Category: Stories
MND support group host meets The Princess Royal
Nigel Brasier from Boston recently met The Princess Royal, Princess Anne during a special event to raise awareness of Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and how the condition affects people.
Nigel was diagnosed with PLS, a slower version of MND, in 2013 but had been experiencing symptoms for over six years before receiving his diagnosis. His muscles are gradually getting weaker, making everyday tasks harder and he uses metal splints on his legs to support his walking.
As a thank-you for raising over £20,000 for the charity MND Association he was invited to their annual Showcase event in Kettering on 6th June. Here, he met the charity’s patron, The Princess Royal.
Nigel says: “It was an honour to meet her, she made me feel very relaxed. We had a lovely chat about my fundraising, which was an amazing experience.”
St Barnabas has provided Nigel with numerous therapies over the years to support him with his condition, and in collaboration with the charity MND Association he hosts a monthly MND support group in our Wellbeing Centre in Boston.
This friendly, informal group meets every fourth Thursday of the month from 11am – 12:30pm at the Centre, known as Novak House.
Nigel says: “People who are living with MND, their family, friends and carers are all very welcome to come along. It’s free to attend and there’s a very relaxed atmosphere.
“We have a brew and we discuss whatever comes up. That could be a serious topic like how MND is affecting us, but usually it’s a lot of laughs, talking about anything and everything, or playing some games.
“If you’d like to see what the group is like, you don’t need to book. Just turn up, we next meet on 27th July. I look forward to meeting you!”
To find out more about support groups in Boston and other areas of Lincolnshire, visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/wellbeing/
HeARTist Rachel honours mother with artwork
The St Barnabas Hospice HeART Trail is bringing joy to people of all ages this summer.
The Lincolnshire-wide art trail offers thirty beautiful heart-shaped sculptures to visit, with twenty based in Lincoln, five on the east coast and five more in towns around the county.
One of the artists of the Trail (known as HeARTists) is 22-year-old Rachel Benson from Welton.
Her HeART is located outside the St Barnabas charity shop at the bottom of Steep Hill in Lincoln and is colourfully painted with the Lincoln Cathedral and intricate mandalas on both sides of the sculpture.
Rachel was one of over a hundred local and national artists who submitted their design for the HeART Trail. Her design ‘Heart of the City’ was chosen by sponsor Lincoln BIG as their favourite, after which she was commissioned to paint it for the Trail.
Rachel says: “I was inspired by my mum who was incredibly artistic, I could watch her for hours and I definitely get my creativity from her. When the HeART Trail opened for artist submission, I decided to give it a shot – but I never expected to actually be chosen!
“I heard in October last year that my design was chosen. It was such a wonderful surprise and so exciting, but it came at a difficult time.”
In March of 2022, Rachel’s mother Glenis was diagnosed with cancer.
Sadly, the condition was terminal and her health deteriorated rapidly. On 11th April, Glenis was taken into the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit in Lincoln to receive care around the clock. She stayed there for ten days before she died, with Rachel and the rest of their family always by her bedside.
Rachel says: “Spending those last ten days with mum was incredibly special, the nurses gave her amazing care and looked after us as a family too. They would give us all the time in the world to spend with her, we could even stay overnight at the Hospice.
“Staff and volunteers would check in to see if we needed anything, food and drinks were provided to not just mum but us as visitors as well. We were also offered counselling, and other types of mental wellbeing support. We were given so much love and sympathy. Those extra touches make St Barnabas so wonderful.
“The care, compassion and love St Barnabas provided not just to mum as their patient but to us as the whole family is just amazing. That is why I support St Barnabas Hospice, and I hope you will support them too by taking part in the HeART Trail.”
Rachel’s HeART can be viewed until 4th September as part of the HeART Trail, which aims to bring communities together and raise awareness of the high-quality, free care St Barnabas provides not just in its Hospices in Lincoln and Grantham, but also in people’s own homes around the county.
From 11th until 28th September Rachel’s sculpture can be admired as part of the HeART Trail’s Reunion event at the Lincoln Museum (formerly The Collection), which brings together all HeARTs under one roof.
