Category: Stories
Runners take on Lincoln 10k and raise nearly £12,000 for St Barnabas Hospice
A team of runners took part in the Jane Tomlinson’s Run for All City of Lincoln 10k on Sunday 6th April 2025 in support of St Barnabas.
One of the biggest and best-loved running events in Lincolnshire, the City of Lincoln 10k passes through the city’s historic Roman Walls, Cathedral and Castle, with thousands participating every year.
We are extremely grateful to all the runners who ran in support of St Barnabas Hospice. Together these incredible runners have raised nearly £12,000 in donations, plus over £2,500 in Gift Aid, with donations still coming in.
Gift Aid is one of the easiest and most effective ways to give an extra 25% to charity. The scheme, introduced by the Inland Revenue, allows us to claim Gift Aid tax relief of 25p for every £1 donated, at no extra cost to the donor.
All donations raised through challenges like the Lincoln 10k 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. By way of example, the current Lincoln 10k fundraising total could cover the cost of over a month of Hospice at Home care.
Chris ran the Lincoln 10k in support of St Barnabas in honour of his mum who received care at the Lincoln Inpatient Unit in 2014.
Chris says: “I was absolutely blown over by how supportive and caring the staff were, St Barnabas has always resonated with me ever since.
“Running in the Lincoln 10k brings a sense of poignancy. I like to challenge myself and achieve something. The important thing, though, is to try and raise as much money as possible because it’s so difficult nowadays. For places like the Hospice, there’s a lot of financial challenges.”
This year, the Lincoln 10k coincided with runner Sarah’s mum’s birthday.
Sarah says: “My mum died last October. It’s incredibly emotional to run the Lincoln 10k on her birthday in support of St Barnabas. When I’ve run previous Lincoln 10ks, she was always here for me, cheering me on. She was always there, no matter how she was feeling.
“It was an emotional run, especially as you go past the Inpatient Unit twice on the route. It was amazing to have everyone cheering.”
John, Headteacher at Ling Moor Academy, comments: “We ran the Lincoln 10k for Debbie, a Teaching Assistant at our school, who sadly died from cancer. St Barnabas is our chosen charity and it’s just a great cause – we do a lot for them. The ship in the playground is even called HMS St Barnabas.
“We do Rudy’s Run with the kids every year, so it was about time the staff did their bit. We’re hoping to do the Lincoln 10k each year.”
Corporate partners, Agrigem, took on the Lincoln 10k for their annual team challenge.
Vanessa shares: “We wanted to raise money for St Barnabas as it has touched a number of our lives. The support from Ness at St Barnabas throughout the process has been amazing and engaging.”
Andrew adds: “I found it exciting to challenge myself alongside the team. Especially as I’m not a runner and have trained to take on this challenge.”
Ness Wilson, Fundraising Team Lead, says: “After months of emails and phone calls, it was wonderful to meet our St Barnabas Hospice runners on the day. It has been heartwarming to hear their stories and see the passion and pride they had in supporting our Hospice. The energy and enthusiasm they all brought was truly inspiring. Thank you as well to the Lincoln Hotel for allowing us to use their grounds for our finishers area.
“We are looking for regular runners and beginners alike to join us for the Lincoln Half Marathon 2025 and Lincoln 10k 2026 in aid of St Barnabas Hospice. By signing up, you will have the chance to be part of a great community experience whilst supporting local Hospice care.”
Chris comments: “I would really encourage anybody to take part. I really appreciate the vibe of the Lincoln 10k, there’s a collective energy among the crowd and it really propels you.”
Sarah adds: “When you’re doing it for fundraising, it pushes you along and keeps you going.”
Vanessa says: “Just do it – not only does it get you fit, but you’re helping such a great cause.”
Andrew agrees: “I always encourage people to challenge themselves.”
If you’re feeling inspired to take on the City of Lincoln 10k and support St Barnabas on Sunday 12th April 2026, you can register for your place here: https://www.runforall.com/events/10k/city-of-lincoln-10k/ and then let us know you are running in support of St Barnabas here: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/lincoln-10k/
Or, if you’re looking to increase your running challenge to a half marathon, you can sign up for one of St Barnabas’ Great North Run charity places for 7th September 2025 or register your interest in supporting us at the Lincoln Half Marathon on 5th October.
