Chris – Although 8 years ago, not a day goes by when I don’t think of my mum. Far more than when she was with us – a lesson to be shared – hug your mum tight if you are still lucky enough to have her. My mum passed away aged 63. We knew her wishes and we were honored to support her decision in the sharing of her organs. Two people’s lives were saved that day, many more improved and that is the little light at the end of dark path of sadness. She lives on, somewhere. Her gift made sure those people’s families got to celebrate another year with their loved one, and for that I am immensely proud of her. Best mum, kind to the core. X

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 Lisa and Maureen from all of your family, we miss you every minute of every single day. We will love you today and every day and for eternity that will never change. We are all carrying on with our lives but you are both missing and the truth is it really hurts. But, carry on we will, and make you proud as this is what you both would want.
So "Happy Xmas" and love to you all.
Magnus, Kieran and Haydn.

Love and peace from all the family x

In memory of both of our mums and dads. We miss you every day. Love always. Forever in our hearts. Love Anne & John xxxx

Happy Christmas miss you everyday, all our love Ellen & William

A Christmas light for you were the light of my life, the centre of my universe. Miss you so much.

Thinking of you at this special time of year. Our second year without you.
I miss you very much.
Happy heavenly Christmas
Love from
Toke

Forever missed xx

She loved a Christmas sherry…or three!

Thinking of you now and always Love Always from mum dad and me i will wear that silly hat just for you XXXXXXXXXXXX

In loving memory of such a wonderful Dad x

We will remember the Christmas Nativity’s and shows you used to organise and do and we’d play games for hours. Christmas is a special time for us all.

As parents they were always there for us and have taught us so much. As we grow older and now have Grand children of our own we understand how important the love of family is and appreciate all their love for us, everyone deserves to be always lived and remembered, even they are no longer here in the living world! Xx

Such happy family times, now there's only loving memories that remain

Miss you Daddy xxx

Remembering Ben as we approach his first wedding anniversary and our first Christmas without him. We miss hearing his laughter and his positive approach to life. I feel so incredibly blessed to have so many special shared family memories.

The world is a sadder place without you

Merry Christmas Nanny, the first Christmas without you but forever in our mind and hearts. You are the brightest star on top of the tree. We miss you lots and love you millions.

Almost 20 years gone but I still remember the positive impact St Barnabas had. I treasure the teddy a nurse gave my mum.

So loved and missed by me, his children and grandchildren. 3rd Christmas without him, he so loved his family, he would be proud of the people they are becoming x