Patricia Neary - Legacy to Saint Francis Hospice

Patricia Neary left a £20,000 legacy to Saint Francis Hospice. She never received support from the hospice, but she knew about the compassionate care it provides to people and families.  

Maureen Ballard, who is a fundraising assistant at the hospice, first met Patricia when they worked together at Barclays Bank. Here she shares why Patricia left a gift in her Will to help people at the most difficult time in their lives.

Patricia was the first branch secretary I met when I joined Barclays at the age of 17. She was a lovely lady who introduced me to the West End musical world which I still enjoy today.  

Later when I retired and became the Chairperson and Social Secretary of the Barclays London East Pensioners’ Club, I arranged outings to shows and lots of social events! Patricia was a regular on the trips. She was outgoing and bubbly. She was always so full of life and energy. I remember one occasion she came dressed as the fairytale character Rapunzel to a lunch event.  It was such a fun day.  

I’m so passionate about Saint Francis Hospice and the incredible care and support it gives people, and Patricia often heard me talk about the charity over the years. I would fundraise where I could as Barclays would match fund donations of up to £750.  

When I noticed Patricia had missed a few trips, I was concerned, and I got in touch. Patricia told me she was unwell, and she had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.   

She was devastated and my heart went out to her. I spoke to her about the hospice and the support it could give her. She didn’t have to be on her own, the hospice was there for her. We had lots of straight forward conversations, and she was grateful for that.

Patricia knew she had to get her affairs in order as her health was deteriorating but she felt vulnerable and didn’t know who to trust. I told her I could recommend the solicitors the hospice has a relationship with. She appreciated it and she later told me she had made her Will and left a ‘small gift’ to the hospice.

I do a lot in life to help people, and I never expected her to do that. I think my love for the hospice spilled over and influenced Patricia. She was so worried about her future, and it meant so much to her that she was able to get everything organised the way she wanted to.  

It was a lovely conclusion as she moved into a wonderful care home where she got all the support and care she needed.  

She died peacefully in November 2023 knowing everything was in order.