Stories Archives - St Barnabas Hospice

Josh is taking on the London Marathon in memory of his Nanny and Grandad

After watching the London Marathon last year, Josh felt inspired to take on the challenge himself and do it for a cause that means a lot to him. This year, he’ll be running the London Marathon in memory of his nanny Barb and grandad John, and in support of St Barnabas.

Josh describes his nanny as someone who was full of wisdom and life lessons, who lit up every room she walked into and was always a laugh to be around.

He says: “Nanny Barb was amazing in every possible way. Family meant everything to her, and she was a pillar of our family. Her loss has left a huge gap that can never really be filled.”

He describes Grandad John as a “typical grandad”, full of war-time facts, classic grandad jokes, and stories that made both the grandchildren and great-grandchildren laugh.

Josh continues: “Together, they were an incredible couple and the perfect grandparents. Running in their names means everything to me.”

Barb was diagnosed with blood cancer, and received hospice care at home, before moving into a local hospice for two weeks to receive end-of-life support.

Josh adds: “Nothing really prepares you for hearing something like that, and it brought a mix of shock, fear, and heartbreak. As a family, we tried to stay strong for one another while coming to terms with what lay ahead, making the most of every moment we had together.

“Seeing how comfortable and cared for she was made such a difficult time far more bearable for all of us.”

The experience had such an impact on his Grandad John, that when his pulmonary fibrosis worsened and he developed heart failure, he wanted to have hospice care too.

“The care and compassion shown to him and our family during that time meant more to us than words can express.

“If I had to describe hospice care in one word, it would be impossible, because one word simply isn’t enough. The support we received went far beyond medical care. The atmosphere was peaceful, and somehow even cheerful during one of the hardest times of our lives. It created a sense of comfort and reassurance and made an unbearable situation just that little bit easier to cope with.”

It is because of this personal experience, that Josh is eager to give back and support hospice care in any way he can.

“Sadly, it was during the application process for a St Barnabas London Marathon charity place, that Grandad John became ill and later passed away. When I was chosen to run, I knew without a doubt that it was something that I had to do.

“Supporting St Barnabas is my way of helping ensure that other families can receive the same incredible care, support, and compassion when they need it most.”

While the training has been challenging, Josh has maintained four runs per week and has enjoyed his training routine.

Josh adds: “This will be a huge mental challenge, but running in Nanny Barb’s and Grandad John’s names, and thinking about the incredible hospice work, will give me everything I need to get through it.

“Each run pushes me further, both physically and mentally, and reminds me exactly why I’m doing this.

“At the start line, I know I’ll be thinking about Nanny Barb and Grandad John, and how proud I hope they would be. At the finish line, it will be a mixture of relief, emotion, and gratitude – knowing I’ve done this for them, and for hospice care. I’ll also be thinking about the biggest glass of wine at the finish line!”

If you’d like to sponsor Josh and support St Barnabas with a donation, your generosity will help the hospice continue to be there for families when they need it most: Joshua Takouni is fundraising for St Barnabas Hospice Trust (Lincolnshire)

Would you like to take on a challenge in memory of a loved one? Josh says: “Do it. If not for yourself, then to raise money and awareness for those who truly deserve it! It’s not just about the race day; it’s everything that leads up to it.

“I would highly recommend it. Although, maybe ask me again after 25 miles!”

To take part in an upcoming challenge, or choose your own for St Barnabas, visit the website and sign up today.

Nicky remembers husband Gilson as a gentle, lovely person

Nicky reflects on the support her husband Gilson received: “I don’t think we could have walked this last leg of Gilson’s journey together without St Barnabas.”

After first meeting at work in 1990, the couple started dating in 1993 and were married for 32 years.

Nicky says: “For me, it was love at first sight. He was this tall, blonde, 6-foot man, and just gorgeous. We went on our first date in January, and by November that year, we were married. A real whirlwind romance.”

Gilson rose to fame in the 1970s as drummer in rock band Squeeze, before going on to perform with the Jools Holland’s Rhythm and Blues Orchestra until 2024.

As well as a musician, he was known for his artwork, painting and sketching portraits of many of the artists he performed with, including Eric Clapton and Amy Winehouse.

