Category: Fundraising
“We can never thank St Barnabas enough for being there when it mattered, providing pain management, nursing and counselling. They were simply exceptional.”
This Christmas, a family from Grantham is supporting our Rudy’s Run event in memory of Lisa Handley. Making up the family is Ian, Jayne, Teresa, Tania, Edward, Sally, Alex, Tamzin, Kai and Sofia. 
Rudy’s Run isn’t a race, but a chance to run, walk or prance to raise vital funds for St Barnabas Hospice. Schools, nurseries and children’s community groups have signed up in huge numbers to take part in the event this Christmas, with around 7,500 children registered.
Losing a loved one can be extremely traumatic for a child, but is something which one in thirty children go through every day. Rudy’s Run has been designed to highlight the free bereavement support which St Barnabas provides, and to continue funding it throughout the Hospice’s toughest year to date.
The family have witnessed first-hand the care and compassion from St Barnabas Hospice when Lisa was in their care in 2017.
Lisa’s father, Ian, said, “Lisa was always such a determined young lady – very hard working and lived for her kids. She was a wonderful mother and her kids all adored her.
“She was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer in 2017 which brought our world crashing down. We can never thank St Barnabas enough for being there when it mattered, providing pain management, nursing and counselling. They were simply exceptional.
“Lisa sadly passed away on Remembrance Day – 11th November 2017.
“A special memory for our family was in early November that year when the Hospice staff arranged an early Christmas Day for us all. It was our last Christmas together. Lisa was in the incredible Hospice in the Hospital in Grantham and the team filled a room with decorations, food and even presents for the children. It was so special for all of us – the children at the time were only age thirteen, six and fifteen months. 
“During the last week of Lisa’s life, her eldest daughter, Tamzin, was allowed to stay at the Hospice with her mum and we were told we could visit at any time. Even after she passed away, the nurses continued to support the whole family and our wishes.
“We will always support St Barnabas now because we just can’t say thank you enough for all they have done. Along with supporting Rudy’s Run, we have also donated items to the charity shop in Grantham, joined the Lottery and taken part in the Colour Dash.
“The kids absolutely love the sound of Rudy’s Run! I asked them what makes it so exciting and they said, “Mum always loved Christmas and it was our last happy memory with her.””
Rudy’s Run is taking place this Christmas. 7,500 young children have signed up to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice, and you can sponsor them by visiting www.justgiving.com/campaign/rudysrun. For more information about the bereavement support which St Barnabas offers, please visit Bereavement Helpline – St Barnabas Hospice.
Richard Pullen is dedicating a light in memory of fiancé, Rachael who sadly died age 24
“Christmas is a time for family. If you have lost someone, that’s when you notice the empty chair or the present you aren’t buying. Remembering that person with a light will help you through a difficult time of year, whilst enabling St Barnabas Hospice to care for those most vulnerable.”
Christmas wouldn’t be the same without our traditions, and I want to tell you about a very special tradition from St Barnabas Hospice to help people like you and me remember loved ones at this difficult time of year. When my fiancé, Rachael died, I lost all interest in Christmas for a while. St Barnabas has shown me how to celebrate her life each Christmas in the way she deserves. 
Rachael was just 24 when doctors told her she had months to live. We had only got engaged the year before and moved into our first house, so the news hit us like a torpedo. We had gone from planning our future together to facing the shock that our future would now just last several months.
Watching Rachael go downhill over the next few months simply broke my heart. Her confidence was shattered, and I felt helpless. This was when St Barnabas Hospice stepped in.
Rachael moved into the Hospice in Lincoln at a point when we thought she had just days to live. I remember popping out one day and returning to find her sat up in bed with a sausage sandwich. I couldn’t believe my eyes! Over the next few weeks my Rachael came back to me – pain management, physiotherapy, and specialist care all helping to bring her confidence back.
I stayed every single night in the Hospice with Rachael after the nurses kindly pushed two beds together so I could hold her as we slept.
With St Barnabas’s help, Rachael reached a point where she could go on day trips and then eventually come home for a few days. You may know already that St Barnabas is more than just one building. Because of their incredible Hospice at Home team, Rachael had all the equipment she needed and was at home for my birthday. She even had the strength to organise me a surprise party which was such a special and memorable moment for me.
Sadly, Rachael suffered a stroke whilst at home and the Hospice arranged for her to go straight back in for end-of-life care. The cancer was in her brain and the end was near.
