My beautiful Mum, shining bright always not just at Christmas. Loved Always. Missed Forever xxx

Hello, I have made a kind donation in memory of my amazing mum, Sarah and would love to share her story.

My mum was cared for by St Barnabas hospice, and stayed in the inpatient unit November-December 2024. At the age of 38 she had been diagnosed with a rare, incurable form of genetic lung cancer. Her short battle with cancer was terrible for us all to see, but the incredible care she received at your hospice meant the world to us.

One of the last memories we ever made with our mum was watching the torchlight procession together outside the unit. The staff assisted in bundling my mum up in blankets and fluffy socks and wheeled her outside to watch the light walk with her family and children. There were tears, smiles, laughter, kind words and hugs from those passing by. I am heartbroken yet honoured to be participating in the walk this year in honour of my mother.

On the 4th of December, the staff set up their conservatory to allow us to spend one last Christmas Day as a family. We laid presents under the beautiful tree, played music and ate a Christmas dinner and cakes brought in by family. My mum was able to watch her young boys and teenage girls open the presents she’d picked out for them earlier in the year, alongside being spoilt herself with lots and lots of bracelets, teddy bears and skincare! The nurses were constantly on hand to assist with pain management and ensuring my mum was comfortable throughout the day.

The staff gave it their all, from washing, brushing and drying mum’s hair to being there for a broken family in the worst moments of their life. They went above and beyond to allow us to make those last memories. The nurses constantly spoke to me and my siblings and ensured we were staying as strong as possible! Mandy stayed with us as my mum took her last breaths and I’m forever grateful that we had her support and guidance, and that she showed my mum complete compassion and gentle care right up until the end.

My mum was treated with respect and dignity until the moment she left your unit. She loved the yummy food, joking around with her nurses and watching the squirrels and birds from her window. It felt like home.

Thank you St Barnabas, we will always keep your charity close to our hearts. You have made a huge difference to our lives.

Loved and missed always x

Christmas will never be the same, you always made it so special. We love you so much Mum. We miss you more every day. Shine bright Granny xxx

Second Christmas without you but you are thought about every single day. Merry Christmas Mum. Miss and love you today and every day. Xx

In memory of my darling husband Malcolm, a wonderful man, beloved always.

First Christmas without Dad and what would have been his 80th Birthday on Boxing Day.
Daddy Sharman we miss you every day. You will always be loved and never forgotten.
All our love,
Dan & Gem
xxxxxxxxxx

In memory of a loving husband dad and grandad

Neil
You were the love of my life and I think of you and miss you constantly. Our first Christmas without you will be hard but we will remember the good times we had together (and there were so many good times.) Our memories of you live on in all of us. Sleep tight my love.
Roma XX

Always on our minds, we love and miss you Grandad,
lots of love from,
Rebecca, Katie, Rob and Alfie xxx

We miss you especially at Christmas time. With your bah humbug hat on. Eating the minces pies as they came out of the oven.

Sending you all our love now and forever.XX

Julie loved Christmas, she was a wonderful sister and friend ❤ xx

Died on Christmas day but never forgotten in life and death always a shining star

Much loved husband dad and gran gran greatly missed never forgotten Xx

Always in our hearts Jamesy, Christmas was your most favourite time of the year and it was when you chose to go xx

My Pete, it's been 9 weeks now and I don't know where the days go or how I get through them. You told me I'd be OK, a strong woman you said. My heart is broken, my tears fall daily. Miss you so much and love you you to eternity. Shine bright always you were simply the best. All my love forever Di xxx

Another Christmas without you Grandad. I miss you more than words can say. Hope you’re up there rattling the coins in your pocket. I love you always and forever!

We love and miss you so much Daddy. Xxxx

Mum loved nothing more than being surrounded by family at Christmas! We love and miss you mum xx

Always with me dad, love you and miss you loads xxx

Mum and Dad -Remembered and missed every day, but even more so at this time of year.
Love from Claire xxxx