On the last day of the Reunion, eleven of the HeARTs will be auctioned, including Rachel’s sculpture. Bidding is set to start from £3,000 and all profits will be going to St Barnabas so the charity may continue its good work of providing outstanding, compassionate care to people who need it.
Businesses and individuals who are interested in attending the auction can keep an eye on the St Barnabas website www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk and social media for more information in due course.
“Paul packed so much love and adventure into his life, we take comfort from that.”
Lorraine Bousfield from Woodhall Spa recently lost her husband Paul, who she describes as energetic, life-embracing, generous, kind, and fun-loving.
Paul could never sit still and had many activities and hobbies he enjoyed, from rock climbing, cycling, attending music festivals and concerts, playing guitar with his children, traveling all around the world and volunteering in his local community.
Lorraine says: “Above all else, Paul was a huge family man. Time with his family was his treasure and pleasure. Meals, music, games, chatter – he adored spending time with his children and me. We never really stopped dating, our love was still fresh, special and cherished almost 45 years after meeting at age 16. I was blessed to have had such a very special love story with him.
“He was so proud of becoming a grandad but sadly his first grandchild was born just days after his cancer diagnosis. He never did get to chase him round the garden as we knew he would have done.
In December 2021 Paul developed shingles and contracted Covid-19 shortly after. With so much talk of long Covid, Paul was not too concerned about his persistent sore throat. When he developed a swelling in his neck, Lincoln’s hospital took X-rays, MRIs and other scans. Sadly, in July 2022 Paul received a diagnosis of Hypopharyngeal cancer.
Chemo treatment was unsuccessful, and the cancer developed in new areas. At this stage he was told that his cancer was incurable. Rounds of radiotherapy continued into the new year of 2023, as well as immunotherapy but after each session he required antibiotics, which blunted the treatment.
Lorraine says: “It felt like Paul was thwarted at every turn as he tried to recover enough to have any quality of life. Despite his medical needs being complex he bore all these setbacks and the progression of the disease with great dignity, never complaining about his lot.
“We had not been aware of St Barnabas Hospice prior to his diagnosis. A friend who had lost a daughter said I should seek help from them, but I didn’t know what I needed. When St Barnabas offered us their help, there were many aspects to hospice care which I didn’t know came as part of their service.”
Paul was looked after by St Barnabas nurses at home, receiving not only vital medical care and pain relief but also equipment including a wheelchair, advice from the charity’s Welfare & Benefits team to help him procure a Blue Badge, answers to the many questions the family had about his condition and what to expect next. Paul was also given counselling sessions and his family received bereavement support after his death.
For the last five days of Paul’s beautiful, action-packed life, he found peace at the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, with his family by his bedside around the clock.
Lorraine says: “Our daughter brought in pictures to decorate the room and a quilt to make it homely. We had many visitors turn up and the staff were perfectly happy from them to take over the space to say their goodbyes.
“The nurses made sure Paul was comfortable, they were discreet and kind. Three massive chairs were found to enable us all to sleep in his room and we were able to just be together for those final days with this very special person. When Paul was leaving us, we were given all the time we needed.
“I thought, as many do, that hospices were only places where patients went to pass away peacefully but St Barnabas has proven to be so much more. I can heartily recommend St Barnabas for anyone struggling to cope, dealing with terminal conditions, and anything else. Contact them, see if they can help you. We will never forget the kindness they gave to our family and the way it changed Paul’s journey.”
Paul and Lorraine’s neighbours Tim, Bob and Steve recently completed a special walk in Scotland and raised over £2,200 for St Barnabas. The trip had originally been planned with Paul before his diagnosis but was postponed in the hope he would be able to make it later.
The group honoured Paul by taking on the West Highland Way walk, with Lorraine supplying them with poetry, blessings and a small ampule of Pauls ashes. They scattered his ashes and read the poems at poignant points on the trip, remembering Paul and the many great moments they had together.
Lorraine says: “I’m always happy to talk about Paul, I can’t help but share how special this man was and what a great loss for him to die so young at age 60. He packed so much love and adventure into his life and we take comfort from that.
