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.

First Christmas without my loving husband Denis, miss you every day, love you always. XxX

We miss you every day Mum, especially at Christmas. We will be raising a glass to you – the loveliest Mum, wife and Grandma. We love you always,

Sarah, Jim, Harry & Angus and of course Dad xxxxxxxxxx

Your birthday was 21/12 .. we were always allowed to decorate the Christmas tree after that special event .. almost thirty years after you've died ..still missed and loved…

Merry Christmas Dad!
Miss you always. Will pull a cracker (and will wear my hat) for you.
All my love
Becky xxxx

Mum loved nothing more than being surrounded by family at Christmas! We love and miss you mum xx

The first Christmas without our beloved husband to Sharon, father of Lisa and Sara, father-in-law to Alex and Ben and grandad to Alfred and Penelope.

Auntie Gail,
Missing you every single day, lots of love from Lily x

We will never forget you and miss you every second of every day xx

My lovely special father, I think of you often and still miss you so much.xxx

Dad,
I miss your smiling face but know that you are watching over me always. You are forever in my heart, until we meet again.
Love always, your buddy, Abbie xx

In memory of our lovely mum Helen, who loved Christmas. Your light still shines in our hearts always. xx

Soo Gillespie, I will love and remember you always xxxxxxx

Missing you again on another Christmas. Will be thinking of you all at this special time as I do every day xx

Have some wonderful memories of are christmas together. Love and miss you ❤️❤️❤️

My mum volunteered at St Barnabas and was a nurse for 45 years. She sadly lost her battle with Motor Neurone Disease, this September, after only a few months since diagnosis. She is now at peace and back with her parents, my grandparents xx

In Loving Memory of a dearly loved cousin and uncle sadly missed love you both to the moon and back always xx

Christmas, more than ever, I miss my Dad's central role within our family festivities. I miss him so much.

I love and miss you each and every day. Keep shining bright Nanna, I love you xx

In memory of my beautiful mum Denise Fenn
Forget me not as time goes by,
For you can find me in the sky.
Forget me not for we’re apart,
For you carry me within your heart.
Forget me not although I’m gone,
For my memory will always live on.
Instead, remember me in every special way,
Keep me close to your heart
We’ll meet again one day xxx
Loved & Missed every day … love you Mam xxxx

For Alison,
Who we all think of with fond memories every day.
The loss is immeasurable, but so is the love left behind.

Remembering you all not only at Christmas but all year round xx

To mum …miss you
Love
Nic xx

Merry heavenly Christmas.
Love and miss you.
Lots of love
Rach xx

Love and miss you

I have so many memories of my wonderful Grandad, but one of my absolute favourites was when I took him to the hospital for an appointment earlier this year. When we got there I got to wheel him around in a wheelchair which he found absolutely hilarious as I was so scared of pushing him into a wall or a door frame! He even joked as we were leaving about me passing my wheelchair pushing license – making a joke about me not passing my driving test yet! But this is one of my favourite memories because it was the first time I had seen my Grandad genuinely smile for a very long time.

Happy first heavenly Christmas Grandad. The last thing I said to him was shine bright for me ????????