Rachael passed away on 11th February 2013.
I will be eternally grateful to everyone at St Barnabas Hospice who supported us through Rachael’s illness. Even after her death they were there for me and Rachael’s family – nothing was ever too much trouble. 
I knew of the Light up a Life campaign through my job in the fire service and had previously spent many years supporting the beautiful Torchlight Procession, as hundreds of people walked through Lincoln carrying flaming torches in memory of loved ones. I remember the hairs standing up on the back of my neck as I watched the procession move towards Lincoln Cathedral. That was before I had even lost anybody.
After losing Rachael, Light up a Life took on a whole new meaning for me. I found I could dedicate a light in her memory to shine brightly on the Tree of Life each year. Rachael was the light of my life every single day and this tribute seems so fitting.
This Christmas, St Barnabas Hospice is once again helping people like you and me to remember loved ones in a very special way. I am inviting you to dedicate your light for a loved one so they can join Rachael on the beautiful Tree of Life outside the Cathedral. A donation of just £70.10 could cover the cost of five hours of care from remote-working nurses who care for a patient in their own home.
You can remember anyone with a light, not just those cared for by the Hospice. As a thank you and token for your loved one, St Barnabas will send you a personalised card and special tree decoration in the post. You will also be invited to attend the virtual Torchlight Procession in November, which will be taking place online this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 
Your donation for a light could pay for more people like Rachael to receive pain management and specialist end-of-life care when the time comes. It could support families like ours during the darkest days and help our nurses continue their care for some of the most vulnerable people during this pandemic.
When Rachael was in the Hospice, she would talk about Biscuit – the rabbit I gave her as a surprise Christmas present one year, who she absolutely adored. Biscuit and I now look back on that special Christmas with fond memories, grateful to know how much it meant to her.
Please join me in shining a light to remember someone special this Christmas. The world is a scary place for many right now and I know that the lights of our loved ones will give people hope for better times. If you want to honour your loved one with a light, please fill in the form below and post it back to St Barnabas Hospice.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story.
Best wishes,
Richard Pullen
Sarah Poucher and family are taking part in Rudy’s Run in memory of her dad, Colin
This Christmas, a family from Wragby will take part in Rudy’s Run in memory of Colin Westwood. Making up the family is Colin’s wife, Linda, their daughter, Sarah, and their grandchildren, Mollie (age 10), Thomas (age 9) and Bethan (age 6).
Rudy’s Run isn’t a race, but a chance to run, walk or prance at school or at home to raise vital funds for St Barnabas Hospice. Registration includes antlers and red noses for the whole family or group, as well as a downloadable pack of activities including Rudy’s special recipe for reindeer food, make your own Christmas decorations, word search and colouring template. 
Losing a loved one can be extremely traumatic for a child, but is something which one in thirty children go through every day. Rudy’s Run has been designed to highlight the free bereavement support which St Barnabas provides, and to continue funding it throughout the Hospice’s toughest year to date.
Linda, Sarah and family have witnessed first-hand the care and compassion from St Barnabas Hospice when Colin was in their care in 2013. Colin was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had his first operation just three days after his granddaughter, Mollie, was born. Over the next few years, the cancer spread to his lymph glands and lungs.
Colin’s daughter, Sarah said, “My dad was the most intelligent person I’ve ever known. He always had the answer, whatever the question, but he wasn’t arrogant with it. He was a quiet man who loved to read, and this love of books stayed with him right to the end. Even when he was too weak to hold a book, we bought him a lightweight Kindle so he could continue his reading.
“In Dad’s last few weeks the St Barnabas Hospice at Home team from Louth were amazing. Dad’s final wish was to die at home and we just wouldn’t have been able to carry this out without them. He was dignified and hated to rely on others for help, but the nurses made him feel comfortable and gave him the dignity he needed. 
“After a visit from his GP, Mum told us it was time to be at home with Dad as he didn’t have long left. We decided to have fish and chips in his room that week and celebrate his upcoming birthday. We read all his cards out to him and sang ‘happy birthday’. Dad died the next day in the early hours of the morning, age 81. This was the day before his 82nd birthday.
“Since Dad died, keeping his memory alive has been so important to us as a family. Mollie and Thomas were only young when he passed away, but we always talk about him and do things in his memory. We have taken part in On Yer Bike and Colour Dash for St Barnabas, as well as dedicating a forget me not and dragonfly in his memory. My youngest daughter, Bethan, was born exactly a year after Dad’s funeral. She has his love of knowledge and certain things she says remind us all of him.
