We are remembering my Grandad. An amazing trombone player in his day as well as a terrifically talented joiner. My Grandad was like a built in best friend. So funny, his smile and laugh just lit up the entire room. And I would always feel safe and secure whenever he was near, he just had a calming presence. He always reassured you that you would be fine and give you a big squeeze and you would instantly feel better. My grandad was so determined, this showed when he had a stroke when I was younger and he had to learn how to read, write and speak again and he did. He passed away two years ago now from falling on a rainy day and after all he had achieved recovering from those traumas, it left such a hole in our lives for him to be suddenly taken when he was so healthy. Our lives are definitely different without him as he was such a light and a joy. Everyone who met him says the same, he was just a force of nature. The best husband, father and grandad in the world.
We are also remembering my Granny (Grandad’s wife) unfortunately she passed when I was a baby so I didn’t get much time with her, which really upsets me but when I hear all the wonderful and also funny stories about her I truly feel like I know her so well. She was so kind, so creative, also a force of nature. She was very determined, she ran a restaurant whilst taking care of her family and just had so many feathers to her cap! She had an eye for detail. I wish I could have spent years on end with her, going around antique shops which she so dearly loved. She was a treasured wife, mother and Granny.
We are also remembering my Auntie Bridget. When my granny passed away Auntie Bridget sort of took on the role of Granny duties. And to this day , I can say she truly shaped who I am. She was so kind, so delicate, always fair. Auntie Bridget loved church and keeping her rosary beads close to her (which is something I like to do now because of her), everything in her home was perfect and beautiful. Some of the best memories of my childhood are school holidays at my Auntie Bridget’s. And walking through her front door and getting a whiff of her homemade chicken soup that she was cooking. Everyone who knew her, held a special place in their hearts for Auntie Bridget and that’s a fact. We miss her everyday.
And finally we are remembering my Granny Flynn (Auntie Bridget’s sister and my Mums Granny) she too passed when I was baby so I don’t have any memories with her and I so wish I did because of the stories I hear she was such a kind and wonderful person to know. I have one picture of her holding me when I was just born, I’m asleep in her lap and she is looking down at me just like an angel and she is so very gently holding my tiny hand with the tips of her fingers, the picture is so beautiful and special because although I never knew her that picture shows how much she loved me and how many memories we would have made together , the memories would have been wonderful. My mum describes her as so elegant and very much “a lady” and she was a huge part of my mum’s growing up, almost everyday they would see her, she was like a “second mum”. It just shows how treasured she was.
My gorgeous mum. Always made Christmas special. Whether it was amazing food or making everything super Christmassy for the grandchildren. I miss her so much.
Christmas is a very special time to remember very special people. We dedicate these lights to our grandparents every year; knowing that they will make a difference to those facing challenging times across Lincolnshire makes it extra special.
I remember opening our Christmas stockings on your bed & all the effort you always made to make our Christmasses special. Having to try and stop you from spending too much but the presents always overflowing out from under the Christmas tree. Love & miss you, Txxx
Always be missed and always in our Heart. Loving Husband,Dad,Grandad and Father In law. We hope you have found Buster as well and you are both enjoying time together as you always did xxx
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.
Dear Mum,
My mum, my best friend and the one I trusted most in my world. You are an amazing soul and you were an amazing person. You legacy to me is the light that shines in my heart, and the memories of all the wonderful and not so wonderful times we shared together. I miss you every day, but as you said to me "until next time" and we both know there will be another time. All my love now and always. Barbara xxx
This will be our first Christmas without you but I know you'll be there in spirit
Remembering our darling son Jack not just at this special time but always. Forever in our thoughts and hearts…. #Onejacknotty ????
In memory of our precious Lizzie. A loving daughter, sister ,auntie and ray of sunshine. We miss you Lizzie.
In memory of Mum, 25 years on, I remember you sitting in your fluffy 'click-clack' slippers watching us open our presents, from our pillowcases, then on to a breakfast of ham and eggs… passing those traditions on to the grandchildren, you never got to meet … and thanks to the care at St B, never forgotten always loved. XXX
Rachael you shone so bright, beautiful inside and out, you lit up a room with your smile and not just a room all the lives of those that were fortunate enough to have known you. Such happy loving memories that I carry with me everyday of you my darling that continue to still light and warm my heart. I know how much you loved Christmas, so here's to a beautiful shining light on the tree especially for you Rachael. XXX
For an unforgettable wife of 48 years, who was take by Cancer 11 years ago in November 2013.
Jill was a loving mother and grandmother who can never be replaced.
Why is life so cruel?
I love and miss you all.
Merry Christmas dad, always remember you drinking your whisky on Christmas day telling silly jokes and one of your great Christmas dinners. Miss you so much xxxx
A Christmas light for love and peace in memory of my darling mum.
MARGARET WAS A LOVING WIFE OF 55 YEARS AND WILL ALWAYS BE MISSED BY ME, HER 3 CHILDREN, 8 GRANDCHILDREN, AND 2 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN ESPECIALLY AT CHRISTMAS WHICH SHE LOVED.
Remembering with love my dear husband Bill this being the second Christmas without you. Miss you so much and you will always remain in my heart.
Merry Christmas Mum. Thinking of you always. Love John Amy & boys xx
Dad, somehow it’s been a year since you passed. You live on in all our hearts and minds. I know you’re at peace now and look forward to the day we meet again. Until then keep looking down upon us all and know I will always do my best to make you proud. Love always Adam x
All very special people, loved and missed every day, especially at Christmas.
Kate, Tom and Harry xxx
Your laughter still echoes in our hearts, your light still warms our souls. You were our joy, our world, our sweetest gift — now our brightest star. Merry Christmas to my Mr Moon, we love you forever and always
Almost 20 years gone but I still remember the positive impact St Barnabas had. I treasure the teddy a nurse gave my mum.
Our first Christmas without Mum and it will feel very empty. Mum was always the life and soul of any gathering at Christmas and throughout the year and will be hugely missed. We will especially miss her delicious Christmas pudding! I’ll be raising a glass to Mum and hope she’ll be doing the same along with all her friends & family. Love always xxx