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 Christmas Dad – always thinking of you.

A wonderful husband, father and friend to many who was helped to end his days peacefully at home by the loving care of the Macmillan, St Barnabas and Marie Curie nurses.

Dear Daddy, your golden voice will ring through the ages and your music will touch many more hearts to come. We miss you immensely and may your tenor voice be ringing out true and clear wherever you are. I love you Daddy.

Always remembered and cherished

Dad, you passed away 18th Oct 2020, you were our hero and the strength and backbone of our family.
Mum, you passed away 20th Dec 2020, you were always there for us when we needed to talk. We are all so shocked but understand that you didn’t want to be separated from dad after being together for 58 years.
We are devastated and in so much pain right now from losing you both, the only bit of comfort we have is knowing that you are back together, side by side where you belong. Please don’t worry about us, in time we will be ok and we will look out for one another like you’ll want us to do.
We will never forget you and everything you did for us, you will be missed so much and our lives from now on will never be the same.
Take care of one another mum and dad, we’ll see you again one day, sleep tight,
Your loving daughters,
Michele, Simone and Rosalind
XXX

My guiding light ,shine as bright as you always did . Miss you and love you more x

We miss you so much Dad.
Love you always xxx

He was so much fun! He is very much loved and missed.

Dad and I were very grateful for all the support and assistance St Barnabas provided for him in his time of need. Thank you for everything St Barnabas X

Always loved and remembered.

Dad, you are so missed, especially now. Christmas was a time you always made so special and magical. Thank you for being the best Dad anyone could ask for, I’ll always be grateful for the years we had and for the memories you left behind. You & Mum gave me the best life I could’ve asked for, full of love and laughter. No words can ever describe how much you are loved and missed, every day. ❤️

Happy Christmas to you all.
Thinking of you at this special time of the year

We miss you very much.
Merry Christmas xx

Always in our hearts, forever in our thoughts.xxxx

Merry Christmas! We miss you everyday and love you forever Jake.

I miss you everyday. You were a big part of my life. You guided me unwaveringly. My memories of you are filled with joy. I will be remembering you this Christmas and always. Love from your little tinker xxx

Forever loved, forever missed xxx

We losted Grandma Maxwell in 1989 but we still miss her.
Paula x

Soo Gillespie, I will love and remember you always xxxxxxx

Christmas isn't the same without you Nan. Luckily we have some amazing memories from our Christmases together over the years which I will treasure forever. Will raise a snowball to you. Miss you as always. Love from All of Us xx

The world is a sadder place without you

Miss you more at this time of the year
Always in my heart
Xxxxx

Thinking of you this Christmas Mum. Xxxx