Actress Linda Murphy Regan, best known for her roles in Hi-de-Hi!, The Bill and Heartbeat, has donated a specialist falls bed to St Christopher’s Hospice in memory of her late husband, actor Brian Murphy, who was cared for by the hospice in the final weeks of his life.
Brian Murphy was widely loved for his roles in George & Mildred and Last of the Summer Wine. The donation honours his memory while helping St Christopher’s provide comfort and dignity to patients receiving end-of-life care.
The specialist bed which has many safety features including an alarm, was funded through a memorial fundraising event organised by Linda and friends from the entertainment industry. Together they run The Grand Order of the Lady Rattlings which helps others in need and raise necessary funds by hosting a variety of events.
The new bed has now been delivered to St Christopher’s Hospice, where Linda was joined by friends and fellow TV actors Vicki Michelle (‘Allo ‘Allo!) and Debbie McGee (The Paul Daniels Magic Show) for a presentation ceremony to mark the donation.
Linda and Brian were married for 36 years after meeting on the set of A Wife Begins at Forty. When Brian’s health deteriorated due to extensive bone metastases caused by prostate cancer, suddenly at the end of 2024, the couple were referred to St Christopher’s Hospice for support.
Linda, said: “I can recall how quickly St Christopher’s stepped in to support us. Brian wanted to stay at home and they made that possible. The nurses came three times a day. Their care, their gentleness and their respect meant everything.
“One of the most important pieces of support provided by the hospice was a specialist adjustable bed, which helped ease Brian’s discomfort and enabled him to remain at home. The nurses were so careful when turning him, always trying to minimise discomfort. They even made sure his moustache, which he was very proud of, was kept neat. Their compassion stayed with me.
“I wanted to give something back to St Christopher’s and, given our experience, a bed felt like the most appropriate way to do so.”
Amanda Mayo, Care Director at St Christopher’s Hospice, said: “Linda’s generosity will make a profound difference to the comfort and dignity of people in our care. This gift is a wonderful tribute to Brian and reflects the compassion and kindness that underpin hospice care. We are deeply grateful for Linda’s support and to everyone who contributed to making this donation possible.”
Following Brian’s death, Linda also received bereavement support from St Christopher’s Hospice, helping her navigate life after her loss.
