Category: Stories
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.
Local singer performs to raise funds for St Barnabas Hospice
24-year-old Laura Chester from Lincoln is a famous name in care homes and day centres around Lincolnshire, as she regularly brings smiles to patients’ faces by performing her classic rock repertoire.
At the end of 2022, Laura decided to request a small contribution from each centre for her regular performances so she may donate this to St Barnabas, in memory of her singing mentor Amanda Garrett.
Amanda fought a short battle with breast cancer and received care in the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit, before sadly dying in August 2022 in Grantham Hospital. She went by her stage name ‘Amanda G’ and was a well-known and much-loved performer in the live music scene around the county, greatly missed by many. Amanda and Laura are pictured on the left.
With an extensive catalogue of songs and an impressive set-up including amplifiers and personalised equipment in the style of a juke box, Laura visits eight centres on a rotating basis to sing. This is on top of performances in pubs and community clubs across the region, where she has made many friends along the way.
In total, Laura raised £425 and to round off her tour she performed in the Inpatient Unit at the end of January, where she was happy to take on requests as she sang. She met some of the clinical team that looked after Amanda and was able to have a look around the newly refurbished building.
Laura says: “I am really pleased that I raised this money for St Barnabas, to say thank you for taking care of Amanda. I know she was looked after really well here, and that means a lot to me.
“Performing at the Inpatient Unit was a nice experience, not many patients were able to make it to the area where I was singing due to their health but they will have been able to hear the music in their wards and rooms, and I hope it cheered them.
“I just love singing, whether that’s to three people or thirty. It’s always fantastic to see people enjoy my music, especially when they request a song and have a good time.
“I am a huge Elvis fan and a lot of the music I perform is from that 1950s and ‘60s era, often the people I sing for really brighten up when I play a song they remember from their youth and they will dance and sing along.”
Sue Carter, Ward Manager at St Barnabas says: “A big thank you to Laura. In the words of her hero: One, for the money, and two, for the show! It was lovely to meet her, and we greatly appreciate her generous donation and performance in our Unit.”
Introducing St Barnabas’ 40 Faces of Hospice care
Over the last 40 years, St Barnabas Hospice has touched the lives of innumerable people across Lincolnshire by offering free care to those living with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
To mark four decades of dignified, compassionate palliative and end-of-life care, St Barnabas will introduce forty remarkable people who have helped make it happen through a collection of interviews and photographs, 40 Faces of Hospice care.
Every Friday for the next forty weeks, St Barnabas will share a photo and story of one of the forty people who have been involved in the continuous and compassionate care that the hospice provides. They will look back on the person’s achievements and how they supported the hospice.
Each of the forty people will reflect on and share their individual experiences, providing insight into the work that goes on behind the scenes at the Hospice.
Veronica McBain, Head of Fundraising and Lottery, said: “We are so proud of all that’s been achieved since St Barnabas was founded over forty years ago, and 40 Faces marks the last part of our anniversary celebrations.
“Every person who has worked or volunteered for us and supported the Hospice through fundraising has made a huge difference in providing care to their local communities. We want to shine a light on those incredible people.
“The 40 faces will include the founders who laid the groundwork for how we provide vital care, along with former and current staff members across all departments. Not forgetting the fantastic volunteers who form the backbone of our organisation and the supporters who help us continue the excellent work we do – including our patron, Warwick Davis.
“We are so grateful to everyone who has supported us over the years, and we can’t wait to share 40 Faces of Hospice care with you!”
The first Face published as part of the campaign is 91-year-old Doreen Wood, who worked as a nurse at Lincoln County Hospital in the 1970s and is one of the founders of St Barnabas Hospice.
During her time caring for terminally ill patients in an acute medical ward in the 1970s, Doreen realised there was more that could be done for people facing the end of their life. Inspired by a visit to St Christopher’s Hospice in London, the UK’s first dedicated end-of-life centre, Doreen and her fellow nurses and medics decided to set up a hospice in Lincolnshire.
In between working night shifts, Doreen spent the next few years raising money and after five long years of hard work, the team had raised enough money to open the doors to St Barnabas Hospice in Lincoln. The rest, as they say, is history.
Doreen says: “One of my lasting memories is the wonderful friendships I made along the way. Everyone was of the same mind and so whatever we did to raise money, they were always memorable, happy occasions. I like to think that we gave up our time so the healthcare team at St Barnabas can give people facing the end of their life their time, for as long as they need it.”
To read Doreen’s full story and follow 40 Faces throughout the year, follow St Barnabas on Facebook or Instagram or keep an eye on the website: www.StBarnabasHospice.co.uk/40Faces
Trekking the Great Wall of China for St Barnabas
In 2019, longstanding St Barnabas Hospice volunteer Jim Ferguson took on a truly spectacular challenge; walking the Great Wall of China in support of his favourite charity.
Jim was 74 years old at the time and had recently retired from a demanding career. Full of beans, fit and healthy, he decided it was now or never to take on this incredible adventure.
After he signed up for the trek, Jim became part of a team of five which included fellow supporters and St Barnabas fundraising staff members Caroline Swindin and Rebecca Hooton. The group walked more than 75km in five days, trekking for 35 hours in that time and totalling 128,000 steps, according to one person’s Fitbit.
In some places on the Wall, the team were walking on unrestored sections which were less than a metre wide and had sheer drops on either side. They stayed with local lodges each night, immersed themselves in the local culture and sampled a whole range of local delicacies during their stay – Jim tried chicken feet in batter but not all his companions joined him in this venture!
A grand total of £19,500 was raised by the team to support Hospice care in their local community and they also planted two trees in the name of St Barnabas as part of China’s reforesting project.