Emma Wheatley, Clinical Operations Lead at St Barnabas, is taking on the Peak District Ultra Challenge in memory of her dad
Emma joined the St Barnabas team in 2023, providing operational leadership and management to clinical services. She ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality care across the Hospice, both in the Inpatient Unit and within the community. This includes overseeing the Inpatient Unit, Community Services Teams, Allied Health Professionals and Specialist Nurses.
This year, Emma has signed up for the Peak District Ultra Challenge taking place on Saturday 28th June 2025, to raise vital funds for St Barnabas Hospice in memory of her dad.
The fantastic 1st Half (52km) Peak District loop starts and finishes at the basecamp in Bakewell, with a few steep ascents and descents taking you into the heart of the beautiful and varied landscape.
Emma says: “I wanted to raise some funds for St Barnabas but also choose a challenge that was meaningful to me.
My dad was cared for at the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln early last year and died here. I spent a lot of time in the Peak District when I was younger because he grew up in Chesterfield and my Nan lived in Crich, near Matlock. So, we have a lot of memories exploring those areas.”
Offering her advice to those considering a challenge, Emma says: “Everyone, no matter what age, fitness level or ability, should take a leap of faith and sign up. Any funds raised go such a long way in supporting St Barnabas.”
St Barnabas Hospice supports over 12,000 patients and their families each year, and over £7 million needs to be raised annually to continue providing people with compassionate care in Lincolnshire.
All donations raised contribute to the funding of St Barnabas’ vital services, enabling more people to receive specialist end-of-life care and more families to receive bereavement support.
Keeping the finish line in sight, Emma reflects on the sense of accomplishment afterwards, commenting: “It’s my birthday that weekend – so I’ll definitely be having something sparkling at the end of it!”
The Ultra Challenge Series has something for everyone. Are you a regular walker and new to endurance events? Perhaps a seasoned trekker looking for testing adventures? Or even a marathon runner wanting to ‘up’ your distance?
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/
Support St Barnabas by taking on the C2C2C Charity Cycle Challenge
Pedal power and passion remain at the heart of the C2C2C charity cycle ride, and St Barnabas has 20 charity places for riders. Cycle 100 miles through the picturesque Lincolnshire countryside on Thursday 26th June and help to raise vital funds for local hospice care.
Valued supporters Darren Louis, Clive Cox and James Wadsworth, are gearing up to participate once again and St Barnabas are looking for cyclists to join them.
Darren, from Lincolnshire, says: “I’ve been fundraising for St Barnabas for quite a while now, ever since I started working at my current employer, HomeLet – St Barnabas is one of the charities we regularly fundraise for. Over the past five years I’ve taken part in candlelight walks and bike rides. This will be my third time taking part in the C2C2C.”
Clive, from Lincoln, says: “I’ve supported St Barnabas for many years, including donating items to charity shops. This is my third time doing C2C2C, and I’ll be riding alongside my Son-in-Law.”
On Thursday 26th June they’ll start from the City of Lincoln, ride through the beautiful Lincolnshire countryside towards the coast, then back towards Lincoln.
Sharing their thoughts on why they’ve chosen this challenge, Clive says: “I like cycling and St Barnabas is such an important service within the local area. It’s a great day out with like-minded people.”
James, Trustee at St Barnabas, shares: “I enjoy the event and like to raise funds for St Barnabas and awareness of their vital work.
“It’s a great feeling knowing you’ve completed the challenge, got all those miles and hills behind you, satisfied that the training was worth it, and you’ve raised money for St Barnabas.”
Darren adds: “I love cycling, and there’s nothing better than enjoying a summer ride while raising money for a great cause. It’s the perfect combination.
“It’s an incredible feeling knowing you’ve completed 100 miles and even better knowing that your efforts are helping support a brilliant charity.”
Some people ride all of it, some ride in relay. Mountain bikes, tandems, hire bikes, recumbents, or a Brompton – it doesn’t matter what you ride, so long as you power it yourself.
Darren comments: “I’ll be riding solo, but everyone you meet on the day quickly becomes your friend – sometimes just for the day, sometimes for longer!
