Former EastEnders actress Simone Lahbib has opened up about the death of her younger brother to cancer. She played the role of Katy Lewis in the BBC show from November 2020 to May 2021. The star is also known for playing Helen Stewart in crime drama Bad Girls.

 

 

The 60-year-old Scottish actress lost her brother Stephen, who was aged 45, just six months after he was given a terminal diagnosis. He was told he had two years to live in May 2024 and died in November of the same year. Simone has shared 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.

She said: “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.”

Simone continued: “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.”

She revealed her brother’s main goal was to finish recording some songs for his band Mama Mayhem’s album with his bandmate John Drummond. He accomplished his goal and the songs were released on Spotify.

Speaking about Stephen’s funeral, his proud sister said: “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.”

She revealed her brother’s main goal was to finish recording some songs for his band Mama Mayhem’s album with his bandmate John Drummond. He accomplished his goal and the songs were released on Spotify.

Speaking about Stephen’s funeral, his proud sister said: “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 the findings showed that nearly six in ten people believe family and close relationships provide life’s greatest sense of purpose, surpassing personal accomplishments.

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.”

Former EastEnders actress Simone Lahbib has opened up about the death of her younger brother to cancer. She played the role of Katy Lewis in the BBC show from November 2020 to May 2021. The star is also known for playing Helen Stewart in crime drama Bad Girls.

The 60-year-old Scottish actress lost her brother Stephen, who was aged 45, just six months after he was given a terminal diagnosis. He was told he had two years to live in May 2024 and died in November of the same year. Simone has shared 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.

She said: “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.”

Simone continued: “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.”

She revealed her brother’s main goal was to finish recording some songs for his band Mama Mayhem’s album with his bandmate John Drummond. He accomplished his goal and the songs were released on Spotify.

Speaking about Stephen’s funeral, his proud sister said: “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.”

She revealed her brother’s main goal was to finish recording some songs for his band Mama Mayhem’s album with his bandmate John Drummond. He accomplished his goal and the songs were released on Spotify.

Speaking about Stephen’s funeral, his proud sister said: “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 the findings showed that nearly six in ten people believe family and close relationships provide life’s greatest sense of purpose, surpassing personal accomplishments.

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.”