Actress Linda Murphy Regan donates a specialist bed to St Christopher’s in memory of her late husband, Brian Murphy
Linda and Brian were married for 36 years and, whilst both well-known actors, met on the set of ‘Wife begins at 40’.
When Brian’s health began to decline at the end of 2024, his wife Linda, found herself facing a situation that changed almost overnight. What began as back pain quickly became a series of falls and increasing discomfort. After several A&E visits and an initial suggestion that he may have sprained his spine, Linda arranged a private scan. The results were devastating: extensive bone metastases caused by prostate cancer.
Within a few days of receiving the diagnosis, they were referred to St Christopher’s hospice. From that moment, Linda says, everything shifted. Linda said: “The hospice team moved quickly to put support in place, Brian wanted to stay at home and they helped that happen. Nurses began visiting three times a day, offering expert care and reassurance at a time when Brian’s condition was deteriorating rapidly.”
One of the most transformative pieces of support was the delivery of a specialist adjustable bed provided by the hospice in Brian’s home. For Linda, this made an enormous difference. Linda said: “The bed eased Brian’s pain, reduced the physical strain, and allowed him to rest with dignity and comfort. The nurses’ compassion left a lasting impression. They took great care when turning Brian to minimise pain, and even ensured his moustache, a signature part of his appearance, was kept neat. “ One nurse recognised Brian from his on-screen work, a moment that brought warmth and connection during a very difficult time.
Brian died in February 2025, only a few weeks after his diagnosis. In the months that followed, Linda accessed one-to-one bereavement support at St Christopher’s in Orpington. She completed around 10–12 sessions and found the support invaluable in helping her navigate her grief. Linda said: “The woman supporting me was wonderful, I liked her very much.”
Alongside this, Linda continued her longstanding involvement with the Lady Rattlings, a charitable group connected to the entertainment community. As a trustee, she helps coordinate fundraising and equipment donations, a role that would soon take on new meaning. The specialist bed had made such a profound difference to Brian’s final weeks that Linda was determined to ensure someone else could benefit in the same way. She set out to raise funds to purchase a falls bed to donate to St Christopher’s.
A memorial event held at Brian’s church brought together friends, supporters and well-known figures from the entertainment world. With tickets priced around £15–£20 and supported by the The Grand Order of the Lady Ratlings, the event raised thousands of pounds.
The new bed has arrived, and Linda has donated it as a lasting tribute to Brian and in gratitude for the care they received.
On Monday 13 July, Linda visited St Christopher’s hospice with friends Vicky Bailey, Debbie McGee and Vicki Michelle to see the bed and meet some of St Christopher’s clinical team.
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