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.

Hope you’re looking after my Phil up there Grandma, love and miss you both so much xxx

My Dad died in St Barnabas Hospice on 7th October 1994 & I will never forget all you did for us as a family.
My Mum died on 1st August 2014 & my lovely husband on 10th August 2016.
I miss them all every day but more so at this time of year.
They will always be loved & forever in my heart.
Mel

Love you all very much and miss you. Look after each other on the other side…Jack is on his way. xxxx

Miss you and love you always xx

Miss you more than words can say. We love you and should have told you more x

When you left us, you did the most amazing thing. You gave life and sight to others. You were always so kind and thoughtful and this was reflected in your gift, even after you had gone. I hope the recipients are happy, healthy and are loved. Perhaps one day we will hear from them but until then, know that we are proud to call you our mum. Love you my mummy x

My dad was always my biggest supporter, now he's my brightest star in the sky

To Mum and Dad

Merry Christmas
Miss you more than words can say
Love you millions

Big hugs and lots of kisses
Sharon xxxx

Dear Desmond,
I know your looking down everyday and you should be so proud of what you see, Wishing I could have met you

Our first Christmas without Mum and it will feel very empty. Mum was always the life and soul of any gathering at Christmas and throughout the year and will be hugely missed. We will especially miss her delicious Christmas pudding! I’ll be raising a glass to Mum and hope she’ll be doing the same along with all her friends & family. Love always xxx

However hard the grief is I know I'm fortunate to have had both these lovely people in my life.
To my big brother, Dave and my best friend, Karen – love never dies.

Miss you with all my heart ❤️ ???? ????

The most incredible man, who we all love and miss dearly. Thinking of all our special memories and wishing him a heavenly Merry Christmas. Sending love from us all and a special kiss from his Great-Granddaughter Lilia ❤️

My mum loved Christmas but could be very last minute with the wrapping & delivery of presents, she enjoyed the baking and always took charge of the Christmas Dinner

Always in our hearts

Remembering a very special mum and dad in our hearts you will always stay and we think of you everyday. Christmas is a special time of year for families and you will be with us all this Christmas as your light shines on the Christmas tree. We shall put our Christmas tree up and put your special lights on and your grandchildren will do the same. As we decorate the tree we shall tell your great grandchildren how special you were and tell them stories of the happy Christmases we spent with you. As silent night plays I will shed a tear as I remember how you both peacefully left us and the light turned out, now I see your lights shinning on the Christmas tree and I look at them with a smile. Loved yesterday, today and tomorrow forever in our hearts. Julie, Daryll, Sean, Michelle and Mark xxxxx

My grandmother sadly passed away last week. I would like to light this candle in memory of her as its our first Christmas without her.

whenever i would see uncle jimmy at my nan’s house at christmas he’d always play any game i wanted, i had this toy snake and a stuart little teddy and he’d sit with me and go along with any game i said. it always makes me think of him when i see my nephews now play with those toys.

Mum,
This will be the second Christmas without you and it doesn't get any easier. I heard someone say that you only miss someone when you think about them and I think about you every day.
I know you're watching over us.
Sending you lots of love
Julie xxxx

My dad.
We lost suddenly.
He was loving, caring, protective of his girls and funny. He was a fantastic husband and grandad.
We miss you every single minute of the day.
You loved christmas and all the sparkle of the lights and getting excited with the kids new toys.
This light represents that sparkle you brought us all at christmas time.
With all our love dad. Merry Christmas

To my beloved brother and best friend in the world..taken suddenly and 1st Christmas without you..life just feels a little less lonely and empty without you..wasn't expecting to lose you at 53 years old..always in my thoughts daily never forget our time together..miss you Marv ❤️ love always Carl ❤️

In memory of my amazing Mum who I miss so very much. She loved Christmas, so I will make this time of year extra special for my daughters in her memory. I love you mum, miss you more each day x

Both men loved life and lived it to the full. They left huge holes in our families which will never be filled. They are loved and missed tremendously each and every day especially on special days. Remembered always, forgotten never.

Christmas wasn't a time dad was fussed about but he always made an effort. Asking what meat I wanted from M+S then saying it must be bloody good at that price ha ha. A walk and drink in weatherspoons and coconut talc and liquorice was always wrapped up as a gift ❤️ Memories are forever in my heart.