“Rudy’s Run stood out to us as an initiative we would love to support together. Mum joined a St Barnabas bereavement group after Dad passed away which was invaluable to her. She made some great friends and found an outlet for her grief where she could talk to others in her position. The fact that Rudy’s Run is raising money to support the Hospice’s bereavement services means a lot to our family and we are determined to do our bit to help.” 
Thomas said, “I miss when my grandad used to bounce me on the bed to make me giggle. We will be doing Rudy’s Run to help other poorly people like him.”
Mollie added, “Grandad used to read with me, and he taught me the alphabet on trips to the hospital for his treatment. I can’t wait for Rudy’s Run because we get to wear antlers and new Christmas jumpers for Grandad!”
Rudy’s Run is taking place throughout November and December this year. If you want to sign up, just like Colin’s family have done, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/rudysrun-2021. Every penny you raise will make a huge difference to vulnerable people across Lincolnshire.
We have partnered with EBP to encourage schools, nurseries and community groups to get festive!
St Barnabas Hospice and the EBP have teamed up to launch a new festive fundraiser for Christmas in the form of Rudy’s Run.
Set up to encourage schools, organisations and the charities’ supporters to get involved and raise much-needed funding. The run is not a race, rather a chance for families and schools to dance, prance or run around and join in with some Christmas-themed crafts. 
Caroline Swindin, Fundraising Development Manager at St Barnabas Hospice, said: “Registering for Rudy’s Run means you receive a pair of antlers and a red nose along with a downloadable pack of activities – including Rudy’s special recipe for Reindeer food. You will also receive a ‘thank you’ message all the way from the North Pole for signing up and fundraising to support St Barnabas Hospice.
“With events and productions like pantomimes and festive gatherings postponed this year, we wanted to provide Lincolnshire schools, nurseries, groups and families with a ‘readymade’ Christmas event they can hold safely in their bubbles.
“The partnership with the EBP has been instrumental in maintaining good sign-ups for schools. However, we also wanted to make sure our activity pack hit all the right notes with fun as well as including educational activities which are perfect for younger children. We want to say a huge thank you to the team at the EBP for their support and encouragement with launching this new fundraiser.”
Matthew McKeown, Head of Commercial Services at The EBP commented “We’re delighted to team up with St Barnabas on such a fun and festive project. We hope that the schools, children and families taking part will have fun taking part whilst raising money for such a worthwhile cause.”
This Christmas, a family from Wragby will take part in the run in memory of Colin Westwood. Making up the family is Colin’s wife, Linda, their daughter, Sarah, and their grandchildren, Mollie (10), Thomas (9) and Bethan (6). 
Linda, Sarah and family have witnessed first-hand the care and compassion from St Barnabas Hospice when Colin was in their care in 2013. Colin was diagnosed with bowel cancer and had his first operation just three days after his granddaughter, Mollie, was born.
Over the next few years, the cancer spread to his lymph glands and lungs.
Colin’s daughter, Sarah, said: “In Dad’s last few weeks the St Barnabas Hospice at Home team from Louth were amazing. Dad’s final wish was to die at home, and we just wouldn’t have been able to carry this out without them. He was dignified and hated to rely on others for help, but the nurses made him feel comfortable and gave him the dignity he needed.
“After a visit from his GP, Mum told us it was time to be at home with Dad as he didn’t have long left. We decided to have fish and chips in his room that week and celebrate his upcoming birthday. We read all his cards out to him and sang ‘happy birthday’. Dad died the next day in the early hours of the morning, age 81.
“Since Dad died, keeping his memory alive has been so important to us as a family. Mollie and Thomas were only young when he passed away, but we always talk about him and do things in his memory. We have taken part in On Yer Bike and Colour Dash for St Barnabas, as well as dedicating a forget me not and dragonfly in his memory. 
“Rudy’s Run stood out to us as an initiative we would love to support together. Mum joined a St Barnabas bereavement group after Dad passed away, which was invaluable to her. She made some great friends and found an outlet for her grief where she could talk to others in her position. The fact that Rudy’s Run is raising money to support the Hospice’s bereavement services means a lot to our family and we are determined to do our bit to help.”
Thomas said: “I miss when my grandad used to bounce me on the bed to make me giggle. We will be doing Rudy’s Run to help other poorly people like him.”
