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.

Christmas has never been the same since losing you all. You are missed so very much. X

We miss you so much and love you xx

Greatly missed and always in our thoughts.

Merry Christmas.
All my love
Ellie xx

Happy Christmas up in heaven to you all, your missed & loved every day, always in my thoughts
Love Pam xXx

Miss you everyday
Love Lily x

We always knew losing you would be heartbreaking but never imagined such emptiness and we miss you so much. So many memories and I miss our chats, company and sense of humour. A candle is constantly burning for you and always in be in our hearts. I hope one day we can meet again but until then say hi to Grandad/Dad, David, Auntie Margaret and all the animals. Love you always, Louise, Carol, Scott, Sam, Mike, Jack and Richard xxx

This will be the first Christmas without my wonderful Mum.
Miss her so very much every day and would do anything for a coffee and chat with her.

Miss you so much mum & dad. This star will shine as you did. Love from all the family xxx

Our Beautiful Mum became an Angel 10yrs ago. We miss you every single day. Happy Christmas Mum, love you eternally, Heidi and Kelly xxxxxx

Both sadly missed and not forgotten.

Loving memories of a dear husband dad grandad, parent’s grandparents and a special friend. Loved and remembered in our hearts always xxx

Miss you more than ever , we love you lots, never be forgotten

Remembering our Christmas' spent together. Knitted jumpers, toys, and toilet roll holders! Family Boxing Days at Auntie Doreen's. Nativity plays, paper hats, Christmas crackers, and Christmas dinner with those alone at Burland Court! Getting tipsy, Mum's infamous sherry trifle, Dad washing the Christmas pots! So many memories for us to treasure, of my dear Mum and Dad and our wonderful Grandad and Nanny, With all our love Susan, Charlotte & David xxx

Will always miss you both.

A Christmas memory that always makes my heart pang, as young children we would sing carols around the table whilst leaving a Sherry and mince pie for Father Christmas and a carrot for Rudolph. Miss you! Love from your little brother, Tom.

Remembering my lovely Mum (aka Nanny Harry) who always made Christmas so special and fondly remembering our happy times together. Forever in our hearts. X

We love and miss you Dad.
You will be the brightest star in the sky this Christmas.
Lots of love Claire, Katy, Richard and Louis
Xxxxxxxx

Thinking of you Nan, today on your birthday and every Christmas without you xxx