Mum and Dad, always loved and remembered

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.

Shining a light on your life and precious memories of you this Christmas. Xx

Happy Christmas Pops, thinking of you always and missing you more than ever at one of your favourite times of year. My shining star. Love you so much xxx

Happy Heavenly Christmas Dad, loved always Mum, Gary and Karen. xxxxx

Miss you so much Polly, hope you’re shining bright up there xxxxx

To super nan,
This is the first Christmas without you here with us and so much has already happened since you left us in January. I now have a beautiful baby boy who’s 8 weeks old who you would’ve absolutely adored.
It makes me so sad knowing you’re never going to meet him but I know you’re here watching us both.
I miss you and I’m so greatful for everything you ever did for me,
Happy Christmas nanny/great grandma now too!
Enjoy listening to musicals and eating chocolate won’t you,
Love you lots xxxxxx

25 years since you left us , mum, missing you as much as ever xx

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

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

Wishing my mum and dad a very happy Christmas, miss you at this time of year, always in my heart never forgotten love you both xx

It is 27 years since Pauline passed away in the care of the Hospice. I still miss her and talk to her.

Our first Christmas without you Mum/ Nannie, We miss you so much. Happy Heavenly Christmas xxxx

Merry Christmas Dad
I'll make sure that I have a bailey's or two for you!
You're in my thoughts every single day. I love you so much and I will carry on missing you until we are reunited again.
Love you always,
Sarah
Xxxxx

In memory of my youngest brother Philip but fondly known as Phip. Also my two sisters in law, Ingrid Curtis and Gill Lee.

Happy Memories

Loved and remembered alway
Happy heavenly Christmas
Love forever
Mum,dad and family

Another christmas without you my love. You are loved and missed so very much by so many people.
Love you so much Rob
Love Tinna xxxxx

A life time of love and friendship for that I will always be grateful

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

Mum and Dad always made Christmas special when I was growing up and love and miss them every day but especially at this special time of year

There is not a day goes by that, I Don't think about you Diane.
I miss our days out together, and all the laughter we shared.
Forever in my heart.
Your ever loving sister Jacqui.xxxxxxxxxxx

Thinking of you both at Christmas, forever in our hearts, loved and remember everyday as those we love don’t go away, forever in our hearts you stay xx
your loving family xxx

Clive was with you for a short time in 2013 when he became unexpectedly ill. He was far from home but you made him feel safe, loved & cared for & looked after us so well at the end of his life – thank you

To mum …miss you
Love
Nic xx

Dad, thinking of you always, and miss you lots, Adam

However hard the grief is I know I'm fortunate to have had both these lovely people in my life.
To my big brother, Dave and my best friend, Karen – love never dies.