‘She loved getting everyone together’: Family’s tribute to beloved Leeds mum who died aged 56

A Leeds family will come together for Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds, just months after the death of their beloved mum, daughter and sister, who received end-of-life care from the charity. 

The Watson family will walk under the stars on October 10 to remember Tamla Watson, who received care at home and at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley, before her death in May this year, aged 56. 

Among those taking part as ‘Team Tamla’ will be her younger brother James Watson, 48, mum Susan and sister Sasha, alongside Tamla’s children Ellie, Sam and Maisie. 

James’ wife Luciana, their children Lucas and Rafael, and their dog Solo will also be joining the walk in Tamla’s memory, as will Sasha’s son Zachary. 

Tamla’s grandson Archie will be pushed along the route, with other family and friends, including Jack, Angela, Ellie Rae and Owen, also taking part. 

Tamla was diagnosed with a brain tumour in June 2023 after experiencing numbness and pins and needles down one side of her body. 

Her family decided to sign up together as a way of doing something positive in Tamla's memory, while also allowing the family to come together and remember her. 

“Tamla loved family – it was everything to her,” James said. 

“She loved throwing parties and getting everyone together, cooking and making sure everyone was well fed and had a good time. She loved Christmas because it was an excuse for everyone to get together. 

“We’d have family trips to Alton Towers, weekends away and things like that. She just loved getting everyone together.” 

After being diagnosed, Tamla underwent an 18-hour operation later that year, with doctors successfully removing more than 90 per cent of the tumour, before taking part in a clinical trial through the University of Leeds. 

Despite living with her illness, Tamla was determined to spend as much time as possible at home with her family and maintain a sense of normality. 

Tamla spent much of her illness at home, supported by Sue Ryder’s specialist community team, and James said the doctors and nurses became an important source of support and advice, particularly for his mum, who helped care for Tamla every day. 

He added: “They just read the situation in the room and gave as little or as much as she wanted. That, for me, was the key thing. 

“They managed the whole thing so compassionately. They pitched the care at the level that was needed for her, and it was really good.” 

Tamla eventually went to the Inpatient Unit at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice where she spent her final two days being cared for by the staff and volunteers. 

James, who now lives in Wakefield, said the care she received allowed Tamla and her family to spend their final hours together.  

“It was incredibly difficult, but it was beautiful as well because we were there the whole day, surrounding her with love,” he said. 

“The staff were super helpful. A doctor came along and explained what happens in those last few hours and what the body is doing, just in a very caring, compassionate but matter-of-fact way.  

"That’s what you need at that time.” 

Now, just months after Tamla's death, James and his family will return to the hospice for the Starlight Hike Leeds – a very different reason for being together at the hospice.  

“I think the Starlight Hike will mean a lot to all of us,” James said. "These events are a chance to get together and focus on trying to do something positive in their memory. 

“It’s an excuse to get together and talk about her as well. It’s about reliving those memories and remembering the good times.”  

Sue Ryder Starlight Hike Leeds takes place on Saturday 10 October 2026, with participants able to choose between 5km and 10km routes.  

The evening walk will take participants through the University of Leeds and towards Headingley before reaching Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice, where walkers can pause to place a star in memory of someone special. 

Taking part will help raise funds towards Sue Ryder’s palliative and end of life care for people living with a terminal illness, both at home and at Sue Ryder Wheatfields Hospice in Headingley, Leeds. end-of-life

Sue Ryder also provides online bereavement support including a bereavement community and resources on coping with grief – offering hope, dignity and kindness when it matters most. 

To find out more and to sign up, visit Sue Ryder. To support the Watson family's fundraising, visit: James Watson is fundraising for Sue Ryder