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.

Happy Heavenly Christmas Mum. The best Christmas present ever, would be to see you again .
Love and miss you every day.
Lots of love always, Jill, Lee, Ryan and Ben xxxxx

Merry Christmas Mum.
We'll keep the magic going for you.

Jenni, Ian and Eleanor. Xxx

Our first Christmas without you ,missing you always sue xx

Dad was always so positive & proud of his family. We have a strong bond that death will not part us.
Night dad see you in the morning xx

Miss you so much
Love you
Forever in our hearts ♥️ Xxxxxxxx

Always in my heart, forever missed

Missing you lots but remembering happy times opening my Christmas Stocking

Missing you more than anything and would give anything to have one last day with you. Times are really hard at the moment.

All our love xXx

Remembering a much loved mum and dad at this very special service and dedicating a shinning light to you both. We all love and hold you in our hearts everyday remembering all the special times we spent together. Love you yesterday,today and tomorrow julie,Daryll,Sean,Michelle and Mark xxxxx ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

where do I start …truly hard to believe you are still not by oursides ❤️‍????there’s not a day goes by that I wish you were here????I miss our everyday chats????carols cafe????our fit of the giggles????our milky coffees ????our day trips out????our times just being together at No. 6????your smiles????if we could take a walk down memory lane just once more how I would love that????one amazing????kind????caring????selfless????funny????most loved Mum and Glam gran to your beautiful girlies ????if love could of saved you, you would be here forever ????????????keep us close ????until we meet again ????xx

Our 1st Christmas without you ???? Miss you every day little sis love from us all xxx

A light for my lovely Mum who loved Christmas and life.
Missed every day and always in our thoughts,

Sarah, Jim, Harry & Angus xxxx

Poppy Jim 2 yrs without you now Dad and missed every single second of every single day.
We all love you so very much.
Love you Millions from Victoria xxxxxx

They shone in life

Miss you dad

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.

You may have gone but you are never forgotten.

Lots of love
Karen, Kev and grandson Alex
Xxx

To Kevin,

I’ve never met you, but want to say how wonderful your daughter is. There were times I didn’t think I would make it through the year, but she has saved me in more ways than she’ll ever know and I will be forever grateful.

You should be sooooo proud of her and I know she misses you so much.

Hopefully one day I’ll get to meet you and tell you how wonderful she is, how she has turned in to a beautifully funny and kind person, always thinking about others.

James

Thinking of you
Love Sally xx

Wonderful memories Dad
Much love Jill xx

Alec – thoroughgoing Lancastrian – actor, brilliant singer, lovely, lovely bloke.

Happy Christmas Mum

Our beautiful Ann, you fill our hearts with love.
We think of you everyday you gave us such wonderful memories.
You taught us to open our hearts and care for people.
Your smile would light up a room and we still feel your arms around us keeping us safe.
You will always be our shining light and our rainbow through the storm.
We will carry you in our hearts forever.

In memory of my beloved Granny and Grandad, who benefited from and truly appreciated St Barnabas. Thank you both for lighting up my life. I love you both.