“Paul had so much more to give and will be missed by so many people, but everyone who knew him will have some amazing story of Paul making them laugh out loud. He was just that kind of guy.”
St Barnabas Hospice are a local, independent charity, providing free support to over 12,000 people like Paul and his family each year.
If you would like to make a donation, fundraise for the charity, or find out more about the services it provides, please visit www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk
Six fantastic St Barnabas volunteers win hotel mini-breaks
Six incredible people who have been supporting St Barnabas Hospice through volunteering have been awarded coveted Room to Reward certificates.
Not only is this award a great honour for all who receive it, but it also comes with a mini-holiday anywhere in the country – the recipient gets to choose!
Amanda Trolle, Anita Grey, David Thorn, Jenni Smith, Jim Ferguson and Wendy Herridge have all been successfully nominated by their managers or colleagues and will now be considering where to go on their 1- or 2-night hotel break.
Read their stories below.
Amanda Trolle
Amanda was nominated by her manager Charlotte Guy, who cannot praise her enough. Charlotte says: “Amanda has been working in the Louth clothes shop for just over one year as a Retail Assistant Volunteer and volunteers teers for several days each week.
“Amanda is always the first person to cover the shop and works extra hours for the shop to stay open. Nothing is ever too much for her when she is here. She really does have the charity at heart of what she does. It would be nearly impossible to find another volunteer like her.”
Congratulations, Amanda!
Anita Grey
Long-standing volunteer Anita was nominated by Fundraising Team Leader Rebecca Hooton, who said: “Anita is a Fundraising volunteer who has been with us for the past 10 years. She is the fundraising face of the Hospice and is always smiling, she radiates happiness and has a zest for life.
“Anita has volunteered for so many events including all six of our Colour Dash events, leading the volunteers on our merchandise stand and ensuring targets are met – always exceeding. She also has so much knowledge of the hospice and its services that she is able to help spread awareness as a brand ambassador.
“Anita is our best Fundraising volunteer and a true Hospice Hero.”
Congratulations, Anita!
David Thorn
Lincoln Area Retail Manager Grace Cook nominated David, saying: “David has volunteered for the Hospice café at Lincoln Magistrates Court for many years. The café is entirely volunteer run and David has taken the lead since we reopened after the pandemic.
“David regularly goes above and beyond and was present when the health inspector recently visited. Thanks to his immaculate record-keeping and great management, the café was awarded a 5-star food hygiene rating.
“He also has undertaken the project of revamping the menu and price list due to increase in stock costs. He streamlined the menu, only including best-selling items to reduce wastage, and increasing the prices to ensure the café remains in profit while giving value for money to the customer.
“David is very much appreciated by the Hospice, and it would be lovely to reward him for his hard work.”
Congratulations, David!
Jenni Smith
Jenni was nominated by her manager Wendy Hyland, who couldn’t do with her. Wendy says: “Jenni has been a keyholding volunteer at the Bourne charity shop for over 10 years. She ran the shop with a team of volunteers for approximately 2 years before I joined as Manager, keeping the shop open and raising much needed funds for the Hospice.
“She makes decisions on how the shop runs, visual merchandising, jobs that need doing and assisting other volunteers if they need any help. Jenni has recently taken another volunteer under her wing, training her up to also be a keyholding volunteer too.
“Jenni is a fantastic asset to the charity.”
Congratulations, Jenni!
Jim Ferguson
Jim was nominated by Silvia Potts, a Health and Rehabilitation Support Worker who sees all the good Jim does. She says: “Jim began with the Hospice as a volunteer driver for Day Therapy patients. In good weather he even used his open top car to the delight of a few of our patients who never had such an experience before!
“Over the years, he has volunteered for fundraising events, even dressing up as a reindeer around Christmas. He has given talks on behalf of St Barnabas, collects cheques and donations, always with endless patience. Jim has literally gone to the other end of the world for us on a Great Wall of China trek, raising thousands.
“Jim really is a breath of fresh air and now supports the weekly Coffee Morning in Grantham. We are lucky to have him supporting us in so many ways.”
Congratulations, Jim!
