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.

Mick and Gwen Ford – mum & dad
Love and miss you so, especially this time of year as you both loved Christmas so much – so much love, laughter and togetherness – rest in peace – love, Jacky, Caron, Mandy, Jayne and families xxxx

I love you, Dad. – From Pearl

Happy Christmas, my darling boy! Its never been the same without your happy smile on Christmas morning. I miss you so much. xxxx

With love at Christmas and always Grandad.
Your always in our hearts
All our Love
Lucy and family and
Jake and family x x

Remembering you every day Dad. Hope you’re me dazza!

I love and miss you all. I think of you every day. x

For my wonderful Grandad, also a beloved dad and friend. The epitome of a gentleman. Enjoy Christmas with Grandma again.

Miss you every day my beautiful girl , ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????❤️

We shared so many happy, family Christmas's and this first one without you here is going to be so hard. I will miss your "Ho Ho Ho"s and you singing along with all the Christmas songs as we put up the tree and decorations together but I know you'll be here with me as you live on in my heart, thoughts and memories every day and I will still wake up on Christmas morning and say to you "Merry Christmas, I love you" as I have always done, I miss you so much and will love you always xxx Lee xxx

Remembering you both this Christmas. Xxx

Barry was a lovely, kind and supportive friend. My husband and I miss him very much. We have many happy memories of our time together.

A loving mum and a beautiful Auntie. Both missed every day but especially at Christmas time.

As another Christmas without Mum gets closer, we hold on to & cherish the memories we will keep forever in our hearts. Mum is in our thoughts everyday & on occasion that passes without her. The world became a different place without her. Forever in our hearts mum, miss you more then words could ever say.

I am supporting the light up your life campaign to support St Barnabas Hospice for the end of life care, support & dignity mum was able to receive & at the hospice. It gives me comfort to know mum was able to pass away peacefully in comfort & care of the nurses at the hospice.

Karen Chambers – There are no words that can describe the past few months as we make sense and come to terms with the loss of a most beautiful and brave lady at the age of 47 years. We miss you so much, and our lives will never be the same again. We will always love you and you will be forever in our thoughts and hearts.

Thank you for the wonderful times and love we shared xxx

In loving memory of my wonderful Dad who passed away last week. Thank you to all at St Barnabas who cared for him, and us over these past few weeks. We are forever grateful.

Sara and Derek always in our hearts, loved and never forgotten.

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

So many special memories of such an amazing Mum xx

Almost 20 years gone but I still remember the positive impact St Barnabas had. I treasure the teddy a nurse gave my mum.

She was a wonderful kind hearted person. Enjoyed her hobby of photography and walking.

To the sweetest, kindest Angel that was taken too soon, you will always be remembered with love and never forgotten xxx

Merry Christmas grandad
We love you forever and always
Love
Luke, Reanne and Freya
Xxxx