thank you for sharing many happy Christmases and being so inspiring

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.

Mum,
Missing you always not just at Christmas.
Love you forever ???? xxx

Merry Christmas to the brightest star in the sky, our Mum. We all miss you everyday. Sending you lots of love always xxx

Always in our hearts.

Loved and remembered every day, but even more so at Christmas.
Wishing you could both be here to celebrate with your new great- grandson.
Love from us all. xxxx

Always going to football with my Dad on Boxing day

Thinking of our special Dad and Grandad with all our love at Christmastime. We miss you so much. Xxxx

Missing you both so much.happy Christmas xx

Hello Dad
We have many Memories. We can share. At Christmas.. we knew you were with us every day. We all are sending our love to you today. ❤️

Eric was a special human being, he was the leader of our family. A role model that all could up to, who you could count on to check how you were and the only true representation of our family.

Jane, miss you so very much. Christmas will not be the same without you. Love you lots xxxx

Tony, keep shining bright. We miss you.

This was my husband’s most favourite time of the year. He loved all things shiny and glittery and would decorate the house with as much as he could get away with. This is our first year without him. ????

In memory of our wonderful Mum and Dad.
Missed everyday, remembered forever
Love from
Debbie and Suzanne xx

Nanny wood, you were the strongest and bravest woman I ever knew. Our first Christmas without you will be the hardest but I know you are watching down over us ❤️The time you gave to the British legion will forever be remembered and appreciated by many.

Although you have left us, you will never be forgotten. RIP. Love as always, Tony, Fiona, Tracy and Clare.xxxx

Remembering you at Christmas time dad, love and miss you, Linda, Steve and Anna xxx

Our last Christmas with my daughter was amazing, we had just all been to Disneyland in Paris came home Christmas Eve and still even though she was so ill she smiled.
My Dad was always one to join in the craziness of Christmas.
They are both missed and loved

Another year without you but you are back together. We will be remember many happy memories not only of Christmas times. Keep shining bright both of you lots of love xxx

A truly wonderful caring person, wife, mum and nanny. Sadly missed but not forgotten. Sleep well my Angel. Txx

Always Loved. Always Remembered. Always With Us. Keep Shining Bright Mum xxx

You are never far from my thoughts because you meant so much to me. I miss you dad and will love you always. This light is for you because you still shine brightly in my memories.. love you Dad, from your daughter.

You were always the organizer of our family Christmas and our first one this year without you will be the hardest to get through but we know you will be there celebrating with us and we will cherish our memories that will never fade. Forever in our hearts Mum.

02/12/2022 You left me and our family to a more peaceful place away from the pain you had been suffering. 22/12/2022 we said our good byes that Christmas was so hard as will those that follow. You are forever in our hearts. Our Super Man x x x

We love and miss you always Dad xxx