Wendy Herridge
Counselling Services Manager Joanne White has nominated her volunteer, Wendy. She says: “Wendy has been volunteering with us for many years and is a fantastic counsellor. Her experience and knowledge enables us to allocate to her our complex clients with ease and confidence.
“She will often take on home visits for us and prior to lockdown, Wendy would travel to support the community of Skegness, including clients in the rural villages that would have otherwise been unable to access our support.
“Wendy has trained our counsellors in Suicide Awareness as this was her job previously to her retirement from paid work. This has been an invaluable tool for the team and for the clients that we keep safe.
“Wendy goes above and beyond to support her clients.”
Congratulations, Wendy!
St Barnabas Hospice gets the chance to nominate deserving volunteers each year through Room to Reward, the whole reward scheme is free to the Hospice and to the Volunteers winning the award.
Again, well done to our six amazing volunteers – enjoy your mini break!
Local crafting group donates colourful medical equipment bags
Recently, a group of volunteers at Horncastle and District Scrubs handmade 40 colourful syringe driver bags for St Barnabas Hospice patients. The bags were made in memory of group member Amanda’s mother, who received care from the charity in her own home and as a Hospice inpatient.
In 2022, Amanda’s mother Sue Last (pictured) was diagnosed with bowel cancer which had spread to her liver. The family was given the terrible news that her prognosis would be at best 18 months.
Amanda says: “The news hit us like a brick wall. Mum was so active, always on the go, keeping the house and family running, how could this happen to her? She was very sociable and a great host – making sure there was food and drink in abundance. Doing all this for others to enjoy, whilst looking very glamorous as she was never without her lippy on!
“She started to receive care at home from St Barnabas, and all the nurses that visited her were out of this world. There was one particular nurse, Emma, who instantly gained Mum’s trust and did a fantastic job caring for her while also ensuring we as a family had the support we needed too.”
After 6 months of care at home, Sue was admitted to the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit in Lincoln to receive the around-the-clock care she needed at that point to help regulate her pain relief.
Amanda continues: “A syringe driver was installed into her arm, which is a small battery-powered pump that delivers a steady stream of medication. My Mum was given a brightly coloured bag to go with it, which really cheered her as it looked pretty and took away the medical aspect of the driver.
“This is what planted the seed in my mind. I then contacted my best friend Jude who promotes Horncastle Scrubs and asked if this was one of their creations. The answer was no, but they could make some to support St Barnabas.
“Every single doctor, nurse, carer, and volunteer was absolutely amazing with Mum. They always respected her wishes, gave her options, and provided her with the highest quality of care. They kept her smiling even on the days she was in so much pain.
“She kept up her glamorous appearance too, which so many of the staff commented on when she was discharged. I know that this couldn’t have happened without all their incredible work. The level of compassion Mum and the whole family received from everyone at St Barnabas was unbelievable and our whole family and friends appreciate the hard work all of the staff.”
Horncastle and District Scrubs was founded in February 2020 in response to the pandemic and its members have made over 8,000 sets of scrubs for the NHS, GP surgeries and nursing homes, as well as sending scrubs to Ukraine. The group now mainly sews, knits and crochets items to donate to healthcare organisations.
Jude, promotions officer of the group, says: “Scrubs is a local cause that directly supports other local causes, so our efforts are spread to many. We are incredibly lucky to have such generous and talented volunteers, and anyone who’d like to join us in our mission to support worthy causes is very welcome.
“All of us ‘Scrubbers’ have supported St Barnabas over the years by fundraising, volunteering, or doing other things, so it was great to put our sewing skills to good use and doing it in memory of Sue made it extra special.”
Last month, fourty bags were donated to St Barnabas Hospice, in a colourful rainbow print. Horncastle Scrubs are continuing to create news bags in a variety of coulours and patterns, to suit the different personalities of those who need them.
Amanda, Jude and fellow group member Trish visited the charity’s Wellbeing Centre in Lincoln, where they met with Clinical Service Manager Emma Rogers (who happened to be the nurse who gained Sue’s trust) and handed over their wonderful creations. These bags will now be given to patients who receive care in their own homes, just like Sue did.
