Always called Christmas 'Humbug' but so enjoyed the season, families getting together and seeing the joy of watching others opening presents.

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.

The first Christmas without you!. We have a big Stuart (Dad) shaped hole in our lives that cannot be filled. We miss you so much, love Phil, Ryan and Jack xx

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.

Dear David we miss you so much. You are always with us in our thoughts. Love from Mum, Dad, Christine, Andy and Sheila. xxx

Ben,

Forever in our thoughts and heart, we miss you so much.

Love Dad & Lynda xxxx

Love youGranddad

Merry Christmas Dad.
I love you and miss you so much.
Love always,
Jen
xoxoxo

Remembering a much loves son. Smiling in heaven.

Love and miss you mum, you’d be so proud of Harry and how he’s growing up. He still talks about you. Xx

A wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, forever missed

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

Both my husband and mum passed away in February 2022. Both received amazing care at the hospice as did I. Thank you x

Because Fluffy shone brightly every day of her life and I miss her every day xx

Im loving memory for my mum, I still think about you everyday and wish you were still here. I know I cant bring you back, but a piece of me went with you, The day you went away.
Love you lots, miss you loads ????xx

Thinking of you now and always Love Always from mum dad and me i will wear that silly hat just for you XXXXXXXXXXXX

Daddy was unique, a classical tenor, a jack of all trades, mastering most, he built our family home in Greece himself, taught us independence and to enjoy the little things, breaking free of generational shackles to love and support us with our Mummy. We are lucky to have had you in this life as our Daddy. We love you and will miss you fiercely.

I didn’t get the opportunity to hold my daughter, she was taken too soon. I’ve never stopped loving you and it will be your 21st birthday this December so I would like to take this moment to wish you the best 21st birthday ever my darling daughter love mummy xxx

Forever Loved and Missed

Remembering you both with love

To my Dad for being a rock to me and supporting me at my lowest. My fondest memory was spending time watching our favourite team Oldham Athletic home and away through the years. I love and miss you Dad xx

Stu, memories last forever but you are still missed each and every day x

We miss our wonderful Grandma so very much- she’d be so proud of our ever expanding family. We shall all raise a glass of Sherry in her honour this Christmas!