St Barnabas Hospice is renowned for its outstanding end of life care for adults but also provides pre and post-bereavement support for families. This invaluable support is free for anyone in Lincolnshire who is struggling with loss, and more work is being done at St Barnabas to create a specialist bereavement service for children as young as five.
Losing a parent, sibling, or grandparent can be extremely traumatic for a child and can affect more children than many people imagine.
Rudy’s Run has been designed to promote and raise funds for this service as well as maintaining St Barnabas Hospice’s overall mission throughout the most difficult year ‘to offer compassionate, end of life care’.
Schools, nurseries or groups are able to sign up free of charge by visiting www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/rudysrun
If you would like to access our free Bereavement support services, please contact our easy, self-referral line on 0300 303 1897 or read more on the service here: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/services/wellbeing-support/bereavementhelpline/
73-year-old completes 100km of running in support of St Barnabas Hospice
Age stole a march on youth when 73-year-old David White became one of the first fundraising volunteers to complete St Barnabas Hospice’s 100km Gone Running challenge. The retired journalist needed just nine runs between September 12th and 29th to clock up the ‘ton’.
David, who lives on the Carlton Centre estate in Lincoln, admits he had a head start on younger runners. “As a pensioner I have a bit more time on my hands than people who have to cope with juggling work and bringing up a young family,” he says.
The former Lincolnshire Echo sub-editor took up running when he was 48 and wanted to regain some fitness before he hit 50. “At first, all I could do was jog a couple of hundred yards and then take a break before jogging another 200 yards, but over the months I gradually built up the distance until I could finally manage 10k non-stop,” he said. “That first time was one of the few occasions I actually experienced a runner’s high.
“From there followed a few half-marathons and I managed my one and only marathon in 2001.”
But work and family demands, plus a string of injuries — including one that necessitated a nine-month lay-off — meant that over the years David became just an occasional runner.
Two years ago, however, he finally called time on his 52-year journalism career — during which he worked on newspapers in Grimsby, Exeter, Aberdeen, Lincoln, Newark and Nottingham — and since then he has been building back up to running more regularly, getting out three or four times a week. About the only extended break he’s had from his exercise routine was five weeks at the turn of the year when he and his wife Stella visited their two sons in Malaysia and Australia, accompanied by daughter Helen.
“At my age,” David says, “I don’t think it’s wise to run every day — I need a rest day between runs.
“I made an exception during the coronavirus lockdown from March to May because we were limited to an hour’s outdoor exercise a day and walking the dog took care of that. That meant I had to resort to the treadmill in our garage. But treadmills are boring and I can’t stick them for much more than 30 minutes a time, so I ran indoors just about every day of lockdown in the hope it would make up for missing my longer outdoor runs.
“In reality, it barely kept me ticking over and when the lockdown restrictions eased and I was able to get outside again, I had a lot of catching up to do to get back to last year’s level of fitness.
“It’s still a bit of a plod — any mile under nine-minute pace is good for me these days — but at least I’m still getting out there and clocking up the hard yards.”
So what made David tackle the Gone Running 100km challenge? “I kept seeing posts about it on social media and thought ‘Chances are I’ll do the distance anyway so why not try to help out the hospice?’
“It provides vital care and support to people across Lincolnshire affected by life-limiting or terminal conditions, and I was aware how badly charities’ fundraising had been affected by the pandemic, so taking up the challenge was a bit of a no-brainer.”
It’s not the first time David has run for the hospice. He got a place in the London Marathon in 2001 and because the Lincolnshire Echo — for whom he worked at the time — was backing an appeal to build a day care centre for St Barnabas, he used the 26-miler as a fundraiser.
So how did the marathon go? “It was incredibly hard work – so hard that I don’t remember towards the end running past landmarks like Big Ben – but I finished a few seconds inside four hours — not too bad for a guy who was a week or so away from his 54th birthday.”
Would he do it again? “Not very likely now. I did apply last year but didn’t get through the ballot. I was secretly very relieved!”
So far, David’s Gone Running effort has raised £300 for the Hospice. If anyone would like to make a donation, they can do so at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-white91
To sign up and take part in your own Gone Running challenge this autumn, click here…
“Karen’s wish for me was to continue raising money for St Barnabas in her memory and I know she is watching over us as the fundraising total continues to climb.”
The Lincoln 10k was due to take place on Sunday 1st November, but unfortunately has now been postponed until next summer. One lady who had signed up to run in support of St Barnabas Hospice is Fiona Brown from Sturton by Stow.
