St Barnabas gives its care for free, but I don’t think people realise how much it costs to run the hospice. It’s not run by the government like the NHS. So it’s down to St Barnabas charity shops, fundraising and donations to keep it going.
I’ve been volunteering in the hospice charity shops for over 12 years. The experience and people I’ve worked with have taught me so much – St Barnabas has played an important role in my life. I was especially pleased when the team gave me the chance to teach staff sign language so they could communicate more easily with patients. It felt good knowing I was helping people at the end of their lives.
So I really wanted to give back for all the charity has done for me and help the hospice at the same time. Leaving a gift in my Will to St Barnabas is me saying thank you for all the help.
The hospice hasn’t only helped me either. The team were there for my dad too when he was terminally ill. Whenever I’d visit, he’d tell me that someone from St Barnabas had been to see him. And I’d get a warm feeling knowing I’d contributed to his care through the things I sell in the shop. I just knew the hospice would be there for him no matter what.
I’m proud to be a volunteer with the hospice. It’s a special place and so important to Lincolnshire. The fact St Barnabas is there for people in my community means a lot to me. It’s another reason I chose to leave something after I’ve gone. My mum is doing the same.
Knowing I’ll still be helping the hospice when I’m no longer here feels like a great achievement. And it really doesn’t matter how much we leave. It all makes a difference.
I always remember a friend saying to me, “You might not know anyone yet who’s needed St Barnabas’ care, but you may do, and one day you might need it too, so it’s important it’s always there.” And she was right.
Thank you to Jane, and all our legators. Your legacy will continue through the care you’ll make possible in years to come.
To find out more about leaving A Gift For Generations, please visit: Make a Will with St Barnabas Hospice