Amanda and Jude say: “It is our hope that the patients who receive these bags will feel a little cheer from them. They are made with a lot of love, and we know how something so small can make such a big difference.
“We will continue to support St Barnabas and we’re already planning on what our next craft will be!”
If you would like to support St Barnabas Hospice, whether that’s by crafting items, fundraising, hosting an event or volunteering, please visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk
Pictured at the top of this story are L-R: Trish Wright, nurse Emma Rogers, Amanda Last
Carly skydives in memory of ‘life-changing’ teacher
This summer, Carly Young from Lincoln is taking on a true once in a lifetime experience: skydiving to support St Barnabas.
20-year-old Carly is taking on this exhilarating challenge in memory of her former teacher Sam Pickersgill, who received care from St Barnabas during the last months of her life. Sam was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, and the next year received the devastating news that she had a progressive brain and leptomeningeal disease.
St Barnabas were able to support Sam with medical care, equipment to help her around the house to be as independent as possible, and counselling for her and the whole family to come to terms with their situation.
The charity also supported Sam in the summer of 2022 in her plea for a fundraiser to give her two young children something to look forward to during such a hard time. Sadly, Sam died shortly after this.
Sam was much more than a teacher to Carly; she was a mentor, a friend, and the one person who made Carly feel that she could achieve anything.
Carly says: “When I was 14, I had to switch schools due to some behavioural issues I was experiencing. Adults had been telling me I would never amount to anything, that I wasn’t going to get anywhere and that nobody could help me. Sam proved them wrong, and I could not be more grateful to her for showing me the potential I have.
“Sam was my Head of Year and I used to go see her in her office at breaktimes, we would talk and she was always smiling and laughing. She had a photo of her children on her desk and would tell me all about them.
“Sam made me sign up for the 100m race at school. I was terrified as I don’t like having a spotlight on me, but she gave me the confidence to go for it… and I came in 1st place! Sam was at the finish line, gave me a big hug, and whispered, “I told you; you can do anything.”
“She made me feel loved and worthy. I believe if I didn’t meet Sam, I wouldn’t be where I am now, studying at university. Sam meant so much to me and there’s not enough words in the world to say how remarkable she was.”
Sam eventually left Carly’s school, The Priory Witham Academy, to teach at another secondary school. However, Carly and Sam stayed in touch and messaged each other frequently. This is how Carly found out about Sam’s diagnosis.
Carly says: “She’s the bravest and strongest woman I knew, and I will always keep that close to me. The last time I saw Sam was two weeks before she passed away, it felt like we were never apart. She hugged me and told me she loved me and to keep reaching for the stars. That’s what I will do for you, Sam.”
Carly’s skydiving adventure takes place on 3rd June at Hibaldstow Airfield, just outside of Lincoln. There are still places to book for this date and the secondary date of 10th September, via the St Barnabas website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/skydives-2023/
The jump is a tandem skydive, meaning skydivers will be harnessed to a professional parachute instructor, who will also be in control of the landing. Skydivers must be at least 16 years of age, with no maximum age limit – depending on health.
This exhilarating experience costs just £50 to register, and St Barnabas kindly requests a fundraising minimum of £395.
Carly says: “I’ve never done any extreme sport like skydiving before but I’m really looking forward to it. I’m actually terrified of heights so I’m pushing myself out of my comfort zone! I know how proud Sam would be of me doing this skydive. Sam, when I’m up there, I hope you are flying right next to me. You will always be walking with me; I know you will.”
Annually, St Barnabas supports over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire who are living with a life-limiting or terminal illness. Each year, St Barnabas must raise at least £6.5million to keep its palliative and end of life care services available. The care that the charity offers free of charge would not be possible without the efforts of fundraisers such as Carly.
If skydiving is too extreme for you, but you would like to support St Barnabas, take a look at all upcoming fundraising ideas, events and activities: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/fundraising
Running a marathon for Hospice care
On 16th April, Lauren Wood from Lincoln laced up her trainers to run the Manchester Marathon in support of St Barnabas after the hospice charity looked after her mother.
