Millennium Christmas 1999 when we gathered as a Family at Russell And Sue’s House in Rushden, Northamptonshire and had fun, food, and games, it was a good family get together, full of love, joy and laughter to celebrate ringing the New Year 2000 in.

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.

Happy Heavenly Christmas Mum. The best Christmas present ever, would be to see you again .
Love and miss you every day.
Lots of love always, Jill, Lee, Ryan and Ben xxxxx

Jeannettes poem,

When you were with us you weren’t one for soft spoken words.
Any attempts at emotional conversation you’d effortlessly swerve.
If you were here now and you sensed this heart-pour.
You’d tell me to shush, sit down, to ‘close the door’.
We’d all sit in the lounge, all cosy and all warm.
Put a film on the TV, then talk through it all.
With a cat on your lap and the dog at your knees.
You’d pet and you’d fuss until I agreed ‘Aren’t they so pretty’.
We’d sit there for hours and put the world to rights.
Reminiscing and laughing about all the good old times.
Giggling at memories till the day turned to the dark.
Like the new haircut ‘chode’ or your day trip to the park….
Even at the end you were always true to you.
A fabulous diva, and you, through and through.
Walk past your reflection and your hair you would tease.
With your effortless style and you in your dungarees.
One thing is for certain, there’s no one quite like you.
Even treatment shakes were taken by champagne flute.

Now you are gone, and it’s time to say.
That you could bring sunshine to the darkest of day.
And although I never said it, you know what you meant to me.
My life lived with you is full of endless happy memories.
From little girls to little women, with you I have grown.
You have been there from the beginning, your home is now my home.
So I want to say Thank you, for everything you have done.
In my heart you are my family, you are an adopted Mum.
You have always been there so Goodbye is hard to say.
But I know I’ll see you again, on the other-side one day.
You’ll be holding hands with Dereck and Barbs, Molly and JellyBean too.
And I will get to tell you…. J-dog, I love you.

My very first time abroad I got to spend it with you in Florida xxx

Missing you more everyday.
Always on my mind and in my heart.
Christmas was your favourite time of year. You loved everything about it writing cards buying and wrapping gifts. There is always a place at my table for you xxxx

This is the first Christmas without you dad, we all miss you and love you so much!
Hope you have the best Christmas up there in heaven!
Lots of Love
Mum, Abi, Lois, Sam and Mia xxxxxx

We will miss you dearly this Christmas. Thinking of you always. Love, Mike, Kirsten and Euan x

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and letting you know how loved and missed you are.

Sleep tight Dad, Night God Bless

xxxxxx

To a special grandad and nanna, who are truly missed every day and never forgotten.
Xxxxx

To mum & Dad
You are in our thoughts everyday but especially at this time of year. Our Christmas will not be the same without you both we all miss you both so much.
Love always karen, Cheryl, chris and all your grandchildren and great grandchildren xxxx

Emelia was our lovely granddaughter who we miss each day, she bought light to our lives. Sleep well xx

Dad was cared for by St Barnabas inpatient unit for just over 3 weeks this year and they did a fabulous job to make dad comfortable and pain free as per his wishes. Also doing all they could to involve us during the pandemic. Dad lived in Lincoln all his life and memories with him will always be in our heart. Lighting a light for him will light up the memories we have of him, especially being the first Christmas period without him.

Merry Christmas Funtime xxx

Remembering with love and affection my very dear Dad, Uncle & Auntie at Christmas time.

Miss you

A true gentleman and talented work colleague. We will really miss him.

Remembering fondly happy family times with love.

Tony was the one that would light up your life with his smile and sense of humour. Christmas was such a happy time of year especially with him in our lives. Shine bright my darling on the tree of life. Forever loved and missed. 😘 xxxxxxx

Rod I’ll love and remember you always and forever xx❤️

For my wonderful dad and Vivi and Alastair's much-loved Grandpa. Christmas won't be the same without you. You are always in our hearts. We love you so much, Jenna, Liam, Vivi and Alastair x

To a beloved husband and father, Merry Christmas Peter, love you.

A lovely Mother in Law very much missed but especially at this time of year. Paula, Andy, Sarah and Tim xxxx

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, wherever you may be. Together, safe & loved.

Always in our hearts, Good night, good bless

Megan & Family xxx