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.

"If I listen to my heart, I hear your laughter once more."

This will be our first Christmas without you, it makes me sad that I will never have another hug that squeezes the life out of me again, all I can hope is that your in a better place with no more pain.
I love you Dad
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Always remembered xxx

My Uncle Lew was 2nd dad and my favourite person. He used to call me that too, "his favourite". My Auntie Bett is my 2nd mum and is my real life Fairy God-mother. She's now in the Hospice, being nursed and looked after by the wonderful nurses. Uncle Lew will fetch her when she's ready and they'll be together again. I love them both so much and I dedicate my light to them. They've lit up my life for the last 41 years and will do forever and ever. I feel so blessed they loved me back.

Always remembered

Always loved and never forgotten.

Love Mum, Emma, Nic, Ruth, Dylan, Bethan, Max, Will and Garry.
Xxx

Heavenly Christmas wished to my dad who died 2 years ago. Best dad a girl could have. Him and mum lived in Fife, Scotland (mum still does). Over his last few month's we were on the phone nearly every night. We used to watch the soaps together even though we were nearly 400 miles apart. Miss his so very much.

You loved christmas so much, this will be our 7th without you Still thinking of you and missing you. Xxx

Remembering my brother John who passed away in your special care on 3rd March 1993 In my thoughts everyday.

Gone, but never forgotten!
Our first Christmas without you.
We Miss You & Love You
Darren, Pauline, Jack, Abi & Archie, James & Grace.
XXXXXXX

Loved and missed so very much.

Miss you both so much every year. Celebrate Christmas with the angels
I shall raise a glass to you both
Loved and missed as always.
Sandra xxx

Being the best mummy, wife, sister, aunty, daughter and friend there ever was. Also wandering a hotel in a thong helped.

You so loved Christmas, time to relax after
getting all the parcels delivered at this time of year making sure the family’s received them in time. Your favourite job of carving the turkey! You are so loved and missed.
Shine bright my darling. Xxxxxxx

Loved Deeply and never forgotten

Merry Christmas Mum and Daniel. Where ever you are, I hope you're together x

Thinking of you now and always Love Always from mum dad and me i will wear that silly hat just for you XXXXXXXXXXXX

Thinking of you always
Kathy, Nicky, Douglas, James, Rebecca, Olivia, Helena, Evie and Elliot x x

Our first Christmas without you, missing you more every day ????

Every day without you since you had to go,
is like a summer without sunshine and Christmas without snow.
I wish that I could talk to you, there’s so much I would say.
Life has changed so very much since you went away.
I miss the bond between us and I miss your kind support.
You’re in my mind and in my heart and every Christmas thought.
I’ll always feel you close to me and though you’re far from sight,
I’ll search for you among the stars that shine on Christmas night.
Love Bev, Amy, Millie & the boys x

Emma is our daughter, born 14 June 1988, who stayed with us for just one day. We have taken part in the Light a Light procession every year since, this is her part of Christmas.

Tilly is our first grandchild, born March 2020, whom we have not been able to meet and cuddle yet due to the COVID Pandemic and travel restrictions across the World. Instead of being able to show her the Christmas Tree in person, to have her own light shining on it is the next best thing.

Mum, you passed away 20th December 2020, 2 months and 2 days after dad. We are still in shock a year on, how cruel it was that you were taken from us as well as uncle Ed and dad in the same year. Despite us being absolutely devastated we understand that you didn’t want to be separated from dad after 58 years together. The only comfort we have is knowing you are back together, side by side where you belong. We did this for dad and uncle Ed and their lights shine bright on the Christmas tree so this is for you mum.
Happy Christmas, we love and miss you all so so much,
From your loving daughters Michele, Simone and Rosalind xxx

Remembering 40 wonderful Christmas's together