St Barnabas was one of the best things that happened to dad – and to me. It was like a weight had been lifted. It allowed me to be his daughter again, not his carer. And we got to spend our final weeks together without the worry.
At first, it was scary thinking about going to the hospice, especially for my dad. He was so stubborn, and it was a mission to get him there! But it was nothing like either of us imagined. And when dad thought he might be moved because of the hospice refurbishment, he was adamant he wasn’t going anywhere. That’s how special it is.
I believe dad would have died sooner, in more pain, agitated and angry, if St Barnabas wasn’t part of our community. Instead, he spent his last few weeks doing the things he enjoyed. They might not have been ideal for his health, but they made him happy, and the hospice nurses respected that. They never judged. They just did whatever they could to make dad’s last weeks count.
Because I was the only one there for dad, St Barnabas also gave me peace of mind knowing that he was being well looked after when I couldn’t be with him. If it weren’t for the hospice, dad would’ve spent most of his last weeks alone at home or in hospital.
The care team are angels in nurse uniforms.
Dad’s condition meant he had broken legs and needed an air mattress. So whenever he wanted to go outside, the team would lift him onto another bed before wheeling him out. And they just did it – several times a day, without hesitating. Just like they made sure an egg custard tart was waiting for him whenever he asked, which was often!
St Barnabas made everything so much easier. The nurses even made his passing a positive experience. They gently explained what was happening when they sensed the end was near. Afterwards, they dimmed the lights, played soft music, and brought me tea and biscuits. Then they left me to be with dad one last time.
Nothing I could do would ever be enough to repay St Barnabas.
I’ll give back what I can while I’m here. And when I’m gone, a gift in my Will will be my final thank you. Knowing the support I got and the weight it lifted off me can go to someone else makes it so worthwhile.
I feel incredibly proud that St Barnabas is part of our Lincolnshire community. And I feel a sense of ownership – whenever I see a collection tin, I always say, ‘That’s my dad’s hospice.’
That’s why it matters so much to me and why I believe it’s up to all of us to make sure it’s still here for generations to come.
Experiencing the hospice first-hand opened my eyes to what it does, and I know that no matter how much someone is able to leave St Barnabas in their Will, it’ll make a world of difference.
Thank you to Sophie, 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