Regardless of the postponement, Fiona is still determined to complete a 10km run around Lincoln on 1st November in memory of her friend and neighbour, Karen Chambers. 
Fiona said, “I was already registered to run the Lincoln 10k before Karen was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in April this year. Karen was only 46 at the time and her illness is still so difficult to comprehend.
“When I was told the devastating news, I decided I needed to do something to help. I spoke to Karen’s husband, Nick, and explained that I was running the Lincoln 10k and wanted to do this to support a charity of Karen’s choice. Nick and Karen agreed and gave me their full support, selecting St Barnabas Hospice, a charity already close to my heart.
“The St Barnabas Hospice at Home team cared for Karen at home, not just supporting her, but looking after the whole family too. They are truly incredible people and I know Karen had the best possible care because of them.
“The initial fundraising target was £300, but the donations kept rolling in and we reached £1,000 in just three days! We were totally blown away at the kindness and generosity shown by others in support of Karen and our fundraising. Nick helped me to keep Karen updated with my training and fundraising and he said it brought a smile to her face.
“On Sunday 12th July, I received the devastating news that Karen had sadly passed away, age 47. I am a similar age to Karen, and we are both mothers, so I found this news particularly difficult. I so desperately wanted to reach the £2,000 fundraising mark for Karen to see before she passed away, but sadly that was not meant to be.
“Karen’s wish for me was to continue raising money for St Barnabas in her memory and I know she is watching over us as the fundraising total continues to climb. She will be with me on 1st November, and she is my motivation to complete the 10k this year. Karen knew I would be running on this date before she passed away as the postponement had not yet been put in place. I won’t let her down. 
“As well as running my own 10k this year, many of Karen’s work colleagues and family will also be joining me to complete the main Lincoln 10k event for Karen next year. Our fundraising page has been extended and we will all be wearing special t-shirts to honour her.
“I was heartbroken when Karen passed away, and now I am even more determined to fundraise in her name. She was a truly special lady and my life is much better for knowing her. If our fundraising page could reach the £3,000 mark by my run on 1st November, I would be so proud.
“I want to thank everyone who has donated so far. Your money will make such a difference to the Hospice.”
Fiona’s fundraising page is now only £200 away from her £3,000 target. Can you help her reach this by Sunday 1st November? Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fionabrown78
Dragonfly campaign raises £110,401 for St Barnabas Hospice
St Barnabas Hospice has been given a £110,401 boost as their dragonfly campaign nears the end.
Following on from the successful forget me not appeal in 2019, St Barnabas Hospice is delighted to announce that their dragonfly campaign has topped this success by raising an incredible £110,401 This money has been raised by Hospice supporters dedicating 2,754 dragonflies in memory of loved ones.
For those who missed out on dedicating their dragonfly, there is now only LIMITED TIME left to place an order before Sunday 11th October.
Dragonflies have become a symbol for those who are grieving the death of a loved one. As part of the St Barnabas campaign, The Story of the Dragonfly by Doris Stickney was used to help children understand the death of someone they were close to. This story is one which St Barnabas nurses give to grieving parents and children to help them through a difficult time
Sam Waterer, Individual Giving Fundraiser at St Barnabas Hospice said, “It is a wonderful feeling to know our little dragonflies will be helping so many people who are grieving loved ones. An amazing amount of visitors came to Doddington Hall and Gardens during the two weeks our display was in place, and we are so grateful to the team there for hosting, designing and helping to create the display for us.
“Thanks must also go to Lincoln College for providing and installing beautiful lighting to make the display come to life during our evening Twilight Tours, to Hannah Dale from Wrendale Designs who created a beautiful watercolour dragonfly to use in our promotions, to Stefanos and Roz from The Old Smithy for their tireless work in designing and making every single dragonfly by hand, to Neil and Sophie Buck for sharing their beautiful story about Dawn, to Against the Grain Design for making the magnificent bridge running through the dragonfly display, to Eurovia for helping us take down the display and to the wonderful people who volunteered their help throughout the campaign.
“I also want to give a special mention to Waterside Shopping Centre – the headline sponsor of the campaign. Waterside have been incredible supporters of the Hospice over the years and it is because of their sponsorship that we were able to get this campaign off the ground. Dean and his team are fantastic to work with and they are true advocates of the work we do across Lincolnshire.”