“I’m really looking forward to it. I enjoy this ride every year, and this time, I’m hoping to focus a bit more on helping others along the way and offering support where I can.”
James notes: “I’m a bit nervous. It’s a great event, but always a good challenge. I need to build up my practice rides with increasing distances before June.”
The team at St Barnabas will support you every pedal of the way, including providing you with a St Barnabas branded cycling T-shirt to proudly wear on the ride.
Deborah Yarwood, Fundraising Officer and C2C2C Project Lead for St Barnabas, says: “Whether you ride solo or in relay, we’ll support you every turn of the wheel.
“The fundraising efforts of all our participants are greatly appreciated and contribute to the provision of vital Hospice care provided to over 12,000 people and families across Lincolnshire every year.
“We are filling places fast, and only have a limited number of places available! Join Darren, Clive, James and others in taking on this picturesque challenge in support of St Barnabas.”
Over £7 million needs to be raised each year to support St Barnabas in providing people with compassionate care in Lincolnshire.
To sign up, head to their website and complete the registration process: C2C2C 2025 – St Barnabas Hospice
Once on the registration page, please enter the code ‘StB2025’ under ‘St Barnabas Fundraising’ and click enter, then simply complete the registration process. We will get in touch with you soon after your registration is complete.
Offering their insights on tackling the C2C2C challenge, Clive says: “The more you train, the easier the ride, and the more enjoyable it is.”
James adds: “Give it a go! It isn’t easy, but it is worth it.”
Darren advises: “Take your time – this isn’t a race. Enjoy the food, the conversations, and remember, pain is temporary, but glory is forever… and you get a free t-shirt to show-off!”
To take part in an upcoming challenge, visit the website and sign up today: Challenges with St Barnabas – St Barnabas Hospice
Celebrating our Hidden Teams at St Barnabas: Education 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 our hidden teams and highlighting the incredible work they do to support St Barnabas.
The Education department work behind the scenes at St Barnabas, providing gold standard, evidence-based education in palliative, end-of-life and health care to benefit patients, individuals, organisations and communities.
Using their experience and expertise, they have developed education programmes tailored to provide personal learning and development for our staff and the wider healthcare system.
Rebekah Gore, Education and Projects Lead, and Sarah Christopher, Head of Education, at St Barnabas state:
“We carefully plan, design, and deliver both internal and external education programmes, ensuring they receive CPD accreditation prior to implementation.
We take pride in offering gold standard education that is evidence-based, current, and creatively designed to foster retention, understanding, and critical thinking.
Our courses consistently receive outstanding feedback, particularly for their interactive, innovative, and engaging delivery by our qualified educators.
In addition to supporting staff compliance with mandatory training, we offer a diverse range of clinical and non-clinical education sessions to enhance learning. Furthermore, we generate income for the hospice by selling our educational programmes externally, thereby enhancing the knowledge and skills of the broader workforce in improving palliative and end-of-life care for patients and their families.”
At St Barnabas, we also offer work experience opportunities for school children, taster and insight days for individuals, and practice placement opportunities for students across the medical and health professions.
These opportunities provide individuals with the chance to gain a specific insight into St Barnabas, how we function, and gain a deeper understanding of working in a Hospice.
Through collaborating with institutions such as Lincoln Medical School and the University of Nottingham, we provide practice placement opportunities for medical students – forming a vital part of their studies.
Julie Seddon, Practice Placement Lead at St Barnabas, says: “In 2019 I took on the role of Clinical Educator at St Barnabas Hospice, with responsibility for co-ordinating Medical Student placements. This has significantly evolved over the years, and in March 2024, I became the Practice Placement Lead for St Barnabas.
We offer and develop innovative, high-quality clinical and non-clinical practice placements, including supporting apprenticeships, work experience and insight days.
Working in collaborative partnership with external organisations, I enhance our overall placement offering for pre and post registration health and social care professionals, as well as other placements, ensuring the learning experience is excellent from start to finish.”
A total of 111 Medical Students joined us in 2024 for one-week placements offered at Lincoln, Boston and Grantham. A further 97 Medical Students are planned for attendance, commencing in March 2025.
Zainah, Medical Student, says: “One of the things I enjoyed most about working at St Barnabas is the community, and the supportive, uplifting environment – listening to patient’s concerns and empowering them. I noticed that’s quite a big difference compared to hospital care. I really enjoyed seeing the spirit that St Barnabas brings.”
