Donating or fundraising in memory of someone is a very special and meaningful way to remember them – honouring their life and helping others at the same time.We’re always incredibly touched and grateful to receive these donations.
You can support the RCN Foundation in memory of someone in different ways:
All donations received will be used to support nurses, midwives, and healthcare support workers.
For further information, email fundraising@rcnfoundation.org.uk or call 020 7647 3645.
In honour of Ildiko
After defeating breast cancer in 2018, in August 2023, Ildiko Demeter received the devastating news that her cancer had returned and was diagnosed with stage 4 triple-negative breast cancer.
Born in Romania, Ildiko moved to the UK in 1990 and studied business management at the University of North London. She enjoyed a 30-year long career at the BBC, touching the lives of many colleagues and people she connected with. Her devotion to her job lasted until the very end as she continued working even after her stage 4 diagnosis, up until the day she was admitted into hospital.
A proud mum of two children who fondly remember her for being the most amazing super-mum. Between working a full-time job, running their home, and supporting her children, she found time to enjoy gardening, hiking, and volunteering for the Hungarian school and St Istvan House communities.
Ildiko lived a full life and achieved so much in her 53 years. Her family remember her as an incredible person, bringing joy and happiness to others and living her life with grace up until the very end.
To honour her memory and show their appreciation for the nurses that cared for Ildiko during her stay at the Royal Marsden Hospital, her family have tremendously raised over £3000 which they have kindly donated to the RCN Foundation In Memory of Ildiko.
Olufunke's legacy
Olufunke had a career spanning over 50 years in all areas of nursing including ophthalmology, midwifery, general and community nursing and she felt the challenges that come with being part of a racialised minority.
When Olufunke died, her three children decided to set up an in memorium fund for those who recognised these challenges within their own roles in nursing, midwifery, and care. They donated £20,000, establishing the RCN Foundation Olufunke Adeyeye Education Grant which is a fund dedicated to providing further education and training opportunities to nursing and midwifery staff from the Global Majority.
You can read more about the grant here.
Olufunke's children described her career as "a shining example of the support and dedication that nurses demonstrate everyday, not just to their patients, but also to each other. In her character she was a true nurse – she would never ignore an opportunity to care for and support anyone in need."
Mary's story
When Mary passed away in the midst of the pandemic, her children knew that she wouldn’t want to put people at risk attending her funeral. They felt they would honour her legacy by asking, instead of floral tributes, for donations to support nurses and midwives on the front line.
Mary Abraham was just 16 when she began her nursing career in 1948 at West Cornwall Hospital, Penzance. She worked in service of her patients until she retired in 2001 at the age of 69. For 53 years she enjoyed a varied and exciting career as a nurse and midwife both in the NHS and in the private sector.
Mary’s husband sadly passed away suddenly at a young age, leaving her with three children and a low income to support them. The RCN Foundation was able to assist the family after Mary needed surgery by providing a grant to pay for convalescence. Mary’s daughter, Nikki, says that the family was so grateful for the support they received that when the opportunity to give back came along, they didn’t give it a second thought.
We are so grateful to have played a role in Mary's nursing story.
Contact us
Feeling inspired by these stories? You too can make an In Memory gift.
If you would like to explore setting up an in memorium grant, to remember a loved one and support the nursing team, please email fundraising@rcnfoundation.org.uk to get in touch.