Category: Stories
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
From two weeks to live to being cancer-free: Stephanie’s incredible journey
Stephanie Box, 68, did not think she would see the end of summer 2020. Now, she is celebrating the festive season of 2022 with her family in Lincoln, thanks to the care given by St Barnabas Hospice.
In May 2020, Stephanie suffered from what she thought was bad indigestion and pain. She contacted her GP who gave advice, but the symptoms did not resolve. Consequently, she was advised to ring 999.
Stephanie says: “I had no idea I was ill; I was wheeled into an ambulance for an emergency operation to my bowel, which was blocked. When I woke up from the operation with a newly formed stoma, I was told I had bowel cancer. Nothing can prepare you for news like that.”
From there, Stephanie went through several operations on her bowel and liver where the cancer had spread and underwent chemotherapy. After seven weeks in the hospital, Stephanie was told there were no further treatment options. She was discharged to the care of the community palliative care teams to spend her last weeks with her cousin Jill and her family near Lincoln.
Jill and her husband Chris say: “This was during the height of Covid with lockdown restrictions, and it was so hard to get family members to come see her. Steph’s daughter would come from Birmingham to stay but her son lived abroad at the time, so he had to quarantine to be able to come over. It was difficult, but we knew it meant a lot to everyone to say what we thought would be goodbye.
“We did our very best to care for Steph and we were glad to do it, but she needed around the clock care, and we struggled. Steph was in unbearable pain and suffered from terrible nausea constantly, we were at a loss of what to do.”
St Barnabas Hospice and the community palliative care team provided support with symptom management. Doctor Weller, community palliative consultant, reviewed Stephanie’s care plan and medication, with the goal of making Stephanie as comfortable as possible.
Following these changes Stephanie began to improve. She went from being nursed in bed, to taking slow steps around the house and being able to enjoy the sunshine in the garden. Today, Stephanie can walk long distances and even drive again.
Stephanie says: “I am now cancer-free, with regular scans not showing any signs of concern for my oncologists. The only medication I now take is the occasional sleeping aid to help me through a difficult night, which is often down to anxiety, not physical symptoms. I can drive myself to Birmingham to see friends and family, and not long ago that would have been unthinkable.
“All the St Barnabas staff along the way were incredible, and Doctor Weller has worked a miracle. I am very grateful to every single clinician involved and for all the support I received. I’ve not had any need for the community care services of St Barnabas since early in the year but the Doctor and the team still stay in touch to make sure I’m alright, which is so lovely.
“I never expected to be able to celebrate Christmas in 2020, and despite everything it’s now 2022, with many more Christmases to look forward to!”
St Barnabas Staff Nurse Annie says: “After not seeing Steph for nine months, it’s such a joy to see her in such good health and smiling.
“It’s been a long journey for her and now she physically feels well, there’s some way to go yet. An experience like this is hard not just on the body but on the mind as well. If you have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness and need support, our counselling and wellbeing services are here to support you. Steph is looking radiant and I’m so happy she’s doing well.”
Each year, the charity provides free high-quality, compassionate, and dignified care to over 12,000 adults like Stephanie, with a life-limiting or terminal illness.
Please consider donating to St Barnabas Hospice so we may continue caring for people like Stephanie in your local community.
To donate, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/donate/
For every £1 we raise, 74p goes towards delivering and improving the care we provide, the other 26p goes towards generating future income.
If you are unable to make a donation, you can support us by shopping in our 25 county-wide charity shops, leave a gift to us in your will, play our lottery, volunteer for us or take part in a fundraiser.
Below, L-R: Nurse Annie, Chris, Stephanie, Jill, nurse Kate
Morriston Choir member’s daughter remembers her ‘wonderful’ father
In March 2023, the world-famous Morriston Orpheus Choir will be performing at Lincoln Cathedral in support of St Barnabas Hospice’s 40th anniversary, with tickets on sale now via the charity’s website.
The award-winning Welsh male choir is famous nationally and internationally, often appearing on TV and radio, and have in the past performed in front of music lovers including the Royal family and the pope.
One person who looks forward to attending the concert is Heather Hall, Volunteer Services Coordinator at St Barnabas Hospice. Her father William Rogers was a member in the early years of the Choir, which was formed in the Welsh village of Morriston in 1935.
Heather says: “My father was born and raised in Morriston, very proud of his Welsh roots, and I adored his wonderful soothing lyrical accent. He spoke fluent Welsh and was part of the Morriston Choir for some time. Unfortunately, I don’t know the exact timeframe, but it must have been in the 1940s or early 1950s as in 1953 he moved to Eastbourne, where I was born.