Joe, Medical Student, adds: “The main thing I’ve learned is the importance of Advanced Care Planning, and how death is still a bit of a taboo in our society. People don’t like to use the d-word, but actually, having these conversations early with patients and their families about what is going on, what they can expect, and being quite realistic about the situation they might be in. Starting these conversations so patients and their families endure ‘a good death’.”
Paramedic Science Students are a new addition to the Practice Placement portfolio. 26 students joined us in January 2025 and it is anticipated this will be replicated in 2026.
Julie says: “Work experience opportunities provide school children with the opportunity to experience hands-on work experience across a range of departments, including Fundraising, HR, IMT and Retail.
I couldn’t do my role without the agreement and hard work of the St Barnabas teams that support me. This is a joint venture that we embark on. Over the last six years, services and teams have been outstanding in supporting and delivering experiences for students. It’s brilliant to see it all in action.”
Rebekah and Sarah add: “We enjoy working for an organisation that truly embodies its values, with a genuine people-centred culture that supports both staff and patients. We believe that through the support we receive to design and deliver effective education, we are making a real difference!”
Additionally, Jake Bontoft, Research Nurse, is working to embed research throughout the Trust, enabling us to ensure clinicians are working in an evidence-based way and that our practice is current and up to date – something that directly benefits our patients. It also allows us to contribute to best practice across the UK by undertaking projects in a range of different areas.
Working closely with Lisa Phillips, Director of People and Education, the team also support the delivery of our Organisational Strategy to benefit patients, families and communities across Lincolnshire.
To find out more about the courses we provide or placement opportunities, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/education/
Thank you to the Education team – your contributions make a huge impact, and we appreciate everything you do.
Wendy Cundy plays the St Barnabas Raffle in memory of her Dad, Ron Shaw
Wendy Cundy from Wragby, remembers her dad, Ron Shaw, a real family man who she describes as a first-class Husband, Dad, Brother, and Grandad.
Ron lived in Billinghay all his life, in the village he loved and where he worked as Transport Manager for AC Gilberts for over 30 years. He loved going on coach holidays with friends and ballroom dancing with his wife, Margaret.
Wendy said: “He met the love of his life Margaret when they were both teenagers and married in 1957, having me and my brother in 1960 and 1963.
“He was particularly proud of being picked to play for Lincoln City Football Club, however in those days there wasn’t the money in it and it wasn’t considered a ‘proper job’!
“His proudest job was as Grandad to Thomas, Sam, Liam and Daniel, and he loved being in the garden with them and teaching them how to grow vegetables, play sports, and games.”
Wendy describes Ron’s diagnosis with Oesophageal cancer as “just devastating, he was the centre of our family.”
Wendy said: “My Mum, the wider family, and nurses had managed to keep Dad at home for as long as we could, but this became increasingly difficult and risky.”
After a brave two-year fight, Ron received excellent end-of-life care at the St Barnabas Hospice Inpatient Unit in Lincoln, where he sadly died aged 72.
Wendy shares more about their experience: “For the last five previous days of his life, he actually rallied and enjoyed some homemade soup and delicious biscuits!
“St Barnabas gave us a safe place and allowed me, my Mum, and brother Trevor to be with Dad during his final days and in a private room when he passed – that was priceless.
“We were totally supported but also left in private and he left us just after 3am surrounded by everyone who loved him the most.”
Following Ron’s death, Wendy has continued to support St Barnabas and has most recently taken part in the summer raffle.
Wendy says: “It is really humbling to see the amazing way the staff care for the individual and their family at a time of immense stress and heartbreak.
“Winning the top prize in the Summer Raffle was astounding – I never win anything! I will always remember that due to other people’s donations and kindness we accessed this care, therefore I have tried to make sure the same support is there for other families.”
Play the Winter Raffle today, from just £1 per ticket via the St Barnabas Hospice website.
If you would like to make a donation, fundraise for us, or find out more about the services we provide, please visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk
Jess Braves Second Fire Walk to Support St Barnabas
27-year-old Jess Meakin is taking on the Fire Walk challenge for a second time in support of St Barnabas Hospice.
