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.

It will be our first Christmas without you and I couldn't let it pass without you being involved as you would have been if you were still here. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and missing you more than you will ever know. With love always Cathy xx

I wish you were still here with us all.
Miss you so much Granny
With Love
From
Kirsty and Amelia

Missing you everyday, Nan. Always in my thoughts and forever in my heart. Love you always xxxx

Mum, Grandma & Grandad you are dearly missed especially this time of year as we always spent Christmas as a family.

We all love and miss you.

My favourite Christmas memory was when Kev was unexpectedly discharged from hospital just in time to spend Christmas with his family. We weren't to know that it would be the last Christmas we would share together. The best present we could ever have wished for.

Mum, we love and miss you so much. We talk about you all the time. You spent your life thinking and caring for us and others and we thank St Barnabas for taking care of you when you needed it. We will come and visit the tree of life to see your light shining brightly just like you lighted up our life. Love you always, Jeremy, Sarah, Easton and Ebonie xxxxxxxxxx

Greatly missed and always in our thoughts.

Lovely, irreverent, Liz

I miss you both each and every day. Look after each other and look out for Jeff xx

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

In my heart always x

Forever in my thoughts. Love you sweetheart

Missed every day. Forever in our hearts. Shine bright xx

Christmas has lost its sparkle for me since the loss of both my soulmate, David, and many of our respective family members. I still embrace the religious significance, but sorely miss our family getting together to enjoy this very special celebration.

A dearly loved Mum, grandma and great grandma. Remembered always.

We spent many Christmases with dad lots of laughing, food and drink great memories.
This is our first Christmas without him
Happy Christmas dad, we miss you
Love Sharon, Fraser, Gary, Leigh and Amy xx

Always in my thoughts at this time of year xx

Many Happy Memories.
Thank you for everything.
We miss you every day.
God bless

Missing you Mum. Love from All of Us xxx

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

My dad would dress up as santa for my son and try and surprise him but my son always knew it was him. He guessed every time. My hero

Fondest memories of special times spent together at Christmas.
Thinking of you always, love and prayers – Marilyn xxx ????????????

We miss you so much and love you xx

I am remembering my loving mother who sadly passed away on 4Th July 2018. She is always missed and will forever be loved.

Till we meet again my sweet, gentle and loving mother RIP.

Love always
Your daughter Chantelle and granddaughter Liliana xx