Nicky continues: “He was a professional drummer all his life and he was also a portrait artist – a very creative person. He was a true gentleman. That’s the one word that everybody would use to describe Gilson, he would always open the door for you, a gentle, lovely guy.”

Gilson had COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which led to him retiring from work in 2024, as it was becoming too difficult for his breathing. A few months later, Gilson visited A&E after a fall at home, and it was found that the oxygen levels in his blood were not right.

Nicky continues: “He was then diagnosed with ILD (interstitial lung disease), Pulmonary Fibrosis. Most people that are diagnosed with that have a life expectancy of 3 to 5 years, but Gilson was told that it was most likely going to be 6 months to a year for him.

“We both knew his lungs were not in good shape because of the COPD, but this was a huge shock.”

The sudden diagnosis changed everything for Nicky and Gilson. They went from a life of travelling across the country to becoming largely housebound.

Nicky adds: “St Barnabas came in straight away – as soon as we came home from the hospital, they were there. With all sorts of care, from the medical side of things with help and advice, to wellbeing support for Gilson because he was very fearful of dying.

“They helped with advance care planning, especially around doing the ReSPECT form. He also received counselling and spiritual support to help with his fears of what he thought the end would look like for him.”

Sonya, a Health and Rehabilitation Support Worker, provided additional support as a Spiritual Care Champion. Spiritual Care Champions offer support alongside the care they would usually provide, creating a safe space for patients to explore what brings them strength, comfort, and peace.

Sonya says: “As a spiritual champion, I’m there to listen, to support, and to help and guide people with whatever they need. If I can make that one person feel a tiny bit better, I’ve done my job. And in this role, I feel I am able to do that. Gilson was very fearful about dying and what that would look like for him, and we were able to talk this through together.”

Nicky adds: “They were also there for me. Sometimes the nurses would see Gilson on his own, and sometimes they would see us as a couple. It meant that I could talk about how I was feeling too because I’d become a full-time carer overnight. My world had suddenly shrunk. So, there was a lot of support for us both, and they always asked how I was, which was lovely.

“The care was very loving, non-judgemental and positive and I felt that I could say anything and that would be okay. It was invaluable. I think for us as a couple, we would have really struggled without the support we had from St Barnabas.”

Nicky says: “The one thing that stood out for us were the weekly visits from Sonya, who was a pure ray of sunshine. It was such a joy to open the front door each week and find her smiling face there.

“She was such a good listener, and would listen to us both talk about whatever was going on that week – and it was very different from week to week. She didn’t judge which meant that we felt comfortable sharing our feelings with her. It would have been difficult navigating all our emotions without her support.”

While many people knew Gilson as a professional musician, Nicky remembers him as a gentle, loving husband who lived life with kindness and creativity. With the support of St Barnabas, they faced the final few months of his life together.

St Barnabas is a local, independent charity that supports over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire each year. Their aim is to enable people to live as fully as they are able for however many days, weeks, or months they have left.

For more information about the care and support available, please visit: St Barnabas Hospice provides free end-of-life care

St Barnabas can only provide this care with your support. To donate, please visit: Make a Donation to St Barnabas Hospice

Steffi is taking on the London Marathon in memory of her dad, Paul

Paul ran the London Marathon twice in 2000 and 2001, and exactly 25 years later, Steffi is running in memory of her dad to raise vital funds for St Barnabas Hospice, where he spent his final days.

Steffi describes her dad as a kind man, who loved animals and photography, and was fun to be around: “I miss his sense of humour and outlook on life very much.”

“Dad was a lovely person. He worked hard and was really into his running. He was the one who encouraged me to try it when I was still at primary school. I would sometimes join him on his morning run before school, and then we’d have a slice of orange together while doing our stretches.”

In 2024, Paul first thought he didn’t seem quite himself while on a family holiday in Greece.

Steffi continues: “When he got back, he went to the doctors, and it was initially brushed off as something quite minor. We then got the more serious diagnosis, which just came completely out of the blue, which was terminal cancer.

“That was the first shock really, hearing the formal cancer diagnosis. It then became more of a nightmare that we couldn’t escape from because the cancer was so advanced that it couldn’t be treated.

