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.

So many special memories of mum Shirley Bilton dad Alf Bilton and dad Bill Taylor thank you for all the love and care you gave to us all xxx

Remembering a very special sister & auntie who is missed so much.
I will look for you amongst the stars where I know you will be shining brightly.
All my love always,
Julie & family
Xxx

In loving memory of our dear daughter and mother, Gayle you are with us always.
Parents Jan, Tom, Children, Reece, Georgia, Sophie, Chloe and Charlie.

For Helen a very special Wife, Mum and Grandma. Christmas was always your favourite time of year, we miss you so much and think of you always. Lots of Love Steve, Louise, Clare & Charlotte xxx

Loved and missed every day, but more so at Christmas, Gary, the biggest kid of all at Christmas, held in all our hearts whilst remembering all the brilliant Christmas's we enjoyed together. Special kisses for grandad from Brooke, Blake, Seb and Elody xxxx

O – my favourite memory of GGdad is when he would.pretens to sleep in his armchair and make us jump.
T – my favourite memory of GGdad is when he would ask us to pull his finger and when we pulled it he would make a trumping noise.

Almost 30 years on you are missed more than ever. The strength of the love we shared remains and has been a constant support to us in our lives. We love you Mum xxxx

Always in our hearts

The most gentle and generous man who I was lucky enough to live with. So many memories but I loved bringing your lunch to the fields when you were harvesting and sitting with you in the sunshine. We are looking after Gran for you and miss you everyday xx

Merry Christmas Mummy. Shine bright you will always be with us
Thank you for always being the best mum anyone could ever wish for, you have always been more than a mum you have been our best friend too.
You have given us the best life filled with so much happiness and laughter, and I know you will continue to do so in our memories
Words can not explain how much we miss you. We love you so much mum.

Forever in our hearts.
Missed evert day ????
Love always
Sandra, Rod, Bradley and Tegan xxxxxx

Christmas will never be the same without my darling husband at my side. Sorely missed and never forgotten.

Remembering my wonderful Grandma and lovely Grandad. My Grandma who would drink Baileys glass after glass and then say “is Baileys non-alcoholic?” And my Grandad who would always crack open a bottle of wine the minute we stepped through the door. Merry Christmas my Angels x

Christmas just isn't the same without you Mum.
Love and miss you always.
Jane xx

Always in our hearts

No matter where I go or what I am doing, I always think, "You should still be here."

You are missed more each day.

Remembered every day with love our beautiful Mum and Nana, whose caring heart of gold beats no more. Gone too soon so suddenly but never forgotten; every moment of our lives touched by memories, to remain in our hearts and minds always and forever. Love and miss you!

11th December 1926 – 20th February 2015
For our lovely Dad and Grandad
Loved and remembered everyday, and especially at Christmas
Jennifer and Lindsay xx
Christopher & Andrew xx

Miss you so much, forever in our hearts 💕

Missing you both so much especially at Christmas as you both loved this time of year and made it so special
Lobed and missed always

Wishing my Mum and Dad – Pauline and Tom – our niece Emma, Uncle Brian and my Father in Law George a Happy Heavenly Christmas. We miss you all so very much.
Shine Brightly, God Bless
Marie & John xx

My dear friend Hilary ???? RIP 18th November 2024 Forever my friend, the sister I chose.
We have shared so many special moments together creating lasting memories ????

Forever in our hearts ❤️ love you always

Whilst Dad didn't use the hospice in his lifetime he had many relatives that did and he was a big supporter of St Barnabas being a local lad. After such a tough year he will be missed at Christmas and we think this is a lovely way to remember him.

Missing you both so much. Lots of love. X