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.

To Ashley
Always missed, always remembered, always loved, always my husband, always my hero. Paula xXx

I am immeasurably lucky to have loved him and to have been loved by him for nearly four decades.

Merry Christmas Dad. The first one without you. I love you and miss you so so much!

Forever your little girl, Sophie xxxx

To a mum and dad who always made Christmas such a special time of year for their children and grandchildren. We love and miss you both. We will remember you this and every Christmas, and will take inspiration from the values and traditions you taught us. With love from Paul and Jo (and from all the family) xxxxxxx

Shining a light on your life and precious memories of you this Christmas. Xx

Miss you Bro, Keep shining bright xx

Whilst Dad didn't use the hospice in his lifetime he had many relatives that did and he was a big supporter of St Barnabas being a local lad. After such a tough year he will be missed at Christmas and we think this is a lovely way to remember him.

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

Remembering those we lost and loved. Miss you all lots.

Missing you so much. Wish with all my heart that you were here. Remembering past Christmases. Always loved and will always be remembered.
Mum, Jasmine and Jamie xxx

Merry Christmas mum we all miss so much I hope you’re partying hard and being you up. Forever missed forever loved xxx

We miss you

Keep shining so brightly my darling Tony. I miss you with every heartbeat. Your chuckles Sue xxxxxxx

You were and always will be my inspiration to be a better person

Love & miss you so much, the best Dad, Grandad & Great Grandad xxxxxxxx

Our Nanna was the heart of Christmas for our family, we miss you so much but we carry on celebrating for you xx

Dad, who would always wake is up on Christmas morning because he was so excited to see us open our presents. I miss the 5am text messages as an adult asking if Santa has been to my home yet. Love you Dad xx

Dot was a wonderful Wife, Mum, Nana and Big Nana, she was such a awesome lady ,who would do anything for anyone and everyone loved her , she is missed so massively every single day. This light will be so fitting because it is just how she lit up our lives, and in our memories she always glows brightly ❤️x

Getting engaged on Christmas Day, it was very emotional.

Many happy memories of spending Christmas with special parents in Shropshire and Scotland, always missed , always loved????

Remembering Pam, a much-loved and much-missed wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandma, sister and aunt

There will always be an empty chair for you to join us at our table on Christmas Day and everyday. I miss and love you with all my heart. Xxxx

We lost you 11 years today but you are always In our hearts, memories and prayers ♥️

My memories are with me every day of our time living in Cumbria from the walks on the fells to walking on
Seascales beach.
You are my spring summer autumn and winter,my love my life,my light ✨️ xxxx

Two very special people, who we sadly lost last year. St barnabas showed great care for both of them and to both families. You are both so very much missed and the advice you gave. Always in our thoughts and memories. We love you loads xxxxxxx

My Dad loved Christmas! He loved the parties and the presents; he always watched everyone else open theirs and kept his in a pile next to him to savour. He was an incredibly generous man and always made sure everyone who knew him had a treat at Christmas time. This will be our sixth without him; we all miss him very much.

Shine on, Martin
Love always xxx