“We lost him only 46 days after he was diagnosed. Everything happened incredibly fast.”

Paul spent his final days at the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, where he was provided with the “best and most dignified” care.

Steffi adds: “The support we received from St Barnabas was outstanding. The team acted quickly and were there for us at the worst time of our lives.”

At the time, Steffi was nine months pregnant and living some distance away, which meant she had to plan her goodbye. The day Paul died was only 11 days after Steffi’s son was born.

“He held on to know about his second grandson – it’s just so sad that the two of them never got to meet and I often wonder what he would have noticed. Saying goodbye to dad and having to travel back home, knowing that he was unlikely to live much longer, was the hardest day of my life.

“St Barnabas gave our family incredible support when we needed it most. I’m raising funds for St Barnabas by taking on my biggest challenge yet – running the 2026 London Marathon! The funds I raise as part of this will help St Barnabas to continue providing outstanding palliative care for other families facing the unimaginable.”

With just one month until the London Marathon, Steffi is feeling excited as she prepares to follow in her dad’s footsteps.

Steffi says: “When I run it this year, it’ll be 25 years since dad ran it and I’m going to take his medal from 2001 round with me in my pocket. I’ll be really proud to wear my St Barnabas vest too.

“I’ve never run the London Marathon, or any marathon actually – prior to this challenge a half marathon is my furthest distance. Dad ran London himself twice. It will be hard, but if I can finish anywhere close to his amazing times, I know he’ll be cheering with pride from above!”

“I’ve found some great new running routes through my training and have joined a local running club which has helped me stay motivated and on track with my training during the winter months. It’s been difficult at times to find the headspace to grieve and process the loss, but I find that running is great therapy for me. You never regret a run!”

If you’d like to sponsor Steffi and support St Barnabas with a donation, your generosity will help the hospice continue to be there for families when they need it most: St Barnabas Hospice Trust (Lincolnshire): Steffi’s London Marathon 2026 page

Steffi shares: “I’ve had a lot of support so far – it feels really good to have the backing of my friends and family. And even from people that I’ve never met, that knew my dad. He had some great friends, particularly from the photographic society, his former workplace, who have kindly supported the cause. It reminds me that dad was a genuinely lovely person in all his interactions.”

Inspired to enter the London Marathon ballot or take on a challenge? Steffi says: “Absolutely go for it! Put yourself out of your comfort zone and surprise yourself with the results. I know I’ll feel such a sense of achievement and emotion when I cross the finish line. And do it for a cause that means something to you, it’s given me such purpose for my training runs.

“I saw a great quote at a recent half marathon race: “The body achieves what the mind believes” which completely resonates with me. You can do more than you think you can, when you really put your mind to something.”

To take part in an upcoming challenge, or choose your own for St Barnabas, visit the website and sign up today.

Adam is preparing to take on his 22nd Great North Run in memory of his Mum

Adam, from Lincoln, finished his first Great North Run (GNR) in 2004 and has completed it every year since, only missing out one year due to injury, in support of St Barnabas.

Adam says: “It all started in memory of my Mum, who received such wonderful care at the St Barnabas inpatient unit in Lincoln, but now it’s so much more than that. It’s still very much doing it in her memory, but it’s also an amazing way for me to keep fit and feel like I’m giving something back.

“It’s now just the thing I do each year, and I absolutely love it!”

The Great North Run is the most iconic half marathon in the world. Since 1981, people of all ages and abilities take on this popular race, from Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields.

This unforgettable experience encompasses 60,000 participants, cheering crowds, and a lively 12.1-mile course filled with music and entertainment.

Looking ahead to September, Adam says: “It’s a familiar routine now. What I’ve learned over the years is that the fitter I am and the better I’ve trained, the more I enjoy the event on the day.”

Whether you’re aiming to achieve a fitness goal, have fun, or raise funds for a good cause, this iconic event welcomes runners of all abilities.

Missed out on the ballot? You can still join Adam and others by joining one of our limited charity places. Sign up now to be part of this incredible event: Great North Run 2026 – St Barnabas Hospice

Offering his advice to those taking on a running challenge, Adam says: “I find that having a clear reason in mind really helps – that’s what will keep you on track when it gets tough, either during the training or the event itself. It’s a hugely rewarding thing to do.”

