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.

This is our second Christmas without you Natty. We didn't acknowledge the holiday through pain without you last year, but this year we welcome the festivities back into our home with you very much front and centre of our minds.
It's important for us to pay respect to the time of year that you loved the most and we hope that in whichever way you can, you join us in spirit and guide us in love.
We miss you dearly Natty, you know that and you are the first and last thought of us on any day.
Mummy and Daddy are your best friends, Jack and Finlay are your brothers.
You are perfect son, we love you with all our hearts.
You are everything. X

Dear Janet. We all love and think of you daily. Rest in Peace. Lots of love, husband Tony, daughters Fiona, Tracy, Clare plus your grandchildren, Skye, Bradley, Isabel, Ella and Freddy. xxxxxxxxx. Until we meet again one day.

My beautiful mum, miss you so very much, loves you always, loves you more xx

Missing you so much all our love from Paul, emma,and pets xxxx

Love and miss you dad.
Lots of love, Karen and Kev xxx
Special grandad to Alex and Phil xxx

Always forever in our hearts, love you always xxxxxx

For our dear friend Lyn
You were an inspiration and special friend to us all. You are talked about often and remembered always with love, laughter and tears. We miss you so very much.
Big Jugs, Little Jugs ????♥️????♥️

Thinking of you with so much love x

A very proud rock ape who was so brave to the end. A loving husband and dad we will love and miss you always . Susan + Samantha xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Probably his least favourite time of year but I’m sure he’d rather be with us in his tacky Christmas waistcoat. We certainly wish he was still sat at the other end of the Christmas table for years to come.

A wonderful husband, dad and grandad who is sorely missed. Xx

My Christmas cake never tastes as good as yours did xx

A much loved Husband, Dad & Grandad who is missed and loved everyday. Thank you to all your staff who cared for him in his final days xxx

Thinking of you at Christmas and always.

Was the most caring loving nanna and grandad you could ask for would always do anything for any one xxx

We spent every minute of every day together and Yvonne passed away 5 days before our silver wedding 5 years ago. She’s still with me every day. I cared for her at home for the last seven weeks with the help of St Barnabas.

Remembering my dad, who always loved Christmas xx

Mum, we love and miss you so much. We talk about you all the time. You spent your life thinking and caring for us and others and we thank St Barnabas for taking care of you when you needed it. We will come and visit the tree of life to see your light shining brightly just like you lighted up our life. Love you always, Jeremy, Sarah, Easton and Ebonie xxxxxxxxxx

Thinking of Kenneth, my dear friend Leftheris’ father. Thank you for the support you gave him and his family. He was a man who was unique. He made me welcome in his home and has clearly touched the world with love and some special wonder which is clear from his beautiful and giving family. May he sleep well. Love Alexia and Emma-Anne xx

Love and miss you always Grandad.
Love Mason, Jaxon & Amelia ???????? xxx

The first Christmas without our beloved husband to Sharon, father of Lisa and Sara, father-in-law to Alex and Ben and grandad to Alfred and Penelope.

I miss you each and every day but take comfort in the knowledge that your light will always shine brightly in my life.

Lots of love as always

23rd Christmas without you and it still feels like yesterday, loved and remembered every single day, xxx

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