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.

To my beautiful auntie Sally,
We miss you at the dinner table every Christmas. We miss your smile and presence, the way you adored the kids and your white jumpers.

We miss you so much, especially mum.

Love Laura. Luigi, Enzo and Lulu and baby Luca xxx

Sending all the very best wishes at this time of year to all the caring staff who work and volunteer for the charity. I remember with much fondness the Hospice at Home team who cared, not only, for my wife but the whole family. God bless them all.

To mum …miss you
Love
Nic xx

Always remembered

In our memories you both live on x x x With Love Always x x x

My little Sister who suffered so much pain & we wished we could have taken it away. You fought to be with us to the very end. It’s true what they say “you don’t realise what you have until it’s gone” I was a rubbish big Sister which I deeply regret Deb???? Love you Always Teresa Xxxxxxxx

Always in my thoughts at this time of year xx

Another year without you Dad . It doesn’t get any easier without you.
I hope you are looking down and we are all making you proud.
We should of had more time.
Love you Dad xx

So many memories of more than 60 Christmases together Sadly missed

Missing you always will never forget
Love from all your family xxxxx

Always remembered, Always loved and missed. Forever in our hearts xxxxx

My dad, my hero, nothing ever got him down and even when he was receiving care from the hospice he still had the Christmas spirit wearing reindeer headband and flashing nose to “makes the nurses smile” it’s still my fav Christmas picture ever! Such beautiful happy memories it brings back! Loved and missed forever xxxxx

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

In memory of a good friend of many years.
Jean & John Copsey

A special husband, Dad and Grandad
Constantly loved, ever remembered xxxx

Clive, the funniest, kindest Uncle who could light up a room the moment he stepped into it.
Now, there is a LIGHT in memory of you!
Look up, you will see Uncle Clive’s light shining in the stars; you will know which one as it will be the brightest one up there.

Never a day goes by without me thinking of you all. Such Happy memories over the years. Rest up Phil reunited with Ruby . Del also with Reg now

In memory of a special lady Karen Chambers ❤️ Love Fiona,Chris, Declan & Joshua xx

Christmas, more than ever, I miss my Dad's central role within our family festivities. I miss him so much.

Dad missing you each and every day but especially at Christmas. Thank you for being my dad and always being there to help teach and guide me. Love you always xx

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

Second Christmas without you, happy memories live on though. Remembering you this year in a very special way as myself and family lead the Torchlight Procession