Rosemarie Duncan

Angela Tee -Client of Caremark Bromley & Lewisham

Angela Tee was more than a client to us at Caremark Bromley and Lewisham. She was family.

Angela was 57 years old. She lived with mild learning disabilities and Autism, and behind her quiet smile was a woman who fought harder than most people will ever understand. Every day, Angela battled not only her illness, but also a system that too often failed to truly see her, hear her, or understand her needs.

When we first began supporting Angela, we quickly realised how vulnerable she was. Like many people living with learning disabilities and Autism, Angela struggled to understand complex medical systems, appointments, procedures, and the constant changes around her. She needed patience. She needed advocacy. She needed people willing to slow down, listen carefully, and stand beside her.

And that is exactly what our team tried to do.

Angela was gentle, funny in her own way, and incredibly brave. Even during the darkest moments of her illness, she still showed warmth to the carers supporting her. She built bonds with staff who cared deeply for her, not just because it was their job, but because Angela touched people’s hearts. She trusted us, and we walked beside her through some of the hardest moments of her life.

Watching Angela decline was heartbreaking.

We saw a woman fighting to stay alive. Fighting through pain, confusion, fear, hospital visits, and exhaustion. There were moments where we truly believed more could have been done sooner. More understanding. More support. Better communication. Better systems for people with learning disabilities and Autism who cannot always navigate healthcare in the same way others can.

Angela deserved more time.

She deserved a system that adapted to her needs instead of expecting her to adapt to it.

Too many vulnerable people fall through the cracks because they do not fully understand how to explain their pain, challenge decisions, or fight for themselves. Angela’s life showed us just how important advocacy, compassion, and specialised support truly are.

Until the day Angela passed away, we continued to support her with care, dignity, and love. Her death deeply affected everyone who knew her. Staff cried. People grieved. Because Angela mattered.

This charity walk is not only in memory of Angela Tee. It is for every person living with learning disabilities and Autism who struggles to be heard within health and social care systems. It is a call for greater understanding, better support, and a world where vulnerable people are never overlooked.

Angela fought until the very end.

Now we walk for her.

We walk so her story is never forgotten.