Our first Christmas without you both, we are so lucky to have so many happy memories to cherish. All our love, always.

Always 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.

Thinking of you at Christmas and Always Forever in our hearts love your Daughter Olivia and Husband Gary xxxxxx

Probably his least favourite time of year but I’m sure he’d rather be with us in his tacky Christmas waistcoat. We certainly wish he was still sat at the other end of the Christmas table for years to come.

Missing you more than words can possibly ever express, not a day goes by that I don’t think of you x

Forever loved and always missed

You will always be a part of us as we take on each day and one day we will meet again! ❤️

Shining for the love of my life and my very best friend, so very desperately missed.

23rd Christmas without you and it still feels like yesterday, loved and remembered every single day, xxx

The first Christmas without our dad + Grandad.
Our shining star in the sky.
Love always x

We love and miss you always Dad xxx

Shine bright Mason. We all miss you x

Remembering my brother John who passed away in your special care on 3rd March 1993 In my thoughts everyday.

Loved and remembered always xxx

In memory of both of our mums and dads. We miss you every day. Love always. Forever in our hearts. Love Anne & John xxxx

I miss you and think of you every day.x

The world is a better place because of her. She lit up all of our lives like a million Christmas lights.
In our hearts at Christmas and every day, forever x

To Kevin,

I’ve never met you, but want to say how wonderful your daughter is. There were times I didn’t think I would make it through the year, but she has saved me in more ways than she’ll ever know and I will be forever grateful.

You should be sooooo proud of her and I know she misses you so much.

Hopefully one day I’ll get to meet you and tell you how wonderful she is, how she has turned in to a beautifully funny and kind person, always thinking about others.

James

Brian & I were married on 7th December and had just celebrated a Wedding Anniversary 6 days before he passed away from a terminal illness. I miss my soulmate more than anything in the world & will love him for always. We had such a wonderful marriage making beautiful memories which are mine to treasure. I hope he is looking down on our beautiful grandchildren, we had 2 when he passed away and now we have 6, such blessings to me which keep me strong. Brian was 64 when he passed away 9 years ago on 13th December 2012. Sleep peacefully my darling until we meet again xx

Think about and miss you every day. All my love Fiona xx

Missed and loved every day Mum, but especially at Christmas as this was your favourite time of the year xxx

My wife passed away over four years ago. She had dementia and later cancer. She is with me every day and missed by so many. She was looked after in her final seven weeks at home with help from St Barnabas.

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

Thank you for taking Pauline into your care during her dying days.
Life had been so difficult and it was so pleasing to see you take care at such a difficult time