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.

We have lost our dear Grandad Cavill at 93 this year. But due to COVID restrictions we didn’t get to say our goodbyes. He said many times he was ready to be in heaven with Grandma Cavill which brings our family peace. I’m hoping he will be up there this Christmas making everyone his Christmas cake and having a pint.

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

Remembering all the wonderful Christmases spent with my mum and all the love and laughter we shared. She is forever in our hearts and our memories, at Christmas and always xxx

To my beautiful soul mate Tony, love and miss you more each day especially this time of year xxxx
Forever in my heart
Sue xxxxx

Merry 1st Christmas our darling girl
We hope you are happy, dancing in the clouds.
Love you always and forever,
Mummy and Daddy
xxxx

Anita was one of the kindest of people, always helping others

Loved and remembered every day, but even more so at Christmas.
Wishing you could both be here to celebrate with your new great- grandson.
Love from us all. xxxx

So strange you not being here with us, but your light will always shine. Always loved, always missed. ❤️

For my wonderful, beautiful Lynnie. Taken too soon, you had so much more to give. You'll be forever in my heart xx

You so loved Christmas, time to relax after
getting all the parcels delivered at this time of year making sure the family’s received them in time. Your favourite job of carving the turkey! You are so loved and missed.
Shine bright my darling. Xxxxxxx

My beautiful mum who we lost to cancer in June 2020. Always remembered and loved, especially at Christmas, her favourite time of the year. Xxx

My Lovely Little Lady Hannah. I love you so much and miss you every day. Your love passion and care is unrivalled.

Love You To The Moon and Back xxxxxxx

X❤️

To My Dear little Mum Annie, and Wonderful Partner Jamie, losing you both so close together left me devastated and heartbroken but I know the Strength of love between us will never die, you will both live on in my heart forever. Merry Christmas my Angels.xxxx

10th March 1958 – 11th December 2017
Taken too soon, aged 59 years
Loved and remembered everyday
Jennifer and Lindsay xx
Christopher & Andrew xx

Remembering you Mum at Christmastime.

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

Mum, miss you more than words can say. Loved and remembered every day xxxx

Dear Family and friend who are missed greatly and left too soon.

To my dad at Christmas
So sorry you never got to meet your little Geordie great-granddaughter.
Love and miss you

Sue, Rosie and Emily xxx

Missing them all everyday, especially at Christmas time. Sending them lots of love always.

christmas isnt the same without you loved christmas and we love youxx

Fed us,clothed us and kept us warm. A good Mum.

Forever in our hearts Steve,
We miss you xxx

Greatly missed , always in our hearts . Lived life at a fast pace, ti the end xxxxxx