Thinking of you both

For Gavin, still loved & not forgotten x

Dear dad, I know Christmas was your favourite holiday of the year and I always find it the most hard. I have some amazing Christmas memories with you and wish we could make more . I hope you’re safe up there, I love you always, Rosie.

Allana shone bright in all our lives , she had so much respect for the nurses and care she received at St Barnabas, we will never be able to thank them enough! we miss you so much Larne, keep shining in that midnight sky as you always did! ????❤️????????????????????????

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.

Forever in my thoughts and heart ♥️

Lyn and I didn't meet until our mid-40s and it turned out we had less than 8 years together, 4 of which were in the shadow of cancer until she passed away in November 2016. But in those 8 years she made me the happiest man in the world. We were married in 2011, just over a year before her diagnosis after which we still made the most of the time we had remaining. She never complained, never sought pity and a lot of people didn't even realise her situation until the last months when she had to give up work. The St Barnabus Hospice At Home team were the greatest source of help and support in that final period, and the day centre were too before and, for me, after that. I'll never be able to thank them enough.

Lost way too soon and a light will always shine for Adele. A lovely personality and character, missed by those closest to her. This Christmas she will be the star for her darling daughter Isabelle and other family. RIP

After 64 years together there's a big gap in life, very much loved and missed. The first Christmas alone will be hard. Lots of love, Derek

I miss you so much Grandad ????
I would give anything to have you back. Love you forever and always xxxx

I will always remember our last Christmas, 2019, as being very special, we were all together for the last time.
I now know how precious every day of our 53 years together was and now what lovely memories I have for ever.

Love you Dad ….miss you everyday
Xx

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere Dad. I miss you so much
Love Jane xxx

Love and Hugs at Christmas xx

Greatly missed and always in our thoughts.

Christmas wishes to my darling husband who made this time of year so joyful and happy. It is hard to face without you, Dougie. Love you loads. Xx

In memory of our Dad, Jake. Christmas isn’t the same without you falling asleep with a glass of red in your hand after your dinner. Loved and missed every day from Darren, Tracy and family xx

Missing you again on another Christmas. Will be thinking of you all at this special time as I do every day xx

WITH LOVE OF FANTASTIC PARENTS AND GRANDPARENTS

We miss you every day Mum, especially at Christmas. We will be raising a glass to you – the loveliest Mum, wife and Grandma. We love you always,

Sarah, Jim, Harry & Angus and of course Dad xxxxxxxxxx

Miss you everyday xx

We all love you and miss you xxxxxxx

Love always

Another year without you mum! Love & miss you always. Lots of love Steph, Claire, Amy, Amanda, michaela, Mark & Demi & all your grandkids ???? xx

Missing dad this Christmas

Remembering all the Christmas's we had with you.