Taking place at William Farr School on 15th March, Jess will feel the burn once again as she walks across hot coals, all while raising vital funds and taking the ultimate step to support hospice care.
In October 2023 Jess, alongside the group she completed the challenge with, raised an impressive £875 for St Barnabas. 
Jess says: “I was inspired to take part in the Fire Walk last year as I have lost many loved ones who were supported by St Barnabas Hospice, and I wanted to give back to the charity that supported my loved ones in their time of need.”
Fire Walk is one of the most challenging, adrenaline-fuelled journeys and it’s exactly as it sounds: a barefoot walk over red-hot embers, measuring 600°C.
Looking back on her experience, Jess comments: “Completing the Fire Walk gave me a huge sense of achievement, knowing that I had put myself out of my comfort zone to raise money for such an amazing cause, to help the selfless staff at St Barnabas help others.
“I felt reflective of the hard times that my loved ones had experienced and wished they had been there to watch and laugh as I walked on fire.”
Take part in this challenge alongside Jess and raise vital funds for local hospice care. With guidance from firewalking experts, you’ll be fully prepared to conquer the heat and earn your medal at the finish line. Every step you take will support dignity and care in your community, and we will support you all the way.
Jess continues: “I would recommend anyone who can to take part in the Fire Walk. It’s such a fun, buzzing environment and something different. Not only that, but by taking part you’re contributing to making even the smallest difference to someone’s life, their loved ones’ lives, and the Hospice in general.”
Jess shares her advice for those considering doing the Fire Walk challenge this year: “Don’t think twice about getting signed up and doing it, it is so worth it.”
As well as a brilliant crowd who will fan the flames with their cheers, we’ll be in the company of local food suppliers – including Charlie Bobanelli’s pizza & Fleurs Kitchen crepes and refreshments, for a well-earned treat after your challenge.
Sign up today for just £30 and fundraise £100 in sponsorship, to help us continue providing compassionate care across Lincolnshire. Alternatively, you can pay £130 in full to secure your place.
To sign up for the Fire Walk challenge, visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/firewalk-2025/
In loving memory of G
Meet Scooby, St Barnabas’ new in-training therapy dog!
Described as a “gentle giant”, Scooby, a two-and-a-half-year-old Red Fox Labrador, is currently training to be a dual therapy dog with owner Jo White, Counselling Service Manager, at St Barnabas.
Jo says: “He has been an absolute gift. He only came to us the week before Christmas, after his previous owner died, and he’s got the perfect temperament to be a therapy dog. So, I started to bring him into work and look at what he can do, and he is now officially in training to be a therapy dog.”
To become a therapy dog, Scooby needs to pass the Kennel Club Good Citizen scheme at the silver level, as a minimum.
Jo continues: “We’ve just finished the bronze level, and that’s all the basics of sit, stay, wait, and heel, for example. We’re now working on the silver level, which is a little bit more difficult. We’re currently trying to get him to sit and wait before coming through a door. He’ll also go through a temperament check and if he passes, he can then be classed as a therapy dog, and we’ll move to the next stages.
“Walking to heel has been our greatest achievement so far. When we first got him, we had Mr Tickle arms! He also brings his ball back now when we’re playing, so we can throw it for him, rather than us having to walk across the field to collect it.” 
Although he was initially nervous around walkers and wheelchairs, they’ve had support from the wider team to improve his confidence. Jo, Housekeeper at Lincoln’s Wellbeing Centre, has been welcoming Scooby in a wheelchair and offering him treats to help him feel more at ease.
Jo adds: “I got called up to the Inpatient Unit one day and had Scooby with me. The nurses asked if he could come and see a patient who was having a really low day. So, he did, and the man invited him onto the bed where Scooby laid down with him and they snuggled together bringing the most wonderful smile to the patients face. That’s really what I want Scooby to be, a presence on the wards, attending therapy sessions with me, going to the bereavement groups and bringing a smile to people’s faces. It’s such a pleasure to see the joy he brings to people.”
“In the future, I’d also love to do some therapy dog walks, either where people can bring their own dogs along or they can have the comfort of having Scooby there.”
We’re excited to welcome Scooby to the St Barnabas family! We’ll be following his journey to become a therapy dog, sharing updates as he progresses through training and celebrating his achievements.