Once you have signed up, you will be provided with an Enthuse Fundraising page, and the St Barnabas team will support you every step of the way.

Adam adds: “I’ve received huge amounts of moral support and encouragement from St Barnabas over the years… and a fair few running vests too!”

All donations raised through challenges contribute to the funding of St Barnabas’ vital services, helping to provide essential hospice care to over 12,000 people annually.

Each year we need to raise £7 million to keep providing these vital services to patients and families in Lincolnshire.

Support Adam’s fundraiser: Adam Davey is fundraising for St Barnabas Hospice Trust (Lincolnshire)

Take a look at all of our Great North Run runners: St Barnabas Hospice Trust (Lincolnshire): Great North Run 2026

To take part in an upcoming challenge or choose your own for St Barnabas, visit the website and sign up today: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/fundraising/challenges/

After cancer diagnosis, Geoff works towards independence and takes on the Santa Fun Run for St Barnabas

Geoff, who lives in Lincoln with his wife Alison, is receiving support from St Barnabas after emergency surgery for metastatic spinal cord compression and a prostate cancer diagnosis last year.

Over the last seven months, Geoff has set ambitious personal goals within physiotherapy sessions with St Barnabas, as he works towards standing and transferring independently. This December, he has even taken part in the Santa Fun Run to raise vital funds for the hospice.

Reflecting on the past year, Geoff says: “Last August, at 6.30am I woke up paralysed in bed. After an MRI scan, I was sent from Lincoln to Nottingham with a growth in my spine which turned out to be cancer. It was a bit of a shock, but you have to get on with what you’ve got.

“Someone from St Barnabas came to see me about filling some forms in to support with my disability. She took a lot of time and patience with me. It was done quite sensitively, but very professionally.”

Geoff now receives weekly physiotherapy sessions with St Barnabas Hospice. His personal goal is to stand and transfer with assistance.

Geoff says: “It’s going very, very well. I’ve recently just completed six miles on a bike in about 25 minutes. It’s taken a lot of time to get there, but it’s been very rewarding for me. The physio team are very, very good.

“I’d like to stand. We are practising this at the moment – so I can get in and out of my shower at home with help. That is the next big thing for me. Hopefully, we’re going to get there for Christmas time and I’m going to get up to ten miles on a bike. I’m given the encouragement and support to do it.”

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists support patients to maintain their independence and function in line with their individual goals.

Natalie, Senior Physiotherapist at St Barnabas, says: “Within physiotherapy, we look at a patient’s mobility, their strength, balance, coordination, and their general movement patterns. We ask questions to find out what they’re doing now and what they want to be able to do, and from that we can then create a plan with them and make some individualised goals.”

The wider St Barnabas team also supports families, friends, and carers by providing emotional, psychological, and spiritual support.

Alison says: “St Barnabas have been there for me as well. I’ve received counselling and I know now that there is support out there for me too.”

Geoff agrees: “I always know they’re here now. It has actually given me a lot more confidence back. We’ve done very scary things like standing up and things like that, which I absolutely feared but I’m able to do this now because I’ve had a lot of help, a lot of patience, and quite a few giggles actually.

“The support I’m receiving is very professional. I’m always informed of what’s happening, when it’s happening, and the targets that are set. I always try and exceed my targets, and I think the best thing about it is the staff realise they have to let me get on with things. So, it’s quite nice when I say I need to do something and I want to go that bit further, they’ll let me have a go and we have succeeded so far.”

On Sunday 14^th December, Geoff took part in the Santa Fun Run for St Barnabas, raising an amazing £1,096.26. Over 50 people also took part in support of the hospice, with an incredible £3,190 raised from their collective fundraising efforts.

Every pound raised allows St Barnabas to continue offering free, specialist care to patients living with terminal or life limiting illnesses, and their families. £64 could pay for a physiotherapy or occupational therapy session in the community for someone like Geoff. £1,530 could enable a nurse to deliver compassionate care for a patient in the comfort of their own home (based on 18 weeks at 2 hours per visit).

