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.

Christmas was Mum’s favourite time of year, when she was more excited than even the grandchildren! Having lost Mum earlier this year, Christmas is going to be a really difficult time where her absence is felt so greatly. We love and miss you so much Mum.

Always in our thoughts xx

Love you Dad ….miss you everyday
Xx

Merry Christmas to my beautiful grandma in the sky. I love you so much and miss you every single day. Love Jasmin xx

10th March 1958 – 11th December 2017
Taken too soon, aged 59 years
Loved and remembered every day, and especially at Christmas 🎄
Jennifer x
Lindsay, Christopher and Andrew xxx

We miss you Dad and Grandad more than words can say, and Christmas just won’t be the same without you. Forever in our hearts and thoughts. Enjoy a brandy or two up there and we will toast the day with you. All our love Louise, Jason, Lily & Chloe xxxx

You are missed more each day.

Always remembered as the life and soul of a family gathering, Dad never refused a double pudding portion, especially at Christmas and if Granny had made it. Always remembered x

Christmas was always a special time between my Dad and I. Always big on traditions, we would go pick out a tree together, decorate it and the house whilst listening to Christmas music and eating mince pies!
This year marks 5 years since he passed away, and I have struggled to uphold these traditions the past 5 years, but I finally feel like I will be able to get back to them this year with the fond memories of Christmases past and smile knowing he would be happy that I can get back to enjoying a holiday that I have always loved.

Merry Christmas Dad. I love and miss you everyday. I hope that I do you proud with my Christmas tree choice!! 🙂 xxxx

Thinking of you all, you are in our hearts and dearly missed! You will be loved and cherished forever! Luv Pearl, Sean and Lewis xxxxx

For my dear Mum, missed every day xx

You will always be missed x But your memory lives on and I know that those memories will live for ever x Miss you Mum . I will toast you this Christmas with a glass of sherry x

Lost his life to suicide.

My beautiful mum, miss you so very much, loves you always, loves you more xx

Always Loved. Always Remembered. Always With Us. Keep Shining Bright Mum xxx

Happy Christmas Daddy,
My dad is the most beautiful caring amazing person you could ever wish to meet, we love you and miss you so very much xxxxxxx ❤️

Another Christmas nearly upon us without you. We Love, miss and think about you every day. Sending you lots of love, Sarah, Jeremy and family ❤️xxxxx❤️

Christmas can be a magical but sad time.

I have wonderful memories of times past that bring me great joy and you were a central part of them. I have to learn how to accept that our journeys are different now.

Always in my heart and in my memories, with love Mum. To a very special woman from your daughter.

Happy Christmas, my darling boy! Its never been the same without your happy smile on Christmas morning. I miss you so much. xxxx

An amazing wife, mum, granny and great granny.
Always in our hearts and always in our thoughts.
Miss you so much.

Loved and remembered always and so sadly missed xxxxx

Remembering our beloved Grandma on our first Christmas without her. She is now reunited with our dearly missed Grandad whom we lost 14 years ago.
The most wonderful Grandparents I could ever have wished for.
Loved and remembered always.

Thinking of you both at Christmas & always. Forever in our hearts xxx

Hoping you’re watching all our adventures from on high.
We love you and miss you
Love you always xxxx