Jo says: “Everybody in the Wellbeing Centre loves him. The Maintenance Team now have Scooby snacks in their office!
I would describe him as my ‘once in a lifetime’ dog. I drive a little Beetle, he sits in the back, and we’re hilarious! I’ve fallen in love with him, and he loves me the way I love him.”
To keep up to date with Scooby’s journey, follow us on our social media channels. To find out more about the Wellbeing Services at St Barnabas, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/wellbeing/
St Barnabas supporter Ian Callaghan ran 5k every hour for 24 hours, to support local hospice care
Ian Callaghan, from Skellingthorpe, set himself the challenge of running 5k every hour for 24 hours, to celebrate his 50th birthday and raise vital funds for St Barnabas Hospice.
On Saturday 18th May 2024, Ian started his challenge in Skellingthorpe at 8am with a run to join the Lincoln parkrun. He then returned to Skellingthorpe to complete 21 different laps of the village.
Ian said: “Added up, the completed run was just short of three marathons or around 122 kilometres, in a day.”
His fantastic accomplishment raised an incredible £1,101 for St Barnabas Hospice.
When asked why he took on this challenge, Ian said: “I wanted to do something really challenging. I’ve done marathons, ultra-marathons, I’ve ran hills and mountains, but I wanted to try something a bit different.
“And I wanted to choose a challenge that would involve a lot more people and get them to join in.”
The local community were invited to show their support along the way or run a 5k, or more, alongside Ian on the day.
As Club Chair of Lincs Run Club, Ian has supported St Barnabas in the past. Last year the club organised a series of social runs in Lincoln to raise awareness of the St Barnabas Hospice heART trail, as well as encouraging donations to the Hospice.
Ian said: “Raising money for St Barnabas has been brilliant. They’re there at the end of a phone and the email communication is really good. If you’re up for a challenge and want to support St Barnabas, check out their website.”
Make 2025 the year you take on a new challenge and give back. Accomplish new goals such as running a marathon, taking on skydiving, or increasing your daily step count, whilst raising funds for local hospice care.
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.
Over £7 million needs to be raised each year to support St Barnabas in providing people with compassionate care in Lincolnshire.
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/
Dan fundraises in memory of his dad Chris, who was his “best mate”
Dan Wells-Waller, from Louth, organised a local 5k run last year in honour of his dad, Chris, who died the day before. His fundraising challenge raised over £3,000 for St Barnabas Hospice, whose Hospice at Home team had cared for Chris.
Since then, Dan has supported St Barnabas as Lead Torchbearer at the 2024 Torchlight Procession and plans to run 60k this year to mark what would have been his dad’s 60th birthday.
Chris was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2020, which had a great impact on the family.
Dan said: “Over time, it brought us closer than ever. We always had hope, but the cancer started to spread and three Christmases in a row, news of the cancer getting worse was given to us. Even with this he still had a smile on his face.”
Described as a caring person who always had time for people, Chris never stopped to complain and simply got on with what he wanted to do. A loyal follower of MotoGP, he visited his favourite track, Mugello in Italy, after his diagnosis.
“He travelled without travel insurance, much to our worries. He never gave up and pushed what he could do whether it was working or travelling through the chemo.”
A perfectionist in everything he did, from his livelihood – farm work to modest tasks such as packing the dishwasher. The farm meant everything to Chris, and Dan explains:
“He was the only farmer I know who had clean overalls folded neatly in his tractor.
The week before he died, it had come to a point where he struggled to speak as he was in pain. He rang me one morning to check that the fertiliser had been applied to the field before the rain. Thinking he’d started to recover because he was talking, I went to go see him. He was still in the same pain, he just wanted to make sure the farm would be fine when I took over.”
Chris was cared for by St Barnabas’ Hospice at Home community team in his own home, where he died aged 59.
“I can’t begin to thank the nurses enough. St Barnabas’ care granted his final wish – which was to die at home with his family around him. He wouldn’t have had this without that care. They were excellent, and were there not just for him, but for all of us every single day.
“Having four years to prepare for his death allowed me to appreciate the time I had with him, and who he was. But this can never be enough when it finally comes. I worked every day with him through harvest, and more than my dad, he was my best mate.”
