David Leader, aged 62 from Sileby, experienced the care of LOROS Hospice when his wife, Natalie, was supported there at the end of her life. Determined to keep Natalie’s name alive, with the support of family and friends, the incredible Natfest Festival was created in her memory. Natfest has since gone on to become a hugely successful community event, bringing people together each year in Natalie’s honour and raising vital funds for LOROS Hospice. Here is David’s #SundayStory.
“Our family’s connection with LOROS began nearly three years ago when Natalie was nearing the end of her life after a long, hard, but very brave fight against lung cancer.
In the months leading up to her death, I had cared for her at home. As her symptoms progressed, it became more and more difficult to meet her needs. A few days before Natalie passed away, we made the decision to ask LOROS for help. It was a hard decision after more than 40 years together, and I felt like I was letting her down.
But as soon as we walked through the doors of LOROS, I knew we had made the right choice. I wasn’t letting her down—we were giving Natalie the chance of the best end-of-life care possible, and I was able to go back to being her husband rather than her carer.
The staff at LOROS were absolutely fantastic. They treated Natalie with such care and compassion; nothing was ever too much trouble. Her symptoms were well controlled, and she was able to spend her final days comfortable and pain free. Just as importantly, the team cared for me and my three daughters, Kellen, Gemma, and Charlotte, with the same kindness and attention. We were supported to stay with Natalie 24 hours a day, and we were all with her, holding her hands as she slipped peacefully away on 4th June 2023—just one day before her 60th birthday.
Natalie had spent her life caring for us, and it meant everything to be able to do the same for her. She was the most caring, brave, beautiful soul I have ever known, and I will love her until my last breath.
My daughters recall a poignant memory of the staff gently repositioning Natalie’s bed so she could face the garden, with the doors open. She loved nature and hated clinical environments, and although she wasn’t fully able to express her gratitude at the time, we know how much she would have appreciated that moment in the sunshine.
It was the small things that meant so much—smiles from every member of staff, the offer of a hot drink, a flower placed on Natalie’s pillow after she had died, and crocheted hearts for us to take home. These simple gestures will never be forgotten.
LOROS’ care did not end when Natalie died. We were all offered bereavement counselling, and I took up that support. Talking with the counselling team helped me tremendously, and I will be forever grateful.
On 21st September 2024, we gathered for a small fire pit party at home, joined by what would become the Natfest committee. Around the fire, I said I wanted to raise money for LOROS as a thank you for what they had done for Natalie. That night, the idea of a small music event was mentioned—something simple in the garden with my brother’s band playing and a few friends and family.
How wrong I was…
After a WhatsApp message and plenty of brainstorming, Natfest was born. Natalie loved live music, gigs, and festivals, so it became the perfect tribute to her whilst raising much needed funds for LOROS.
On 5th July 2025, we held our first Natfest—and what began as a simple idea became a full-blown festival with 500 people attending, local bands, a Queen tribute headliner, food vendors, a bar, children’s entertainment, a raffle, and more. Together, we raised over £12,000 for LOROS.
This wasn’t even the first time our family has fundraised for LOROS—Charlotte, my youngest daughter, raised £1,223 through a parachute jump in 2024.
And now, we’re preparing for Natfest 2026 on Saturday 27th June. It will be even bigger and better, and we are determined to beat last year’s total, with all profits once again going to LOROS. You can check it out on our social media pages, Natfest26, or on our websit at natfest.co.uk. Our aim this year is to beat last years total with all profits going to LOROS.
None of this would be possible without our incredible Natfest committee—made up of friends and family who have supported every step of the journey. Each member of the committee gives up their free time for monthly meetings to go through arranging the festival whilst working full time jobs and caring for their own families. We also rely on the generosity of Alpha Power Cleaners Ltd who sponsor our event. The managing director, Chris, is Natalie’s brother, and the operations director Rob, is Natalie’s nephew.
Holding this event means a lot to us all at Natfest. It keeps Natalie’s name alive, although she would say we must be bonkers! LOROS is a much loved charity that will forever hold a place in our hearts and we are so proud to keep giving back to the hospice that care for her with such compassion.”
