Scottish actress Simone Lahbib is supporting Strathcarron Hospice’s campaign after losing her brother Stephen six months after his terminal diagnosis
Former EastEnders star Simone Lahbib is encouraging people to “make every moment count” after losing her younger brother to cancer.
The 60 year old Scottish actress, famed for her roles in Bad Girls, Eastenders and Wire in the Blood, tragically lost her brother Stephen just six months after he was given a terminal diagnosis.
Stephen was informed he had only two years left to live in May 2024. He sadly passed away at Strathcarron Hospice in November of the same year. Simone has bravely decided to share her experience with end-of-life care in support of Strathcarron Hospice’s 2026 Campaign ‘What Makes Life Meaningful’, as the hospice celebrates its 45th anniversary.
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She revealed that her parents, both in their 80s, were initially Stephen’s main carers but as his condition worsened, he became unstable on his feet. The family sought help from Strathcarron, whose staff provided daily assistance to wash and dress him and were always available for emergency call-outs, reports the Daily Record.
She expressed: “Strathcarron’s Hospice at Home team was invaluable toward the end. 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.
“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.”
Simone recalled in her brother’s final weeks he vowed to make the most of every moment. His main goal was to finish songs for his band Mama Mayhem’s album with his bandmate John Drummond.
Their album, ‘Hangman’ was released on Spotify shortly after Stephen’s death, with a number of vinyl copies printed. Simone said the loss of her brother has made her more aware of how much the people in your life matter.
“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,” she continued.
“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.”
Research commissioned by Strathcarron as part of its campaign revealed that Scots place greater importance on time, relationships and compassion than wealth or achievement when considering what gives life meaning.
The findings showed that nearly six in ten people believe family and close relationships provide life’s greatest sense of purpose, surpassing personal accomplishments. The research also revealed that in everyday life, almost 60 per cent of respondents valued physical and mental wellbeing, whilst nearly half prioritised independence and freedom over their work or career.
However, it appears to be life’s smaller moments that bring Scotland’s population the most happiness – with 59 per cent of people choosing to spend quality time with family, friends and pets.
Mags McCarthy, Chief Executive of Strathcarron Hospice, commented: “This results of this research reflect what we find in our everyday lives 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 that mean the most to people.
“Hospices play a vital role in delivering palliative care, supporting families, and reducing pressure on NHS services.”
