As we come to the end of the year, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported St Barnabas throughout 2025. This year has brought its share of challenges, but it has also been filled with kindness and community spirit.
We’ve celebrated 25 years of our meaningful Torchlight Procession, honoured the incredible legators whose gifts will help sustain our future, and continued to offer care, comfort, and compassion when it matters most.
Reaching my 10-year milestone has given me a moment to pause and reflect on the privilege of leading such a dedicated organisation. While much has changed over the past decade, what has remained constant is the unwavering commitment of our staff, volunteers, supporters, and community.
As we reflect, we must also be honest about the challenges we continue to face. More families than ever need our support, and rising costs are making it harder to provide care. To ensure we can continue to deliver compassionate hospice care across Lincolnshire, we have had to make some difficult decisions. We are sad to have said goodbye to valued members of the Trust, as we make every effort to secure our services.
After sharing the realities of our financial situation earlier in May and asking for your support, we have been humbled by the kindness and generosity you’ve shown. Without you, our community, we simply couldn’t continue to provide vital care to over 12,000 people and their families across Lincolnshire every year.
We are incredibly grateful to every person and business who has been able to make a financial donation or fundraise for us, everyone who has participated in our events, every purchase made or item donated, every volunteer who gives their time so generously, every gift in kind, and everyone who shares their experience with St Barnabas to help us raise awareness. Your support makes a world of difference.
Christmas is often a time where loss is felt more deeply, so I encourage you to please reach out if you need that extra bit of support in coping with grief over Christmas. Our free bereavement support is available to everyone in Lincolnshire, not just those affected by hospice care.
Thank you once again for your continued support – for every donation, every kind word and every act of compassion that helps us be there for those who need us most.
On behalf of the entire St Barnabas Hospice team, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
Chris Wheway
Chief Executive, St Barnabas Hospice