“I remember whenever the Choir was on TV, he insisted on watching it. His chest would puff up and he would always say ‘now that’s a proper choir, that is’ and shed a tear.
“His love, besides my mum, was singing and he was a very proud member of the local Operatic Society in Eastbourne. I am quite the expert on musicals as I used to go and watch him every time he was on stage, as well as his rehearsals. The first time I went to one of his rehearsals I was just 10 days old when my Mum took me. From that moment the only thing that would sooth me was my dad singing, so he recorded some songs for my Mum to play on a tape recorder when trying to get me to sleep. Apparently, it always worked!
“He often visited Wales and especially The Mumbles in Swansea Bay just around the corner from Morriston, which he said brought back wonderful memories of his childhood. He lived in Eastbourne until he died in 1992, but always knew he wanted to be laid to rest in Morriston along with his parents, and we made sure to make this wish come true.
“Although we lost him two decades ago, I still miss him very much. He was wonderful and would help anyone – a true family man. I can’t wait to hear that Welsh accent again and the Choir’s wonderful singing. I probably won’t be wearing mascara though…”
Morriston Choir is making its return to the historic Lincoln Cathedral on 4th March 2023 to again support St Barnabas Hospice after three previous sold-out performances. A special pre-event soiree will take place for Ruby ticket holders, including a meet and greet with some members of the Choir.
To purchase your tickets, starting from £22, please visit the website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/events/morriston-choir
Bill Rogers (second from left) on stage during one of his many plays
Tom Rose awarded prestigious Queen’s Nurse title
We are delighted to announce Tom Rose, a St Barnabas Specialist Dementia Nurse, has been awarded the coveted title of Queen’s Nurse.
With over fifteen years of experience in the healthcare sector and a Master’s degree in Dementia Studies, Tom is a clinical nurse specialist in dementia care, providing one-to-one support, guidance and solutions to help families across Lincolnshire live more positively with dementia each day.
Tom works for St Barnabas as the clinical lead for the Admiral Nurse service, a collaboration between St Barnabas and Dementia UK to enable the best possible support to people living with dementia, their families, friends, and carers.
The title of Queen’s Nurse is only awarded to those with a high level of outstanding commitment to patient care and nursing practice. The application process is extremely competitive and includes a lengthy submission, along with recommendations from two clients the candidate has worked with.
Tom says: “It’s a great honour and privilege to receive this recognition. It isn’t something that I ever thought I would be in a position to achieve. My role as an Admiral Nurse has been fantastic, with support from St Barnabas and Dementia UK to both champion and develop nurse leaders and support the development of dementia services in Lincolnshire.
“I see this award as another step on a journey, not an endpoint. My aim is to continue to learn, to support others in their development and to continue to act as an advocate for those families affected by dementia in Lincolnshire each day.
“I would like to thank the people who supported my application for Queen’s Nurse, as well as colleagues and family who encouraged me to apply.”
Interestingly, Tom never intended to go into the healthcare sector. He studied physics at university and took on a job in a local care home after graduation, which he envisioned would be temporary. Instead, he found the work so rewarding, he applied for mental health nurse training and never looked back.
Over the past decade and a half, Tom has made it his mission to support to those who need it, and he has primarily been working with older people in hospital and community settings.
He says: “It’s a cliché, but I couldn’t picture myself doing anything else now. I find people fascinating, and it’s a privilege to listen to people tell me about their lives and what’s most important to them and then work to support that.
“I’ve supported such a range of people from musicians to famers, homemakers, teachers, lawyers, people who are still covered under the Official Secrets Act, from those who are very affluent to those who struggle financially all their lives. They are people from all walks of life and places of birth.
“Dementia doesn’t discriminate but the core of my job has always been to support the person, not the disease.”
To find out more about the support St Barnabas can offer to dementia patients, their families and carers, visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/services/dementia-support/
Supporters rock and roll the night away to support Hospice
On Saturday 22nd October, The Mayfair Club in Louth held an annual Rock & Roll Dance in memory of local resident Andy Mumby, who was cared for by St Barnabas in the last days of his life.
Andy’s sister Karen Jaines has been organising this event for nine years, and in that time the annual event has raised over £25,000 for various cancer charities, with the majority donated to St Barnabas Hospice as the Dance’s chosen main charity.
Karen says: “The Dance is always a fantastic night! It’s a great annual event supported by family, friends, and the local community.
“About 70 people came and enjoyed live music by local band Thee Un-named and took part in our raffle, auction, and games to raise money for St Barnabas. All proceeds of the night on the night came to £950.
