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.
To a wonderful husband, father and grandad, we miss and love you everyday. xx
Merry Christmas Skali I hope you’ll be drinking wine and dancing.
Always thinking of you and miss you loads.
Love little Em xxx
Im missing you so much Nana💛
I hope you are resting up there with Grandad. Love you always and forever, godbless xxx
Paul.always the first to help someone in need. Willing to share his knowledge. Or make someones day better. Always one to put on a brave smile to fight the many challenges he faced. You are greatly loved and missed my husband and my best friend xxx
Always in our hearts – Mum, Christine, Andy and Sheila
Always in our hearts
Forever loved, forever missed xxx
Always remembered and cherished
Love and miss you loads Dad, you have always been my guiding light, your star shines forever bright, light of my life and guiding star shining bright from afar forever,
God bless
Julie xxx❤️
Grandma and Grandad Hodgson missed everyday and in our thoughts.
Remembering my beautiful sister at Christmas and always xxx
Thinking of you today, and everyday; remembering the light you brought to the world.
With love from Gemma, Becky, Ettie, Joe and Ashley xxx
Mum, miss you more than words can say. Loved and remembered every day xxxx
Remembering my dear Wife Carol with love .
In memory of my lovely wife Mary who passed away aged 85 after 65 wonderful years.of married life.
A life time of love and friendship for that I will always be grateful
Always forever in our hearts, love you always xxxxxx
I will always remember our last Christmas, 2019, as being very special, we were all together for the last time.
I now know how precious every day of our 53 years together was and now what lovely memories I have for ever.
In memory of our beautiful and talented granddaughter who died at the age of 21
Grandma June and Grandpa Jim
My dad was my best friend, always smiling no matter what. At Christmas even when bedbound because of his cancer he would still be there with his raindeer antlers and flashing red nose.
The world is a sadder place without you