Dan had planned to take part in a run in Manchester before his dad died. As the event neared, he didn’t feel comfortable travelling away from his dad, so he chose to organise a 5k in Louth instead, inviting others to join him in supporting St Barnabas.
“Unfortunately, the night before the run he passed away, so I knew we had to still do this for him. The amount of people who turned up was amazing and I can’t thank everyone enough for making an amazing day, to celebrate his life and support a great cause.”
Dan shares his advice for those considering doing a challenge for St Barnabas this year: “Just do it! I’ve always been worried to do a fundraiser in the fear that no one would donate. But you don’t know until you try and no matter how much you raise; it all goes to a great cause.”
St Barnabas Hospice supports over 12,000 patients and their families, and over £7 million needs to be raised each year to continue providing people with compassionate care in Lincolnshire.
From skydiving to running marathons, and cycling long distances to undertaking a steps challenge, there are a variety of ways to push yourself, test your stamina and support local hospice care. Whatever your fitness level, ability or age, there is something for everyone.
All donations raised contribute to the funding of St Barnabas’ vital services, enabling more people to receive specialist end-of-life care and more families to receive bereavement support.
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/
Suzanne Sheppard dedicates a light in memory of her beloved sister: “All the nurses got her smiling, even when she was at her lowest.”
“This Christmas will be another without my sister Caroline, but it warms my heart to know that we can still celebrate her remarkable 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 her.”
Suzanne Sheppard, originally from Grantham, lost her big sister Caroline in the summer of 2023, who she describes as a strong, independent and career-driven woman.
Caroline was the oldest of three sisters and ‘the boss’ of her entire family. She loved to spend time gardening and baking and was devoted to her husband and family.
Suzanne said: “My big sis particularly loved live music and enjoyed going to watch her favourite bands perform.”
For many years, Caroline experienced regular discomfort but after several tests, nothing was detected. Unfortunately further scans discovered tumours, and devastatingly, Caroline was diagnosed with terminal endometrial perinatal metastasis.
Suzanne continues: “Caroline’s cancer diagnosis turned our lives upside down. At the time she had only been married a couple of months.
“Initially she was treated with chemotherapy, followed by a hysterectomy with the hope of removing all the tumours. However, this was unsuccessful, and her treatment continued, with further chemotherapy and a number of clinical trials.”
At the very beginning of this journey, Caroline contacted St Barnabas, and both herself and her family began to benefit from their services.
Suzanne shares more about their experience: “Caroline had counselling sessions as well as Hospice at Home support. In particular, her nurse Majella was amazing and became a new strength for Caroline, and us, when times were tough.
“I was also able to receive counselling, which was amazing at providing me with a better outlook on some of the difficult questions I had.”
Sadly, even after further surgery, Caroline’s cancer spread to her lungs and liver.
Suzanne continues: “In June 2023, Caroline was admitted to the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit in Lincoln. I would describe it as a place of care with such a warm, homely vibe and a great cup of tea.
“The Hospice staff and volunteers were amazing. I remember one day when she was quite weak, a volunteer had her laughing, and it was so lovely to see. All the team got her smiling even when she was at her lowest. They treated her with so much dignity and respect.”
Unfortunately, Caroline’s condition didn’t improve and she died on Monday 3rd July, less than one week before her 51st birthday.
Suzanne said: “On the morning Caroline died, the Inpatient staff gave us the time and space we needed to be with her and gather our thoughts.
“They lit a candle for her and another lady who had passed, and I found such comfort from that alone. They looked after her in more ways than I could have ever imagined.”
This Christmas, St Barnabas Hospice invite you to dedicate a light on their Tree of Life and attend the Torchlight Procession on Tuesday 19th November.
“Our mother and I attended the Torchlight Procession last year, just before our first Christmas without Caroline. It was such a memorable event, and we found peace in sharing the experience with others who had lost a loved one.
“This Christmas, please join me in remembering your loved ones in a celebration of light. I am inviting you to dedicate your light for a loved one so they can shine brightly on St Barnabas Hospice’s beautiful Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral.”
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.
Your donation for a light could pay for more people like Caroline, and her family, to receive specialist end-of-life care during the most difficult of times.