”My dance teaching partner, and part of my fundraising team, Mike Knaggs and his wife Annette have recently celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary and were gifted £680 which they have added to our fundraising total. That means that we have altogether raised a huge £1,630!
“Mike’s mother was actually one of the district nurses for St Barnabas in the old days, who drove the charity’s first steps into fundraising so he has a strong connection to the cause as well.
“We had such a great time on the night, and we are very proud of the total we have raised to support St Barnabas.”
Karen has been involved in other fundraising events for the Hospice as well, and even took the leap in a skydive challenge in memory of her brother.
In recent years, Covid restrictions did not hamper Karen and her friends’ enthusiasm for the Dance, instead organising a socially distanced Rock & Roll Stroll event in their driveways to continue the tradition.
Karen says: “The reason I’m supporting St Barnabas is because of the amazing care, support, and kindness the staff showed Andy and the whole family.
“In January 2012, Andy was diagnosed with cancer and was only 44 years old when he passed that October. He fought very hard to stay at home and the last few days of his life he was cared for by St Barnabas Hospice.
“The staff were amazing and took such great care of him, I remember a nurse staying with him all night on his first night in as he was so unsettled. I can’t thank the wonderful nurses enough for the care Andy received and the support my family received.
“My dad was unable to be with Andy at the end, but when he returned with me to deliver a donation a few months later the staff were wonderfully kind and showed him the room Andy was in. they talked about Andy and had remembered him as a person, not just a passing number. It meant the world to my dad and myself.
“If my fundraising can help others receive this amazing care, I will be for ever grateful.”
St Barnabas extend their heartfelt thanks to Karen, Mike, Annette and all the attendees of the Rock & Roll Dance.
For every £1 St Barnabas Hospice raises, 74p will go straight to delivering and improving our care and support, with the other 26p going towards generating future income.
If you would like to donate to support people like Andy, please visit the website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/donate/
Pictured at the top of the story are L-R: Irene Bett, Mike Knaggs, Karen Jaines
The Lyon family, continuing Sharon’s legacy through the Tree of Life and dedicating a light in her memory
“Every member of staff showed love and care not just to Sharon but also to us as a family. Their kindness touched our hearts and really made the whole unbearable situation easier.”
It has been eleven years since we lost our sister, daughter, mum, and great friend Sharon. She lit up a room and her presence in our family is constantly missed. Christmas in particular, is always a lot quieter without her.
When Sharon was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, it was the worst news we could have imagined, and we will never know how she coped with it in such a brave and dignified way. She died only 4 weeks after her diagnosis, in St Barnabas Hospice on the 27th November 2011, aged just 42. 
The care she received was first class and nothing was too much trouble. Every member of staff showed love and care, not just to Sharon, but also to us as a family. Their kindness touched our hearts and really made the whole unbearable situation easier.
Sharon was a enormous Christmas fan, and she would buy the most hideous talking, walking musical toys that she could find! The presents that she bought for people had so much thought put into them, it was the highlight of Christmas waiting to see what she had bought. She truly loved the festive season and fully embraced the lovingly chaotic nature of a big family Christmas!
Our family business, S. Lyon & Son Haulage, has been involved in Light Up a Life and the Torchlight Procession for over a decade, supporting St Barnabas in transporting their Tree of Life from the field to Lincoln Cathedral. Each year the tree, with all its lights, brings comfort to people of all ages, which is why we continue to support the Hospice in this way.
This Christmas, please join us in remembering your loved ones in a celebration of light. We invite you to dedicate your light so those who have left us can shine brightly on St Barnabas Hospice’s
beautiful Tree of Life outside Lincoln Cathedral. A donation of £37.32 would cover the cost of one hour specialist nursing care at the hospice just like Sharon received.
The whole family take solace in the incredible care that Sharon received from St Barnabas during her stay in the Hospice for the last two weeks of her life. She loved watching the X-Factor, the
nurses always ensured it was on for her. The staff at the Hospice helped Sharon’s friends to paint her nails and when she wanted hot baths to ease her pain, it was never too much trouble. Even
when we got her home to have dinner with everyone, she asked to go back to the Hospice as this is where she felt safe.
A supporter of St Barnabas in the years before her passing, Sharon would organise a “guess the bear’s name” challenge at the S. Lyon & Son Haulage office, making sure all employees, family and friends participated.
Sharon had so much love for everyone – never judging and always kind. She also loved animals, especially cats and horses, but her greatest love was reserved for her children Jade and Millie, who she called Puppy and Moo! She was the kindest, most thoughtful person and was a true free spirit that didn’t follow the crowd.
