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.

Another Christmas without you both, it doesn’t get any easier, I wish that we could all be together again one last time. Miss you xx

Merry Christmas Grandad. We are missing you lots but I hope you have a beer in your hand watching down. Its not the same without you here. Love you always our hero.
Love Zara xx

A very special Wife, Mum and Nanna, who is missed more than she will ever know, two beautiful girls have joined us since you left us but we know you are with them every step of the way love you and miss you always. Sleep tight and sweet dreams.

My husband Malcolm passed away in the Lincolnshire hospice in April 2016. I will be eternally grateful to the staff for their loving care & support.

Loved and remembered this Christmas and always x

With all our love, always xxx.

You loved christmas so much, this will be our 7th without you Still thinking of you and missing you. Xxx

Our visits to see the Christmas lights on Regent Street will be one of my most special memories. I miss you dad xx

My favourite person, a best friend I miss more and more every day

Loved and missed always xx

You were and always will be my inspiration to be a better person

He was so much fun! He is very much loved and missed.

Love and miss you everyday
Your in my heart and soul in every way
My photo frame for all to see
Shows clearly how much you mean to me
A loving smile , a warm embrace
Love you Mum
A kiss I place on your beautiful face
Xxxxx

Merry Christmas to you all you are all loved and missed sending big hugs and kisses to you all

We all miss you Daddy, you always made life more fun and interesting with your humour and talents. I love you and hope you can see your little Leonidas and keeping Orion company. Your family xxxx

Always loved and remembered by all your family xxx

Forever in our hearts Dad, you are always in our thoughts xx

Remembering my wonderful Dad and Mum. Lost Dad with lung cancer in 2007 and Mum with dementia in 2017 xxx

You always were and forever will be a light in my life Dad,
Forever missed and loved.
Your Daughter xx

Not a day goes by without missing you both. So many memories to help us through the dark days. Living life and fulfilling dreams to make memories with our kids as you both did with us x x

We love and treasure you both always

Love you and miss you so much my lovely caring husband and father and poppa too our grandchildren xx

Remembering a very special stepdad at this time of year, we think of you everyday and you will stay forever in our hearts. This will be the first Christmas without you and it won’t seem right not writing and sending a special Christmas card to you. Your light will shine on the tree and bring us comfort as will the light on our Christmas tree. As we decorate our tree we shall be remembering you with loving affection and although it will bring a tear your light will bring us comfort. Loving you always and remembering you each day, love from Julie, Daryll, Sean, Michelle and Mark xxxxx