Reflecting on his Santa Fun Run experience, Geoff says: “It was a lot of fun. I decorated my chair – there was a lot of lights on there. My niece Kirsty was there with me, and I’ve just had so much support from people. It feels great to have supported St Barnabas and raised some much-needed funds for the hospice while doing this challenge.”

Are you inspired to take on a challenge? Geoff says: “Get on with it and do it. It is well worth it. And St Barnabas need the money.”

Celebrating our Hidden Teams at St Barnabas: Marketing

St Barnabas has over 300 members of clinical and non-clinical staff working to support our vision – a world where dying with dignity, compassion and having choices is a fundamental part of a life.

The hard work and dedication of all our staff ensures we can continue providing vital end-of-life care, across Lincolnshire. This year we’re shining spotlights on hidden teams and highlighting the incredible work they do to support St Barnabas.

The Marketing Department plays an important role in ensuring St Barnabas Hospice can continue to provide compassionate, high-quality care long into the future.

Hannah, Marketing Team Leader at St Barnabas, explains: “We are responsible for connecting people with the hospice’s mission, making sure supporters, volunteers, donors, and the wider community are informed and able to give in ways that are meaningful and sustainable.

“Behind the scenes, this means creating a range of materials and communications to engage existing and new supporters – from writing marketing emails and mailings, to scheduling content for social media, keeping the website up to date, designing digital and print materials, liaising with press, capturing photography and supporting our 23 shops.”

As a charity, St Barnabas relies on donations to sustain its services. The Marketing Department plays a pivotal role in working closely with the Fundraising Department to promote key initiatives, activities, and events throughout the year. They support with initial planning of campaigns and urgent appeals, all the way through to post round-up reports, exploring successes, learnings, and next steps.

Hannah says: “Our work helps secure the funds that enable our clinical teams to do what they do best.”

One of the large-scale campaigns supported by the Marketing Department is the annual Christmas Light Up A Life appeal. A team effort, this appeal brings in vital funds for hospice care and utilises everyone’s skillset.

Hannah continues: “Case studies are central to all our major campaigns, and we couldn’t create impactful marketing without the people at the heart of it. One of our most poignant responsibilities is storytelling, and the team visits and interviews patients and families, helping them feel comfortable and empowered to share their stories.”

During 2024’s Light Up A Life appeal, the team worked with Suzanne to share her story.

Reflecting on the experience, Suzanne said: “I must thank you all for how you have handled the sensitive subject of losing my sister. When I was initially asked to be the case study, I’ll be honest, there were some anxieties. However, by being involved, you and your team have helped me become stronger in being able to talk about a big part of my life that is no longer here. So, it has been a privilege and an honour.”

Thinking creatively, the team also explores what other charities are doing, learning from best practice across the sector and using initiative to adapt and improve ideas to suit St Barnabas and the community.

Hannah says: “Having the freedom to think outside the box allows us to respond in fresh and engaging ways. It’s rewarding to test new approaches, reflect on what works well, and continually look for better ways to raise awareness and funds – all while staying true to our values and purpose.”

St Barnabas’ values are at the heart of the Marketing Department’s work.

Having heart is reflected in their thoughtful approach to storytelling, ensuring every supporter, patient, family, and story is treated with care, respect, and dignity.

Working better together is essential to their success. The team collaborates closely with clinical colleagues and other departments to ensure messaging is accurate, aligned with patient care, and represents the Trust. They also work with external partners, from web developers and digital agencies to videographers and signage suppliers, supporting the organisation as one unified team.

Doing it right underpins their commitment to best practice. From ensuring people are contacted appropriately, to serving as a guardian for the brand and handling data responsibly, they focus on doing things well and with integrity. A strong example of this was the fully digital crisis campaign earlier this year. Including a press release, email marketing, social posts and online ads, the appeal was delivered quickly and thoughtfully, raising £50,000 to support hospice services when they were most needed.

Hannah adds: “We all love working at St Barnabas. Each team member has their own unique skillset, but there is a shared purpose and a genuine culture of kindness that makes St Barnabas a special place to work.

“What we enjoy most is knowing that our work makes a difference – directly resulting in income generation for the Hospice. Even though we may not always be visible to patients and families, everything we do contributes to the care they receive.”

