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Steven’s Legacy

Steven Wright was a much-loved Hartlepool dad and husband who was cared for at Alice House, where he sadly died in June 2022, aged just 42.

Since his death, Steven’s friends and family have rallied together, raising thousands for the Hospice in his memory.

Steven was a healthy father of two beloved children, Lottie who is eleven and Finley, who is eight. He kept fit and worked as an engineer; when he discovered a pain in his side in November 2021 he initially thought he had pulled a muscle whilst putting up a curtain rail.

After the pain worsened over the following days, tests confirmed that Steven had bowel cancer, which had spread and was at an advanced stage. Steven underwent Chemotherapy treatment, but despite this, his condition deteriorated and he spent his last days being cared for at Alice House, where he was visited by friends and family. He was able to spend his wife Melissa’s birthday with her on 1 June and he died just a few days later on Sunday 5 June 2022.

Melissa said, “Each and every member of staff at Alice House went above and beyond, in not just their care of Steven but of us as a family. They gave us support in so many ways, which allowed us to spend precious time together with Steven. Absolutely nothing – and I mean nothing – was too much trouble and for that I will never be able to thank them enough.”

Not long after he died, Steven’s loved ones began to donate and raise money for the Hospice in his name.

Steven’s funeral took place at Stranton Grange Crematorium on 16 June, after which friends and relatives gathered in The Fens pub, not far from where he lived with his family. On the day, a collection was held for Alice House, raising an incredible £510.

Soon after, some of Steven’s friends and family climbed Hellvelyn in the Lake District, where they scattered some of his ashes.

On 10 November, Steven’s friend Ben Lloyd will be climbing Mount Everest, at the time of writing having raised over £2,500 in sponsorship with donations still coming in. Ben will be travelling with some of Steven’s ashes, which he will scatter at the very top as a tribute.

Ben said “I am extremely excited for the trek to Everest base camp and am honoured to be able to raise money in Steven’s memory for such a fantastic charity. I’m a little bit nervous naturally, but it’s a once in a life time experience so I’m sure it will be amazing. It will all come down to how my body reacts to altitude; my training’s going well, so just looking forward to getting out there.”

Melissa works as a Practice Sister at Bankhouse Surgery where a group of colleagues organised a cake sale and tombola in the practice, which raised a further £490 in Steven’s name. Melissa said she was blown away by people’s level of kindness, support and generosity and wanted to say thank you to all those involved in the fundraising.

There was also a donation made by Mitsubishi Chemicals, who were work contacts of Steven’s and further donations have been pledged from other organisations.

Steven had always loved playing football and his friends and brother Tony decided that a charity football match would be a fitting tribute. The match took place on 27 August at Seaton Carew Sports and Social Club and is expected to be an annual event. A total of £5,285 was raised which will be split between the Hospice and Steven’s family.

Stuart Hodgson, a close friend of Steven’s since primary school, was involved in the organising of the event and also played football on the day.

Stuart kindly shared some words in tribute to his friend, “He was a top, top bloke – one of life’s best. He was quite an unassuming quiet fella, but knew loads of people and the sheer numbers who turned up at the funeral and football match demonstrate just how well he was thought of by so many people.

I put it to the back of my mind most of the time – but really miss my old mate when I think about him, even now I can’t listen to the Oasis song Live Forever that was played at his funeral, without choking up. But my outlook on life has changed a bit because of Ste – wanting to be a better person and family man like he was and also wanting to make the most of life because you never know when your time is up.
When someone your age, who you were close to passes, your own mortality is put right in front of your face.

I know being at the Hospice at the end was comforting for Steven and his family and what the Hospice does is so very worthwhile – bringing support to people at their time of need. I’m pleased we were able to raise some money for Alice House and will continue to do so in tribute to Steven, who will live forever in our memories.”

The Hospice’s Fundraising Senior Manager, Julie Hildreth said, “It is clear how much Steven meant to people and the tributes and donations made have been moving and incredibly generous. Whilst his friends and family must miss him terribly, I hope that they can take some comfort from the love and kindness that has been shown in his name. All of the money raised will help to ensure that Alice House can continue to support more patients and families in the future. Thank you all of Steven’s friends and family.”

Melissa said “I’m completely overwhelmed by the generosity the fundraising has generated, it’s very humbling. We take a great deal of comfort in the knowledge that the money raised in Steven’s memory will allow other families in a similar situation to ours, to access the monumental help and support we received.

Steven was one of life’s true gentleman, who always had time for each and everyone he met. He would be so proud of the legacy he has left behind.”

  • Registered charity No. 510824
  • Company No. 1525658
  • © Alice House Hospice 2025

Hartlepool Hospice Ltd (known locally as Alice House Hospice and formerly Hartlepool & District Hospice)
Registered office: Alice House, Wells Avenue, Hartlepool, TS24 9DA.