Jim says: “I had been volunteering for St Barnabas for some years, driving patients to and from our Wellbeing Centre in Grantham. That is very rewarding, and I love doing it, but raising money by being part of this unique adventure was something else altogether.
“After retiring I finally had time on my hands, and I’m lucky enough to enjoy good health. St Barnabas is a local and very worthwhile charity, so when the call for supporters to take on this crazy challenge came up, I thought ‘bingo, this is it!’
“It was a fantastic opportunity to visit China and challenge myself in a completely new way. At times the trek was close to brutal, but I don’t regret a second of it. On the final day we were able to play tourist and visit the beautiful city of Bejing, including Tiananmen square, the Imperial Ancestral Temple and other incredible areas.
“I raised £3,450, thanks to the generosity of family, friends and many others.
“To anyone considering taking on a challenge that’s beyond their comfort zone I’d say don’t even hesitate. Go out and push the boundaries. The experience, euphoria and sense of achievement is unforgettable!”
St Barnabas Hospice are not offering the Great Wall of China trek this year, but there are plenty of challenges to participate in and support the charity. From running marathons to sky diving, walking on fire or on the wings of a plane, St Barnabas have plenty of adventures lined up.
Or if you have something already in mind, the charity’s Fundraising team can help you set up your own challenge and support you every step of the way.
To find out more about St Barnabas challenges, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/adventure
“St Barnabas made the most awful eleven days of my life, that bit less awful”
Michelle McKinnon recently experienced first-hand the high quality, compassionate care St Barnabas provides at its Inpatient Unit in Lincoln.
She sadly lost her mother, Georgina Thompson (better known as Gina), on 17th December after she spent eleven days in the Hospice, and Michelle is keen to share her story so others can be made aware of the outstanding care her beloved mother received in that time.
Gina worked at several schools during her career as school business manager and finance officer, as well as volunteering as treasurer for two churches and the district Scout Association. Michelle remembers how busy Gina always was and how she did things for other people, putting herself last.
Michelle says: “My mum was my best friend, she was a wonderfully smart, witty, and with dry sense of humour. Mum held a season ticket for Lincoln City FC, and she loved bingo, crosswords, reading, caravanning and her family. She liked watching soaps, gardening and was an absolute maths whizz!”
Gina was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukaemia in May 2021 at the age of 66 and underwent urgent intensive chemotherapy. During the treatment, she suffered a bleed on the brain and lost the use of her left side. She had to learn to talk, swallow, stand, walk, move again and spent nearly four months in the hospital before coming home.
Michelle says: “Mum was in remission for 13 months and had just started to go to bingo again, drive, walk her dog, and have her hair coloured before she relapsed in October 2022. The chemo she was offered this time had a 10% chance of working, and she caught pneumonia twice after one cycle. She asked to stop all treatment as she didn’t want any more problems, worries and illness, but she didn’t want to go home to die.
“Mum asked for just a few things; to not be in any pain and not to feel nauseous, which was her biggest issue during her whole illness. She wanted to spend time with her grandchildren without rules, timings and visiting restrictions, and also see her dogs one more time.”
This is where St Barnabas Hospice was able to help Gina. On 6th December, she was taken into the Inpatient Unit, where she was surrounded by her family, friends and even got a visit from her much-loved dogs – Stanley and Shadow.
Michelle continues: “Everyone at the Hospice was incredible, from the receptionist to the volunteers and the cook to the nurses and doctors, I felt so welcome. Tea was constantly offered to us, and with a chef at the Unit I could stay all day without worrying about food. Mum didn’t want much to eat but loved bananas in custard. This was brought to her freshly made, and it was proper custard too!
“The staff were brilliant and at night I could go home knowing she’s in amazing hands. Mum wanted to feel safe and just have peace and quiet, which the Hospice gave her. No machines. No noises. No half hour observations being taken. She had less anxiety, slept better, and didn’t feel pain or nausea as she feared.”
During Gina’s second night at the Hospice, Michelle stopped on her way in and cleared out the local Co-op of all their cream cakes! She took 3 carrier bags full in for the staff to enjoy, and also donated 10 boxes of chocolates she had won in a Christmas raffle, along with a hamper.
Michelle says: “I told them I hope they realise when they get into bed that night, the difference they make. I know it’s their job, but that’s my mum, and to see their care and diligence is just inspirational. They made the most awful eleven days of my life that bit less awful.
“I always did mum’s personal care at home, so some days I would ask to be the second pair of hands and the staff let me do her morning freshen up, it made me feel so included and involved. I needed that, as it was how it always was with mum and I. When she passed away, I asked to complete mum’s last offices. We put music on as we washed and dressed mum. One thing that really stands out to me is how nurse Emily spoke to mum, even though she couldn’t hear her. ‘We are just going to change your nightie now, Gina.’ They were so kind. So thoughtful.
“Nurse Trudy said on the night mum passed away ‘It’s not fair is it, but she had the end she wanted. She had it exactly as she asked for.’ And she did. We take solace in that.”
Each year, St Barnabas cares for 12,000 people living with a life-limiting or terminal illness in its Hospice units in Lincoln and Grantham, and in people’s homes throughout the county. The charity needs to raise over £6.5 million annually to continue providing compassionate care to people like Gina, their families and friends, and every pound makes a difference.
Michelle says: “Mum’s funeral is on 17th January and before she died, she asked for no flowers and all money to be split between St Barnabas and the Waddington ward at the hospital where she spent those four long months.
“I’m also supporting St Barnabas by partaking in their recent Light up a Life appeal and donating items to The Warehouse charity shop. On top of this, I’ve joined the weekly lottery, bought scratch cards to gift to friends, and I’m planning on doing more for the Hospice going forward. I miss mum so much, but I know the last days of her life were as good as they could have been, thanks to St Barnabas.”
If you would like to make a donation to St Barnabas, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/donate