Thank you to the Marketing Team – for your creativity, collaboration, and the impact your work has across the organisation.

Angela finds comfort through ‘brilliant’ spiritual care at St Barnabas

Angela, 78, lives in Freiston with her husband. When she was diagnosed with liver cancer, she describes feeling “shocked and upset.” Now, she says the spiritual care and support she’s receiving from St Barnabas Hospice has been “brilliant.”

Spiritual Care Champions offer spiritual support alongside the care they would usually provide, creating a safe space for patients to explore what brings them strength, comfort, and peace.

They can help patients identify worries and anxieties, find peace in prayer or meditation, discover what brings them comfort, and offer a place of honesty to explore any difficult feelings – and much more.

Sonya, a Health and Rehabilitation Support Worker, supports Angela as part of the Hospice at Home team and is also able to provide additional support as a Spiritual Care Champion.

Angela says: “The support means a lot. It’s being able to offload what’s bothering me – sometimes it’s medical, sometimes it’s spiritual. It’s knowing that there’s somebody there that I could contact if I need them, and they’ve just been wonderful, amazing.

“It’s like coming out of the wilderness and into a safe place, into my own home. Sonya is kind and so thoughtful.”

Sonya says: “As a spiritual champion, I’m there to listen, to support, and to help and guide her with whatever she needs. If I can make that one person feel a tiny bit better, I’ve done my job. And in this role, I feel I am able to do that.”

The care and support provided at St Barnabas aims to help patients live as well as possible and achieve the things that are important to them.

Mandy Irons, Head of Wellbeing, explains: “The illness doesn’t just happen to the person, it happens to the whole of the family. It affects more than you physically – it affects your mental, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Our services are based across those pillars of wellbeing.”

The Wellbeing Team at St Barnabas works closely with clinical colleagues to ensure that the care and support delivered is the best it can possibly be and is tailored to each individual.

Mandy continues: “You absolutely need to know that the clinical team are there to support you, but we are also there to hold the rest of you. We wrap ourselves around you and your family, with our clinical colleagues, so that you’re able to navigate this time with dignity and find some peace.”

“It’s incredibly important and we’re really privileged. Our clinical colleagues do a fantastic job every day. They provide that emotional and psychological support – what we’re there to do is add that next layer.”

She adds: “Spiritual care is open to all faiths and none. It’s really based around finding peace and hope. We have a range of spiritual care volunteers and champions who work at our Inpatient Unit, Hospice in the Hospital, and within the clinical teams – so they can support people whenever they need it.”

Recommending spiritual care to others, Sonya adds: “Give it a go! I think sometimes people get the wrong impression of it. It can be about spirituality, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be whatever that person wants it to be about.”

St Barnabas can only provide this service with your support.

By way of example, a donation of £85 could pay for a two-hour community visit – bringing comfort and peace directly to a patient’s home.

Discover more about St Barnabas’ Wellbeing Services: Wellbeing Services – St Barnabas Hospice
Donate to St Barnabas: Make a Donation to St Barnabas Hospice

Sarah remembers husband Julian, described as a very generous and considerate person, who was cared for “beautifully” by St Barnabas

Ahead of the upcoming Advent Carol Service at Lincoln Cathedral, Sarah reflects on the care her husband Julian received from St Barnabas, and why the cathedral has become such an important place of comfort and connection for their family.

Sarah says: “Julian and I met doing amateur dramatics. He was always front of the stage, and I was always back of the chorus. He was a kind and self-effacing sort of man – I miss his wisdom every day.

“A lot of what Julian was passionate about has been passed down to our children. So, Isaac is very keen on football and Max is very keen on performing. Both halves of his interests have been represented in his two youngest sons.”

Julian was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy in July 2020, a progressive neurological disorder that affects balance, movement, vision, speech and swallowing, for which there is no treatment nor cure.

Sarah explains: “Julian was diagnosed during lockdown, so we had to narrow our horizons and be very much home-based. And that’s predominantly how it affected us for the first little while of his illness. His deterioration was then quite rapid over a period of only a few years which impacted our family life enormously as Julian needed full time care.

“The boys were classed as young carers. I was unable to go out for work or really leave the house for any length of time. St Barnabas made such a difference to our lives. They allowed Julian to live independently, with dignity, at home which was vital to his wellbeing.”