Every year we dedicate a light to her, the anniversary of Sharon’s death is usually the same week as the Tree of Life is lit, it brings us comfort to know her light shines bright during this time.
Please join us in shining a light to remember someone special this Christmas. 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 and the opportunity to attend the breath-taking Torchlight Procession on 22nd November.
St Barnabas Hospice is celebrating its 40th year, supporting the people of Lincolnshire in their most difficult times. Their services are offered free of charge but to continue to deliver this outstanding care, they need to raise over £6million each year. Your donation will help St Barnabas to be there and provide the compassionate and dignified care to people like Sharon.
Sharon was comfortable and safe in the last weeks of her beautiful life, and we cannot thank the St Barnabas nurses and staff enough. We know she would have been so pleased that we continue to support the Hospice, as she took great pride in being part of the team to make the Tree of Life happen each year and it is our way of continuing her legacy.
To dedicate a light online, please visit StBarnabasHospice.co.uk/light-up-a-life
Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story.
Ruby cuts long locks for charity that looked after Grandad Ray
Eight-year-old Ruby Reynolds recently braved a haircut of her beautiful long hair to raise money for St Barnabas Hospice to thank the nurses for looking after her grandfather Ray during the last weeks of his life.
She donated £230 to the Hospice so it may continue to support patients who need compassionate, dignified palliative and end-of-life care.
Ray Nicholson was diagnosed with cancer in March 2016 and died just over a month later in his own home, surrounded by his loving family. Ruby was only two years old at the time but often speaks of her grandfather and wanted to thank the nurses who looked after him. 
Ruby decided to grow her hair long during the first lockdown to eventually cut it for charity and had been planning the haircut for over two years before finally getting her long-awaited haircut on 24th September.
Ruby’s mother Lisa says: “Ruby was really excited about having ‘a bob with bangs’. A hairdresser at our usual salon cut her hair free of charge as it was for such a good cause. As soon as they made the first cut, she was just smiling!
“She donated the hair to The Little Princess Trust so has made every effort to help as many people as possible. Because we live in Sheffield, Ruby donated half of the donations to a hospice here that looked after her father’s uncle when he died. In total she raised £470, and I couldn’t be prouder. This has also earned her a charity badge at Brownies!”
Lisa remembers her father Ray as a quiet family man, who enjoyed watching motor racing on TV and worked until he got ill at the age of 72. In March 2016, Ray went into Louth hospital with breathlessness where he was diagnosed with Primary Metastatic Lung Cancer that had spread to his bones.
Lisa says: “Dad came home after a week in hospital and was cared for by my mum and the nurses at St Barnabas along with Marie Curie nurses if we needed them during the night. Dad sadly passed away on 25th April 2016.
“The care that my dad and my family received was amazing, they cared for him with dignity. He was a very proud man and would have hated any fuss. They not only cared for my dad and kept him comfortable, but they also looked after my Mum and even came to see her after my dad had passed away to make sure that she was OK and offered lots of aftercare. We would not have got through it without them.
“The day they told us that dad only had a few hours left to live was handled very delicately. We trusted that he was always in the best possible hands – all we could have wanted.”
To honour her dad and support Ruby, Lisa took on a challenge of her own, running the Sheffield 10k on 25th September, one day after Ruby’s haircut.
On this achievement, Lisa says: “I hardly trained and had Covid two weeks before, so it was a tough challenge. My chest was very painful, and I didn’t think I could do it, but I did – for Ruby and for my dad. I saw my family at the finish line and there were lots of tears to know that we had achieved something amazing!”
Thank you, Ruby and Lisa, for your kind donation to St Barnabas Hospice, which supports over 12,000 people living with a life-limiting or terminal illness, their families, and carers across Lincolnshire each year.
If you would like to make a donation to St Barnabas, please visit: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/donate/
“I’m not ready to come to the party yet!”
Celia Wilson recalls her positive experience with St Barnabas Hospice who cared for her mother Connie in the Inpatient Unit in Lincoln during the final week of her life.
Constance Veronica Stenton (Connie) was Lincoln born and bred, with a loving and caring nature. Celia remembers her with a “silly sense of humour” and the two enjoyed good laughs, even when Connie was in chronic pain.
Connie looked after her husband, Celia’s father, from 1992 until he died in 1995 when he was ill – all the while she was suffering from cancer.
Celia says: “Mum was a very strong lady who always put her family first and loved us unconditionally. When I visited her house, I always went home with cakes, pies and sometimes marmalade that she had made. She enjoyed her beautiful cottage-style garden which was always full of gorgeous flowers and loved sitting out there in the sun with a cup of tea and a Cathrine Cookson book.
