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.

Mike, this is my first Christmas without you. I will miss you more than words…sleep peacefully my little Christmas angel. I love you xxx

As another Christmas without you passes, we remember the good times and hope we make you proud everyday xxxx

We will never forget you mummy xx

Love Mitchell, Peggy and Gavin .

Thinking of you all ways

For a very special Sister and Auntie.
We miss you every day, but especially at Christmas time.
Much love from Maria, Amanda & Nicky
xxx

Phil, not a day goes by where I don’t think of you. I miss you terribly. I hope you are at peace, shine bright up there bro love you always and forever, sending Xmas wishes kisses and massive hugs from Clare and mollie and the whole family xxxxxxxxxx

Remembering you Mum with love at Christmas

Thank you to the fabulous hospice team for their care and support in my dad’s final weeks. Christmas is about love and you all show so much of the true meaning of Christmas.

Thinking of you Dad at this special time as we do every day. We love and miss you. Lots of love from Rita, Jane, John, Jessica, Chris, Holly, Eleanor, Poppy xxx

Love and miss you

Mum and dad you are missed more than you can ever imagine, wish you was here for Luca-Lee first Christmas you would make it so magical, we will look for you in the stars and have pork pie for breakfast

My Dad was the best. He died too early 26 years ago. I still miss him loads.

First Christmas without my loving husband Denis, miss you every day, love you always. XxX

Mum & Dad, Love and miss you always xx

I just remember how incredibly loving he was, I lived with them for a few yrs in my teenage yrs and it was the best yrs ever as I got to build a bind with my grandad many people don't get to build, he was just alway there x I miss his smell, I miss his face and I'm scared I will forget your voice ????

…truly the most loving ????kind????caring????funny and always there for us daddy bear and grandad ????I miss our everyday chats✨our catch up coffee stops✨our days out together✨your drop in to see us days✨you are there but not here✨how I wish it was so different????✨????if love could of saved you..you would be here forever ✨until we meet again ✨keep us close✨I will look for you in every lifetime✨love Jo,Darren Abs & Aaron Han & Elliott & Lil Leo????x

Always in my heart.

Thinking of you this Christmas Mum. Xxxx

Love and Miss you both so much xxx Thank you to St Barnabas for the care you both received in the final days of your lives xxx ❤️❤️❤️

We miss you every single day and you are always in our heart &mind love you loads xxxx

He was so much fun! He is very much loved and missed.

Julie loved Christmas, she was a wonderful sister and friend ❤ xx

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

Thinking of you always
Kathy, Nicky, Douglas, James, Rebecca, Olivia, Helena, Evie and Elliot x x

To our beautiful mother,
May you rest peacefully in the arms of your mother.
We miss you so so much
We Love you and miss you
From your loving husband Martin, your 9 children and 11 grand children
X x X

We miss you both dreadfully. Although we are happy you are both back together again. I think of you both every day and I’m so grateful I was there for you both. Keep shining that light down for me. Until we meet again we love you ❤️