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 my mum, who gave me a stocking every Christmas even when I was grown up. Merry Christmas and lots of love, Sarah x

Always, every day, I remember our love.

A kind and loving friend to me.

We all love you and miss you so very much today,tomorrow, forever and always xxxxxx

Miss you Dad, until we meet again.
Love always Shaun, Scott, Kelly and Jade xxx

We miss you so much xxx

Thinking of you this Christmas, with your red jumper and white beard, always our very own Santa. Miss you xxx

Always in our hearts heavenly love abiding

It’s two years since I lost my dear husband and I miss him every day.

Mick and Gwen Ford – mum & dad
Love and miss you so, especially this time of year as you both loved Christmas so much – so much love, laughter and togetherness – rest in peace – love, Jacky, Caron, Mandy, Jayne and families xxxx

Merry Christmas to the brightest star in the sky, our Mum. We all miss you everyday. Sending you lots of love always xxx

My darling husband, I miss you more and more each day.
This will be my 2nd Christmas without you here with me
The pain of losing you is unbearable
I will love you forever and ever ????
Until we are together again sweetheart
All my love always xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A wonderful husband and dad. We think about him every day.

Fly, fly, little wing
Fly where only angels sing
Fly away, the time is right
Go now, find the light

Remembering my daughter Sandy, mother Judith and brother Jamie. Always forever in our hearts. Until we meet again.

In loving memory of my dear brother who is gone but never forgotten

Thinking of you all at Christmas Time and always.
All our love
Phil & Karen

How we miss our lovely family Christmases. Those special years will not return when we were all together but with all the love inside our hearts you'll walk with us forever.
Dad now back in the arms of mum.
Shine brightly.
Love Sue, Eloise, Jack and Mylo. Xx

Broken hearted without you. Love and miss you. All my love Jill

Poppet (Alan)
I love you more than words could say.
You are with me every day in my heart.
Shine bright up there you gorgeous man.
Will raise a glass or two for you this Christmas.
All my love always, till we meet again
Sylve xxxxx

In loving memory of our Mum who loved Christmas, our first Christmas without you. Love you – 'all is calm, all is bright, sleep in heavenly peace' xxxx

Another year has gone by without you.
You are always in our thoughts.
We hold our memories of you deep in our hearts forever.
All our Love
Wendy,Graham, Nicola, Ross,Matthew,Josh & Lily
xxxx