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.

Miss you Mum,lots of love Alfonso

My wonderful wife of sixty years.

Gary lived life to the full, working tirelessly for the community. He will be sorely missed.

Remembering you at Christmas time dad, love and miss you, Linda, Steve and Anna xxx

Kind generous fun loving lady missed so much by all. Our 1st Christmas without our Nickie????????

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

Both are remembered with love by Sara’s son, brother and mother.xx

Wonderful Husband, Father and Pappa x

Greatly missed and loved always xx

Merry Christmas grandad
We love you forever and always
Love
Luke, Reanne and Freya
Xxxx

To my beautiful, irreplaceable mum, Cae Laxton. She was the light and heart of every room and was adored by everyone who met her. We will miss her forever x x

Tony
Missing you every day hard to be without you after being in my life for 65 years, married for 55 years and raising two great sons.
It’ll be hard this Christmas without you Tony.
I sang for you in the Community Choir on Tuesday night, 21 November, every word remembering our life together.
All My Love Gill xx

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

Dear Colin
This is a special time of year for us with your birthday closely followed by Christmas. Sadly it is also the time that I lost you unexpectedly last year. This year has been the toughest of my life and I miss you so much. Wishing you were here with me this Christmas. Debbie xx

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

Always in our thoughts and missed every day.

Remembering happy Christmas days with you both, your favourite time year! You are forever in hearts, now and always. Keep shining bright xxx

Sadly lost due to Cancer I am remembering her love for me.

My mum passed away from cancer in spring this year aged 70 years old. I miss her dearly and am still rather shocked she is not going to be here this Christmas. She was a fantastic dancer and used to be a go go dancer back in the 70s. As she got into her 60s she started doing ballroom dances and going to dances every weekend. She loved dressing up in fancy outfits (usually a charity shop bargain). My children will miss their little nanny this Christmas. And I will miss my mum. My son (age 3) thinks she's gone to the moon. ???? From there she can watch over us.

In memory of a lovely dad and grandad.
With love Nigel, Allie, Harry and Hannah x x x x

Well Tom another year has gone but not a day goes by wear we don’t say your name so merry Christmas Uncle Tom love from claire Joshua and also your lovely sister sue and husband Dave and we can not for get the little one you always talked about Mckenzie’s xxxxxxxxx

Remembering all the lovely Christmases we shared together as a family.

Our superhero Gary, the biggest kid at Christmas, so loved and so missed.

My son was only in the care of the hospice a few days, but the care and support we received was second to none. It made our loss so much easier to bare. I can never thank you enough. Sadly won't be able to take part in the walk this year. (Last year it was amazing to be part of it.) Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Always loved, desperately missed. Xxx