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.

Happy Christmas to our dear family and friend. We wish we could have you all at our Christmas dinner table. John, Ruby still misses you and weve even see Sue this year.
We miss you all terribly.
Julie Mike and the whole Roach family xxx

Dad, I don't know how to make the stuffing like you and grandad did so dinner can never be the same. Thank you for the years you kept opening the kitchen door, always at the wrong time, and rolling your eyes at my obsessive list checking. No one else can take that place. I miss you.

A much loved Husband, Dad & Grandad who is missed and loved everyday. Thank you to all your staff who cared for him in his final days xxx

Our first Christmas without you.
Forever loved & missed
Love from Kelly xxx

For my dear Mum, missed every day xx

Grandad,
You are so very missed.
Our lives are not the same.
We will forever cherish memories of you.
Until we meet again.
All our love forever.

Shine on, Martin
Love always xxx

Christmas was always mums favourite time of year, it’s just not the same without you! Love you Heather xxx

Mum,
This will be the second Christmas without you and it doesn't get any easier. I heard someone say that you only miss someone when you think about them and I think about you every day.
I know you're watching over us.
Sending you lots of love
Julie xxxx

Miss you every day. They say time heals but I wish I could talk to you just for a minute. It was so cruel the way you were taken so quickly nut St Barnabas and Marie Curie ensured you died with no pain. I can never thank them enough.

Always in my thoughts mum

She was a fighter till the end . Rest in peace girl.

Remembering our lovely Lizzie. A precious daughter , sister , sister in law and Auntie. Happy Christmas Lizzie . We miss you. XX

To mum i wish i had more time with you to say i love you, miss you every day and now you have gained your angle wings fly hire mum and you are now with dad at peace i love you mum xxxx

Very special woman. You used to say I was your favourite grandchild, and I was there at your last breath. Miss and love you always x

We miss you every day hope your watching over us and know we love you xxx

Miss you all and you are always in my thoughts.

It’s about this time of year when you’d be enjoying a cherry brandy or two!
It may have been many years but I still miss you Granny
Love Fi xx

This will be my 3rd Christmas without the love of my life ???? ???? I miss him everyday but at this time of year he would always have some antics up his sleeve making us all laugh, being silly with our grandchildren, I miss everything about him.

To my mum, who always shined brightly in our lives, especially at Christmas x We love you and miss you so much xx love you more x ………X