To thank the Hospice’s staff for their good care of her beloved mother Carolyn, Lauren wanted to raise £500. She has absolutely smashed that target, with her JustGiving page currently standing at double – an incredible £1,000.
Carolyn was diagnosed with breast cancer in the mid-2010s, which she bravely fought. In 2019 she was suffering from headaches and thinking there may be a problem with be her vision, she visited her optician, who sent her straight to the hospital.
Carolyn was diagnosed with a brain tumour, which was operated on, and radiotherapy followed. Later that year, she became ill again and was in the hospital for some weeks before the family received the dreadful news that the cancer had spread to her liver.
Lauren says: “Mum had days or weeks to live, and said she didn’t want to go through treatment again. This is when St Barnabas stepped in. That very day, my father and I visited the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln so we could decide whether that would be a good fit her, and we were so pleased. The room available to her was quiet, private, and there were lots of nurses on hand.
“Mum was moved to the Hospice that night and I travelled in the ambulance with her. They washed her, helped her wear her own clothes and made her comfortable. In the hospital, mum hadn’t been drinking and her mouth looked sore and uncomfortable. Immediately the St Barnabas nurses helped her by use of a mouth cleaning kit, she looked much more peaceful and pain free after that.
“They were able to manage mum’s pain and also cared for us, they set up beds in her room so we could stay over with no visiting restrictions. We received endless cups of tea and coffee, and food was always provided if we needed it. No one was rushed, all the nurses were always in good spirits and loved finding out about mum’s life. They would talk to her even though she wasn’t conscious, as they said she could hear us, and we’d tell them funny stories about what she was like.”
Carolyn passed away on 6th October 2019 after a three-day stay at the Inpatient Unit, surrounded by her family. Lauren has been supporting St Barnabas ever since and signed up for the Manchester Marathon after having enjoyed running for many years.
She says: “I signed up and told St Barnabas I was running for them, and the team have been brilliant. There are a lot of check-ins from them along the way, with fundraising and training tips, as well as invites to group training with other people who are fundraising for them.
“I was invited to a Facebook group for fundraisers, which is great to keep each other going and where we can share our stories and progress. I received a goodie bag with St Barnabas merch, including a running top, water bottle and other items. This way, I never forget what I’m running for!
“The week before the marathon I was feeling nervous but excited. In that week St Barnabas had stepped into our lives again providing care at home for my father-in-law, Graham, in his last days with us. Race day was very emotional, and I spent a lot of the run with a lump in my throat. The best part for me was spotting my family cheering me on and stopping for a hug to keep me going.
“The crowds were amazing, shouting out the names on the runners’ tops, and children holding their hands out for a high five. It really got me through that midway struggle! There were bands, DJs and choirs all the way round to spur you on. Although it was tough on my body, I loved it and want to do another marathon for St Barnabas!”
St Barnabas encourage running enthusiasts to choose the Hospice as their charity to support when signing up to marathons this year. If you are still looking for a challenge, the charity has spaces available for the iconic Berlin Marathon, taking place on 24th September in the historic city. Click here to find out more and to book your space.
St Barnabas also offer exhilarating once in a lifetime adventures, such as skydiving and wing walking, where you are strapped into a seat on the wings of an airplane, and walking over fire or LEGO.
If these challenges are too extreme, there are many other ways to support the Hospice this summer, including hosting a coffee morning or Pub Quiz, by volunteering or shopping in its 25 Lincolnshire-wide shops or online. To find out all the ways you can support St Barnabas, visit: www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk/Fundraising
Lauren says: “Mum loved shopping and was always picking things up she thought other people would like, we would often go around St Barnabas charity shops and hunt for a bargain. My mum lit up any room, you usually heard before you saw her! I miss her a lot, but I know what a difference St Barnabas’ care made to her last few days, and I am forever grateful.”
St Barnabas supports more than 12,000 people across Lincolnshire with a life-limiting or terminal illness each year, by offering free, high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care and support to patients, their families, and carers.