During the early stages of Julian’s illness, the family received visits from St Barnabas in the comfort of their own home. Even though the Wellbeing Centres were closed due to Covid-19, St Barnabas nurses were still able to visit Julian and offer services like massages and reflexology. Sarah and the boys also received counselling services which were provided by St Barnabas and a local children’s support group.

As the disease progressed, a Hospice at Home nurse visited Julian and the family more regularly, offering personalised and expert care.

Sarah continues: “Having a St Barnabas nurse come around was a real lifeline for us. Sue was great. She just helped us with all the problems we had. She made the world of difference to Julian and to the family.”

Towards the very end of Julian’s life, he spent three weeks in the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit on Nettleham Road, which is where he died.

“They helped him die with dignity, which would have been so important for Julian. It was obviously a dark time, but St Barnabas supported him physically and emotionally to make his last few weeks comfortable. He was looked after so beautifully by everyone at the IPU – they became our extended family.

“Being able to hand over the full time burden of care to this marvelous team, made me feel much more like his wife again, rather than his carer. What a wonderful gift to have in those last three weeks.”

Discussing the upcoming Advent Carol Service at Lincoln Cathedral, Sarah says: “Julian was so proud of our connections to the cathedral, and it has been a real home to our family since we moved to Lincoln. Both boys have been choristers, I work here, and Julian worshipped here.

“It’s a really fitting tribute for him, and for us, to see St Barnabas come together with the Cathedral for this service.”

Enjoy an evening of carols sung by candlelight at Lincoln Cathedral on Saturday 29^th November at 6pm.

Marking the beginning of Advent, this special service begins the countdown to Christmas with traditional Advent carols, hymns, and readings. Held by candlelight, the evening will symbolise the journey towards the light and hope of Christmas.

Sarah explains: “Coming to Lincoln Cathedral is a wonderful experience – it’s the most beautiful building. It’s full of the most amazingly warm and welcoming people. And how better to start the Christmas season, than a service that celebrates the best of life and St Barnabas.”

Held in partnership with St Barnabas Hospice, this cathedral service is open to all and free to attend. A collection will support the hospice, raising vital funds to continue providing compassionate palliative and end-of-life care across Lincolnshire to patients like Julian.

Although the event is not ticketed, we’d love to know if you’re planning on joining us. Discover more and let us know here: Advent Carol Service, by Candlelight – St Barnabas Hospice

Celebrating our Hidden Teams at St Barnabas: Governance Department

St Barnabas has over 300 members of clinical and non-clinical staff working to support our vision – a world where dying with dignity, compassion and having choices is a fundamental part of a life.

The hard work and dedication of all our staff ensures we can continue providing vital end-of-life care, across Lincolnshire. This year we’re shining spotlights on hidden teams and highlighting the incredible work they do to support St Barnabas.

The Governance Team look after the quality and governance of St Barnabas Hospice, supporting the safety of patients and staff, whilst assuring compliance.

Nikki Lambert, Head of Governance, Quality & Compliance at St Barnabas, says: “As a team we provide a range of support to ensure continuous quality improvement and clinical effectiveness, as well as providing risk and information management and facilitating patient involvement.”

The department implement programmes and initiatives to continuously improve the quality of care provided to patients, including auditing clinical practices and benchmarking against best practices. As well as collecting patient feedback and addressing patient concerns and complaints.

Nikki continues: “We also identify, assess, and manage risks to patient safety. We will analyse incidents and near-misses, develop strategies to prevent harm, and ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

“Through promoting the use of clinical guidelines and protocols, evaluating new technologies and treatments, and supporting evidence-based practice, we work to ensure that clinical practices are based on the best available evidence.”

To monitor performance and inform decision-making, the team maintain accurate clinical records, utilise health informatics, and report on key performance indicators.

Nikki adds: “I enjoy the friendly, relaxed, and open culture that St Barnabas provides. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and everyone is always willing to help you out!

“Working at St Barnabas is more than a job – it’s a calling to provide compassionate care and support to individuals and their families during one of life’s most difficult moments. The Hospice has a serene and peaceful atmosphere, which is a calming and less stressful work environment compared to other healthcare settings.”