Dean Cross, General Manager at the Waterside Shopping Centre added, “When I first saw the display all lit up, it was a bit of a wow moment. It looked absolutely fantastic and what a great initiative to be part of. We are proud to support the Hospice as it is a local charity which does such great work in the community.”
Dragonflies can be ordered in memory of loved ones until midnight on Sunday 11th October. Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/dragonfly to order yours today.
“After finishing the Colour Dash at Home, my mum’s cousin was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer and spent a short time in the Hospice before she died. It just goes to show how important it is to raise funds for St Barnabas as you just never know if any of your loved ones might need their care in the future.”
Colour Dash at Home has brought joy to families across Lincolnshire who were left disappointed when the main Colour Dash event at the Lincolnshire Showground had to be cancelled during lockdown. One family who joined in the fun was the Chapmans in Lincoln – husband and wife, Jo and Colin, and their children, Dylan (9) and Evelyn (5). 
Jo said, “We have completed two Colour Dash events for St Barnabas in the past as they are such a wonderful, local cause. After finishing the Colour Dash at Home, my mum’s cousin was suddenly diagnosed with terminal cancer and spent a short time in the Hospice before she died. It just goes to show how important it is to raise funds for St Barnabas as you just never know if any of your loved ones might need their care in the future.
“Mum’s cousin, Carol Smith, had only a short stay at St Barnabas after her illness got rapidly worse. As a family, we are pleased she was cared for in such a homely environment and we want to thank the staff at the Hospice for being there for her at the end.
“Once we had finished the fun run, my sister and mum came to join us for a socially distanced picnic and paint party in the back garden. The kids were even able to visit some friend’s houses on the route we chose.”
Dylan, Jo’s nine-year-old said, “It was fun having paint thrown all over me, it was all amazing!”
Evelyn, Jo’s five-year-old added, “I liked splashing Daddy with the paint and going to throw paint at my best friend, Elizabeth. It was lots of fun!”
Jo added, “I would like to thank St Barnabas for thinking outside the box to give us a fun family activity that kept the kids entertained during the summer holidays and also provided the opportunity to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. We have raised £328 for the Hospice and are truly grateful for the care they gave Carol when it mattered most.
“My message to mums and dads out there is to sign your family up to the Colour Dash at Home! Your kids will love it and, just like me, you never know how close one of your friends or family members could be to needing the incredible care of St Barnabas Hospice.”
There is still time to sign your family up to take part in the Colour Dash at Home. Visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/homecolourdash and register from as little as £10 per family.
“One day in the Hospice garden, Tony pointed out a blue dragonfly which was flying around. It landed just in front of us on the railing and we shared a smile, watching it until it flew away.”
The St Barnabas Hospice dragonfly display at Doddington Hall & Gardens has been a huge hit, with tickets for the first weekend selling out on the launch day! Over the next couple of weeks, supporters of the Hospice will travel from across Lincolnshire and beyond to see the dragonflies they dedicated in memory of their loved ones.
One of these supporters is Sue Brown who visited the display this afternoon, exactly one year on from the death of her husband, Tony. 
Sue said, “It felt very emotional being able to mark the occasion in such a special way, and a way that would have made Tony proud. When Tony was in the Hospice, the nurses would often taken his bed out onto the patio for some fresh air. It was blissful just being able to sit with him there, holding hands and looking at the garden.
“One day in the Hospice garden, Tony pointed out a blue dragonfly which was flying around. It landed just in front of us on the railing and we shared a smile, watching it until it flew away. Tony was a great nature lover and particularly enjoyed watching dragonflies dance around in the sky.
“When I saw the dragonfly appeal, I just knew I had to dedicate one for Tony so the special moment at the Hospice will stay with me forever. I know these dragonflies will mean the world to families across Lincolnshire, just as Tony’s dragonfly will mean the world to me.
“Tony was being cared for by St Barnabas Hospice after discovering he had cancer for a second time. It was soft tissue sarcoma with deposits in his lungs, which also fractured his hip. He died age 64 and I will never forget the incredible care given to us both by all the staff we came into contact with. The Hospice was just like home and the compassion shown was amazing. The nurses became our friends and I am so grateful for everything they did to support us. 
“When I bring Tony’s dragonfly home, it will go in a very special place in my garden where I can sit and remember him. I will think about the lovable, funny, kind man that I married and know that he is out there somewhere thinking about me.
“Tony’s dragonfly will watch over our garden, just as he did when he was alive. I can’t thank St Barnabas enough for their incredible care and for thinking of such a lovely way for families to remember loved ones.”