend our time (44%).
• Getting fresh air or being in nature, eating good food and exercising, or moving our bodies, were also cited as sure ways to put a smile on our face. 

 

CONNECTIONS

Simone, a star of film and TV including Eastenders, Wire in the Blood, Bad Girls and River City, said: 

"Stephen became very unsteady on his feet and when he had a fall it was difficult to get him back up. He was a big man - 6 feet tall. Stephen was staying with my parents home when he was ill and they couldn’t lift him - they’re both in their 80’s - and neither could I.  So to be able to rely on the Hospice team for the day to day like washing and dressing Stephen, and knowing they were on call for any emergency was invaluable.

“They were so lovely, understanding and supportive. It was a very difficult, distressing time and we came to rely on them. 

 “When the time came for Stephen to be admitted to the Hospice, I imagined that it would be more hospital-like and sterile, with nurses who were caring and efficient but overstretched. But the staff made not only Stephen, but his family and friends feel welcome and important. There is a professionalism and warmth to all the staff - from the doctors and nurses, to the front desk and catering staff.

 "Stephen was a very sociable man. I believe he made some good friends during his time there. The kindness and support continued towards our family, even after his death.  

 “Stephen was not only cared for at Strathcarron Hospice…he was loved. My family and I can’t thank them all enough for all they did.”

 

MAKING EVERY MOMENT COUNT

Whilst in the Hospice, Stephen’s main goal in the final weeks of life was to complete some unfinished songs with his friend and Mama Mayhem bandmate John Drummond. The album, ‘Hangman’ was released on Spotify shortly after Stephen’s death, with a number of vinyl copies printed.

Simone added: “Stephen wanted to make every moment count and in his music he lives on. It will be treasured forever and played often. 

"He loved his family and friends before anything else. His biggest passion though was his music. He was a singer, songwriter as well as a very talented graphic designer. 

“I’ve never seen so many people attend a funeral as I did Stephen’s, including some of the nurses from the Hospice. It says so much about Stephen, and the lovely nurses who looked after him.

 “Like Stephen I’ve always loved and cared for my family and friends as a priority. Since his death, I’m more aware of how precious and fragile life is.”

Stephen, Simone and family 

Stephen with band Mama Mayhem

 

COMMUNITY

• Strathcarron’s research also showed that sense of community was also important, with 21% of respondents saying helping others or contributing to society gives life purpose.  Interestingly though, as we age, this priority seems to shift.   
• When asked what type of legacy they thought was the most meaningful to leave behind, a quarter (25%) of 18 to 24 year olds cited leaving a positive impact on community, a contrast to just 19% of those aged 55 and over. 
• Likewise, 22% of those ages 18 to 24 thought helping or uplifting others within a community would matter most at the end of life versus just 5% of those aged 55 and over. 
• For this age group, importance is placed on feeling like life had purpose or meaning (39%) and experiencing joy, fulfilment and moments that truly mattered (27%) way ahead of issues such as achieving long-held goals (4%).
• And when it came to high-quality end-of-life care, respondents prioritised connection and choice. Being surrounded by loved ones (44%), having wishes respected and being involved in decisions (31%), and being able to say goodbye (25%) are seen as the most important factors.

WHAT’S IMPORTANT?

 

As Strathcarron Hospice marks their 45^th anniversary of caring for those in the community facing life-limiting conditions, they are encouraging us all to start a conversation of “what’s most important?” both during life and at the end of it.

Mags McCarthy, Strathcarron Hospice CEO, said: “This results of this research reflects what we find in our everyday at the Hospice. Meaningful connections, finding joy in the little things and making the most of life’s experiences – listening to a favourite song or sharing precious moments with those we love – these are the things mean the most to people.

“Hospices play a vital role in delivering palliative care, supporting families, and reducing pressure on NHS services. They support people to be cared for in their own communities, avoid hospital admissions and are an essential partner in wider system reform.

“As a charity, with the support of the communities we serve, we hope to be here for our next 45 years.”

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Find out more about our work www.strathcarronhospice.net

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*Research questions asked (participants had the opportunity to select up to three answers from given options):

• When thinking about what gives life meaning/purpose, which, if any, of the following do you think is most important?
• What, if anything, means the most to you in your day-to-day life?
• Which, if any, of the following day-to-day things bring you joy?
• Thinking about how you’d like to be remembered, what, if anything, would you most like to be remembered by?
• What type of legacy, if any, do you think is the most meaningful to leave behind?
• Which, if any, of the following do you think are most important for ensuring high-quality end-of-life care?
• Thinking about the end of life, what, if anything, do you think would matter most?