Janet wins St Barnabas lottery top prize for second time
Janet Wilson from Lincoln has been fortunate enough to win the top prize of £1,000 in the weekly St Barnabas lottery for a second time in four years!
She started playing the charity’s lottery after the death of her husband Trevor, who received end of life care in the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit in Lincoln for two weeks until his death in May 2017. He had been battling prostate cancer for three years after his shock diagnosis in 2014 at the age of 56.
Trevor was a well-respected electronics engineer, who spent time in the USA for his work and designed many components in the medical equipment that was used in his care.
Janet says: “Trev was the loveliest of husbands and a devoted father to our children Hannah and Joe. He had a great sense of humour, was universally liked, respected and loved by all his family. He loved fishing and walking our dogs, something he truly missed as his health got worse.
“The care he received from St Barnabas in the Hospice was fantastic, nothing was too much trouble. The staff were so kind and understanding with everyone, not just him, but the whole family.
“We could visit with no restrictions and even our dogs Arthur and Alfred went to see him, Trev was so happy with that! I know it would not have been possible in a hospital setting.
“We were all there the day before he passed away, it was a very precious time. Whilst he was being cared for at the Hospice it gave me space to be with him without the difficult and time-consuming task of caring for him, so this time was very special.
“After he died, I attended group counselling sessions through St Barnabas which has really helped with me cope with this tremendous grief.
“My family and I will always be grateful to St Barnabas Hospice for their help and kindness. They made an unbearable situation as bearable as it could be and I will always support them.”
Janet was elated with her first £1,000 win in 2019 and split the ‘grand’ prize between her two children. She is planning to do the same again this time, with Joe saving up for a house and Hannah expecting her first child in August – Janet’s first grandchild.
To be in with a chance to win big, just like Janet, sign up for the lottery via our website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/lottery/
Winners are drawn every Friday and you will be automatically notified if you win so you do not need to do anything to claim your prize.
Feeling stoked: Harry takes on the St Barnabas Fire Walk
24-year old Harry Page from Grantham is taking on a fiery challenge this year in support of St Barnabas: Walking over red-hot embers in memory of his grandparents!
Taking place on Saturday 7th October at the Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, the charity’s Fire Walk is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you feeling de-lighted.
Harry is taking part in the challenge in memory of his grandparents Dennis and Rosemary, who both received care from St Barnabas Hospice.
Harry says: “Grandad was generous, kind and witty, and he always had a book in his hand that he would throw at you to read once he had finished it! Gran was the point of call for the whole family, she excelled in cooking and there was never a bad dish. I used to go for dinner as a child and we would watch Deal or No Deal together.”
Both of Harry’s grandparents were diagnosed with lung cancer, which was a real shock to Harry and his family. When Dennis was diagnosed, he went into the Hospice for care before coming home where he continue to receive care from St Barnabas nurses.
He says: “Grandad had defied cancer before and was always a fighter, but sadly he couldn’t fight this one. The care he received from St Barnabas was incredible, both in the hospice and at home.
“After he died in 2017 we took part in the St Barnabas Bubble Rush so we could have fun together as a family and raise money. It was myself, my father, sister, brother-in-law, nephews and Gran, running through bubbles on a beautiful sunny day. I believe it was really heart-warming for my Gran to be able to do something in Dennis’ memory.”
After Rosemary’s diagnosis, she received courses of chemotherapy for several months before requesting support from St Barnabas.
“When Gran was diagnosed, it was so difficult, she was almost like the Queen of the family. After Grandpops died, Gran was my best friend. We went shopping, out for food, always up to no good!
“Both of them always described St Barnabas as the best place for care and support, and the care we have seen first-hand really proves that. Both wanted donations at their funeral to give to St Barnabas, as a final thank-you.”
Now, Harry is remembering them by taking on the red-hot Fire Walk challenge this autumn. He has set up a JustGiving page and hopes to raise at least £200, which he is likely to smash as he’s already raised £180, with over half a year to go.
Harry says: “I’m feeling nervous but eager to try something new, and I want to raise as much money and awareness as I can for a charity that is so close to my heart.