Julie (Jewels) Bishop, Deputy Governance and Quality Lead at St Barnabas, says: “I’ve recently joined the Governance Team at St Barnabas Hospice – I’ve been working here in other roles for 11 years. In the past I’ve worked at St Christopher’s Hospice in London, while Dame Cicely Saunders was still working there. Dame Cicely was a huge inspiration, and I’ve remained in this speciality for almost 30 years. This role supports my passion to deliver high-quality, person-centred end-of-life care in all aspects of Palliative Care.”

Laura Coleman, Governance Administrator at St Barnabas, comments: “Working at St Barnabas is a privilege. Knowing that your individual job role, whether it’s face-to-face with families and their loved ones or more ‘behind the scenes’, is supporting those who need it most, is an honour.

“To be able to come to work and smile as soon as you walk through the door and have that smile last all day is something I feel lucky to have. The kindness and professionalism that each member of staff shows towards each other and those who use our services, is so heartwarming. I am so lucky to be a part of such an incredible organisation.”

Thank you to the Governance Team, we appreciate everything you do to support and protect St Barnabas.

Sheila Flatters dedicates a light in memory of husband, Malc

“Christmas is never the same without my husband, but it warms my heart to know that we can still celebrate his life thanks to Light Up A Life, where one of the symbolic lights on the Tree of Life will be shining brightly in memory of him.”

Sheila Flatters lost her husband, Malc, in December 2023, not long after celebrating their Ruby Wedding Anniversary with family. This year, which would have marked their 42^nd wedding anniversary, Sheila is dedicating a light and attending the poignant Torchlight Procession in his memory.

Malc, described as a man who loved sport and embraced life, especially loved playing snooker with his grandsons and walking in the Yorkshire Dales with his wife. Sheila says: “We loved each other very much.”

Malc was first diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer in 2018.

Sheila recalls: “We managed about four years to live life, and he was so brave and positive after such a major operation. Unfortunately, in March 2023 he was showing signs again. And then sadly, in May 2023, he was diagnosed with secondary cancer.”

“We knew that life would be changing eventually without Malc. I think you find, or are given, another level to cope with what lies ahead.”

Shelia cared for Malc at home, but as soon as he was diagnosed, St Barnabas was there to help and support.

Sheila explains: “They regularly visited and called. I could always ring them for a chat when I needed support. Sometimes you can’t show how you feel to the person who is so ill, and so you need to say something to someone else. And so, St Barnabas was there for me as well. And I don’t know how I would have done it without them.”

“All the team at St Barnabas go above and beyond with their excellent care. Malc was given dignity, and they helped him with his sense of humour – they just kept him going. They respected him as a person. They made him comfortable, and I knew that I could go home, and he would be in safe hands.”

“On the day he passed, St Barnabas just gave us time to be with him, and it was so peaceful and comforting that we could do that. A lady in the kitchen knew that me and Lisa, our daughter, had been up for most of the night with nothing to eat. And she made us a bacon roll. I can’t thank St Barnabas enough for their thoughtfulness.”

This Christmas, St Barnabas Hospice invites you to join Sheila in dedicating a light on their Tree of Life and attending the Torchlight Procession on Tuesday 18^th November.

Reflecting on last year’s Torchlight Procession, Sheila says: “You know it’s going to be emotional but being there with so many people remembering their loved ones, is a special kind of emotion. We know that Malc will be with us there also.”

“This Christmas, please join me in dedicating a light to remember your loved ones and help the hospice care for people in the future, like Malc.”

You can remember anyone with a light, not just those care for by the Hospice. As a thank you, St Barnabas will send you a personalised card and a memory tag for the Tree of Life, and a decoration to display at home.

£28.21 could cover the cost of our care for one minute

£42 could pay for a comforting home visit for one hour

£115.48 could allow a nurse to provide dignified care for one day

Every donation for a light brings care, dignity, and comfort to local families. As financial pressures continue to grow, your generosity helps meet the urgent needs across Lincolnshire and protects St Barnabas’ future.

To dedicate a light and book for the Torchlight Procession, please visit: Light up a Life with St Barnabas Hospice