Remembering Margaret and Vince Doran, my partner Angela’s Mum and Dad, in her first Christmas without both of them

Getting engaged on Christmas Day, it was very emotional.

Always in my heart. I miss you x

My sister was my best friend, we did everything together, we were often mistaken for twins.
She passed away in 2006 and that day part of my heart broke.
Steph is missed so much, every day x

Always in our hearts and forever grateful to have had you in our lives.
Karen, Phil, Sophie and Maddie xxxx

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.

Missing you so much. Wish with all my heart that you were here. Remembering past Christmases. Always loved and will always be remembered.
Mum, Jasmine and Jamie xxx

My Uncle Lew was 2nd dad and my favourite person. He used to call me that too, "his favourite". My Auntie Bett is my 2nd mum and is my real life Fairy God-mother. She's now in the Hospice, being nursed and looked after by the wonderful nurses. Uncle Lew will fetch her when she's ready and they'll be together again. I love them both so much and I dedicate my light to them. They've lit up my life for the last 41 years and will do forever and ever. I feel so blessed they loved me back.

We miss you forever and always

Lorraine had a very difficult life, but was always cheerful. Fortunately she found happiness with her husband for a few years. I will never forget her.

Dad loved Christmas. He was like a big kid, excited to get the Christmas lights up each year. I love the idea of a light in his memory on this big Christmas Tree – it is so him. I miss you Dad xxx

I love and miss you both so much, I wish I could have just one day to spend with you both, to hear your voices and to feel your touch. I love you both so much it hurts that you’re not here, but I have memories ❤️

Merry Christmas up there mate X

The relationship between Roger and his Hospice at Home nurses epitomises the Christmas message of love and hope through the birth of Jesus. Roger's faith sustained him and, I believe, all who helped with his care that enabled him to be at home till the end.

Let your light shine on, you are always in my heart.

Always in my thoughts. Love forever

Lyn and I didn't meet until our mid-40s and it turned out we had less than 8 years together, 4 of which were in the shadow of cancer until she passed away in November 2016. But in those 8 years she made me the happiest man in the world. We were married in 2011, just over a year before her diagnosis after which we still made the most of the time we had remaining. She never complained, never sought pity and a lot of people didn't even realise her situation until the last months when she had to give up work. The St Barnabus Hospice At Home team were the greatest source of help and support in that final period, and the day centre were too before and, for me, after that. I'll never be able to thank them enough.

In loveing memory of amazing grandparents that were the light of my life at Christmas and every day.

Our first Christmas without you mum forever our queen
Miss you so much
Love you xxxx

My dad was always my biggest supporter, now he's my brightest star in the sky

To mum
missing you so much .thank you for being there whenever I needed you . I know your looking down on me
All my love Martin xxx

Missing you everyday, Nan. Always in my thoughts and forever in my heart. Love you always xxxx

My Dad loved a traditional extended family christmas day lunch. He always laid the table and did most of the washing up whilst myself and 2 sisters went for a walk with relatives.