“On the day I’ll be receiving training from the UK Firewalking Company so I’ll know how to beat the heat. It’s perfectly safe, in all the years the company has done it there’s only been so much as a blister, and as long as I follow the guidance, I’ll be fine.
“It’s such a crazy challenge, and I can’t wait. I know Dennis and Rose would be proud of me and laughing all the way! If you are considering signing up, you absolutely should. St Barnabas deserves all the support they can get, and you’ll have an incredible experience.”
Registering for the Fire Walk costs just £30, and St Barnabas kindly ask people to raise a minimum of £85. Supporters can raise that money any way they like, from asking for cash donations to organising a coffee morning, boot sale, or any other fundraiser that takes their fancy.
Last year, Fire Walkers raised an incredible £32,000 and St Barnabas are hoping to raise even more this time.
To sign up for the Fire Walk, please visit https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/fire-walk/
And for the first time, there will also be a new challenge for the whole family – walking over LEGO. Children who wish to participate must be 5 years and over, with parental consent and guidance on the day.
Registration for the LEGO Walk is just £7.50 for a child between 5 – 12 years old, and £15 for teens and adults. Family tickets for 2 adults and 2 children are available at just £40, saving £5. No sponsorship needs to be raised for the LEGO Walk, and you can book your place here: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/lego-walk/
Hospice at Home care inspired Louise to run in support of St Barnabas
Louise Southgate laced up her trainers recently and ran the St Neot’s Half Marathon in support of the Hospice, whose team of nurses gave vital end of life care to her mother Pam Burton.
Pam was diagnosed with Oesophageal Cancer in May 2021, something which Louise says was a huge shock to the whole family. As her health deteriorated, Pam knew she wanted to remain at home, and the St Barnabas’ Hospice at Home team were able to respect her wishes.
Louise says: “Mum was a strong, hardworking, and independent woman who very rarely accepted help, always insisting on doing things herself. Her family home held so many happy memories for her and was always open and full of love. Being nursed at home at the end of her life was very important to her.
“Nurse Lizzie who was most involved in Mum’s care, was amazing and Mum trusted her. Having someone to talk to about her fears and wishes face to face is just what she needed. Lizzie always had time for us all, no matter what. We are so grateful to her and the whole team for ensuring mum received the care that she deserved.”
Pam died peacefully at the end of August 2021, with Louise and her brother Stuart by her side, in her own home. Since then, Louise has raised funds for St Barnabas in multiple ways. Money given to the family at Pam’s funeral has been donated to the charity, Louise and her brother bought an ironwork heart through the Hospice’s Forever in Our Hearts campaign, and Louise also plays the weekly lottery.
On top of all this, Louise decided to run the St Neot’s Half Marathon in Cambridgeshire, which took place in November 2022. Louise says she enjoys running as it helps her with her wellbeing, as well as keeping fit. St Neot’s is a race she has taken part in before but this time she asked her family and friends to donate in support of the charity that looked after her Mum.
After signing up and making St Barnabas aware that she was running for them, Chris Dunkley of the Hospice’s fundraising team supported her all the way.
Louise says: “Chris was very easy to talk to and helped with the setting up of my JustGiving fundraising page, and sent me a St Barnabas running shirt to run the race in. He has given me encouragement along the way and was there If I needed any questions answered.”
Louise raised a brilliant £516 through her half marathon fundraising, which will help support St Barnabas give care to other patients and their families.
Louise says: “We are eternally grateful that with the support from the St Barnabas Hospice at Home team Mum was able to remain in her own home at the end of her life. A home that she had set up with my father where they had been able to make some very happy memories.
“She was visited by all those that she loved, something we could not have done without Lizzie and the team. Her final wishes were met and though we dearly miss her every day, the care that we all received from St Barnabas was incredible. Thank you.”
This spring, St Barnabas are encouraging supporters to take on a challenge in support of the charity; from skydiving and wing walking to cycling the famous Castle 2 Coast 2 Castle route or running a marathon like Louise.
Each year, St Barnabas provides free, compassionate palliative and end of life care to over 12,000 people with a life-limiting or terminal illness around Lincolnshire.
Visit www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk for more information about their care services and how you can support the charity.