The family and friends of Victoria Schofield are establishing a new foundation to support individuals with terminal illnesses and their loved ones, as well as those working in palliative care. Vicky, a speech and language therapist from Apperley Bridge in Bradford, tragically passed away in 2025 at the age of 32, shortly after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. Her brother, Ben Halstead, highlighted Vicky's selfless nature, recalling how her primary concern during her illness was the support available for her family.
The concept for the charity originated directly from Vicky herself during her final weeks. Her husband, Jack Schofield, explained that while many have been inspired by Vicky's compassion, the foundation was her specific wish. Vicky was cared for at St Gemma's Hospice in Leeds, where she spent valuable time with visitors, often enjoying the outdoors. Her family provided crucial support, including covering mortgage payments, enabling Jack to take time off from his sports photography business to be by her side.
The foundation is envisioned as a means to provide practical relief, such as grants to help with mortgage payments for families navigating the challenges of terminal illness. Before her passing, Vicky had already demonstrated her philanthropic spirit by raising over £70,000 for St Gemma's Hospice and the Leeds Teaching Hospitals Trust. The new foundation aims to build upon this legacy of support.
A decision from the Charity Commission regarding the establishment of the foundation is anticipated later this year. In the interim, fundraising activities are actively underway. Recently, a group undertook a 200 km cycle ride, commencing at a tree planted in Vicky's memory in Nottingham. Funds have also been raised for a memorial bench along the canal near her home in Apperley Bridge, a route she frequently ran with her friend Hayley Gibson.
Hayley Gibson reflected on Vicky's vibrant personality, noting her empathy, kindness, and sense of fun. She expressed certainty that Vicky would have loved to see people raising money through active pursuits. Jack Schofield emphasised that the scale of the foundation's impact, whether helping two people or 2,000, is less important than its core mission of supporting those caring for individuals with life-limiting illnesses, continuing Vicky's profound positive influence on many lives.