“She fought cancer for 25 years and we were devastated when she told us that nothing more could be done for her. I had always had a very close relationship with her, so it hit me really hard. My sister-in-law Pam nursed Mum for some months before she went to the St Barnabas Inpatient Unit, it meant so much to me that she would do that while I was unable to because of work commitments.
“Mum received excellent care from the amazing staff, I remember a nurse gently spoon-feeding Mum with raspberry ripple ice cream, which made Mum smile.
“9th October 1997 is the day she died at the age of 78. There had been a big bumble bee on the bed table that didn’t move at all until Mum took her last breath. Then, the bee flew once around the bed and out of the window. My sister-in-law and I both thought that Dad had come back to collect her. Dad died two years before and in her last few days Mum kept saying “I’m not ready to come to the party yet!”
“There was a nurse in the room with us and she was so kind and understanding. The staff always had the time to make us feel comforted in our difficult time, which really helped us.
“It has now been 25 years and I still miss Mum, but I know she was looked after well by caring staff who did their very best to make her comfortable before she joined Dad.”
The St Barnabas Hospice on Nettleham Road in Lincoln is currently closed for refurbishment and is set to reopen for patients in November. Our Inpatient Units in Lincoln and Grantham help around 300 people needing end-of-life care each year, with £37.32 covering the cost of one hour of specialist inpatient care.
If you are able to donate and support the Hospice in its mission to keep delivering dignified, compassionate care to those who need it in your community, please make a donation via our website: https://stbarnabashospice.co.uk/donate/
For every £1 we raise, 74p goes towards delivering and improving the care we provide. The other 26p goes towards generating future income.
Upcoming HeART Trail supports heart patients like Lisa
Lisa Hartley from Spalding has heart failure and has been receiving support from St Barnabas Hospice since 2020.
After a longstanding spinal injury, Lisa suffered from a heart attack, meningitis, a brain swell, and she contracted sepsis twice over the course of two years. All these issues combined gave her chronic heart failure, leaving her bedridden.
Whilst in the hospital, Lisa received the devastating news that she only had 48 hours left to live. Against all odds, her condition improved enough for her to be out of immediate danger, but her doctors told her that there was nothing more they could do for her.
However, her heart nurse suggested Lisa get in touch with St Barnabas for support in early 2020. The decision to accept this suggestion has changed her life drastically.
Lisa says: “I was given 48 hours to live but instead, I walked out of the hospital two weeks later to a home that I didn’t think I would see again.
“St Barnabas gives me medical care, as well as counselling on a weekly basis, and help with my mobility. Over the years, they have provided me with a powered wheelchair, a ramp for the house and other specialist furniture to improve my day-to-day. I was even given advice on improving my family’s financial situation, which had been worrying me further.”
A true animal-lover, Lisa owns three horses including 26-year-old Monty, a stallion with the calm and sweet temperament of a dog, as well as a terminal heart condition like his owner. During her long battle with her condition, Lisa’s wish was to ride Monty again, after not being able to get in the saddle for over 18 months.
Lisa says: “It was through Zoe’s physio that I was able to get back to riding after being poorly for so long. She knew that my aim was to get back on Monty, and that’s what happened. It’s people like that, they don’t realise that the job they do gives so much back to others.
“Monty needs me to keep going, and I want to keep going. I’m not ready to give in yet!”
The upcoming HeART Trail, a heart-shaped sculpture art trail set to launch in summer 2023, raises awareness for St Barnabas Hospice and the care it provides to patients with heart conditions, like Lisa.
These beautiful “HeARTworks” can be enjoyed by the whole community, and the aim is to have 40 sculptures up and down the county – from the vibrant city of Lincoln across the rolling Wolds to the East Coast, and as far as our beautiful town of Stamford.
For St Barnabas to launch the Trail, £300,000 must be raised through sponsorship.
Lisa says: “There are so many local businesses that could possibly help this amazing charity that has been going for 40 years. I know money is tight for everybody but please give to a charity that gives so much to so many others.
“It would be fantastic to see a HeART appear in the Spalding area where I live, so I’d love for Spalding businesses and organisations to get involved.”
To find out more about the HeART Trail and become a sponsor, visit: www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/hearttrail
Lisa says: “It’s now over two and a half years since I first got support from St Barnabas. It has not been an easy journey; I currently take 76 pills a day and my health and overall wellbeing change daily.
“But thanks to St Barnabas, I can visit Monty and my other horses regularly, look after them at the stables and ride when I feel well enough. It is through this care, that I can keep on being me.”