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.

Always remembered

For Helen – the best little sister and friend I could have ever asked for. Missing and loving you now, forever and always. Ga jer xxx

Loving mother's and grandmothers and now great grandmothers. May they continue to shine in the afterlife as strongly as they did in life

Thankyou Dad for your love, dedication and valuable guidance you showed to me. Your legacy of fairness and compassion will always be with me. Thinking of you fondly,not only at Christmas,but all the year through. Love "P" xxx

Will miss your mince pies, scotch eggs and sausage rolls this year. Not a second goes by that we don’t think of you, we love you dearly

Merry first Xmas as a nanny and grandad to our little Ray of light Freddie. We're sure your always beaming down on him. Love Jess, Josh and Freddie xxx

My dear Mum. I miss you lots Always loved. Think about you every day. 21 years ago on the December 20th we said goodbye Love Karen, Jim and Sam xxx

I think of Rod every day. But at this time of year it is so much harder, I’ll love him forever xx

Roy spent many happy years on his boat moored at Brayford Pool.
We remember him fondly as a charming and kind man, much missed by his family and friends.

Love and miss you always

Wonderful parents, both cared for by St Barnabas at home
Gone but never forgotten

Missing you every day, but knowing you are watching over us ,you will be in our heart's forever
your loving sister Jacqui xxxxx

Always and forever in my heart ❤️

I miss you so much. My heart hurts so bad. Christmas was your favourite time of the year. You loved everything about it. Family gatherings were always fun. You loved giving gifts. Your gifts were always the best because you thought about everyone individually.
Sending big hugs.
Lots of Love
Sylvia XXX

Dad
We miss your smiling face every day. Life is a little dimmer without you in it.
Love you always,
Jen xoxoxo

Loving memories of a dear husband dad grandad, parent’s grandparents and a special friend. Loved and remembered in our hearts always xxx

Christmas with dad was always the best, endless laughs, endless unwrapping! Boxes in boxes in boxes in boxes!!! Who wraps a plug?!? And of course random presents in crackers! Miss you dad x

There are no words to say how much I miss you, and especially at this time of year on our first Christmas without you. You always made Christmas so magical for us growing up and I’m trying to do the same for the girls, after all I was taught by the best, but without you every day is tinted with a little grey

Merry Christmas mum, I love you xxxx

A life time of love and friendship for that I will always be grateful

Dad loved Christmas. He was like a big kid, excited to get the Christmas lights up each year. I love the idea of a light in his memory on this big Christmas Tree – it is so him. I miss you Dad xxx

Always talked about always loved so so missed

Margaret, you will be never forgotten, and I will always remember all of the sixty Christmas's that we shared together, many with children and grandchildren, they all miss you as I do and will be thinking and praying for you this Christmas.
God Bless
Alan xxxxx

Will miss you soooo much this Christmas my beloved little Sis Sue.
Lots of love
Big Sis Helen
P.S. taking Kev to Maspdlomas very soon xxxxxxxxxx Promised you we would xxxxxxxxxx

Thinking of you Mum and Dad, and missing you always

Pete – missing you on what will be my 1st Christmas without you. Last Xmas the lovely ladies from St Barnabas came and made you comfortable and brought cheer on a dark day. Love and miss you ????