To my wonderful husband Simon at Christmas … a fighter till the end and looked after so well by the St. Barnabas team

Uncle David, who dressed as Santa for all the children when I was little. One of my earliest childhood memories. Xx

Thanks for always being there Dad, Lots of love xxx

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.

Mum. You made our Christmas so special. From being small to grown adults. We miss you every day.

Loved Always, Never Forgotten.
Jean, Sue, Ian and families.
xxx

In Loving Memory of a dearly loved cousin and uncle sadly missed love you both to the moon and back always xx

With love at Christmas grandad now and always. Forever in my heart and never forgotten. Miss you and love you always. Love Lucy x x x x x

There is not a day goes by that, I Don't think about you Diane.
I miss our days out together, and all the laughter we shared.
Forever in my heart.
Your ever loving sister Jacqui.xxxxxxxxxxx

To my Dad for being a rock to me and supporting me at my lowest. My fondest memory was spending time watching our favourite team Oldham Athletic home and away through the years. I love and miss you Dad xx

Remembering Alan a very dear husband, dad, grandad and great grandad who sadly passed away on 6 August 2024, always our favourite Santa

I miss you ,the touch of your, the sound of your voice,the love that we shared. You were the very best and I shall miss you every day of my life. God bless you and keep you my love. John

Beautiful people , sorely missed. May their light shine on.

Love and miss you all every day
Xxxxx

Remembering my dad, who loved Christmas and lef5 us far too soon

Thank you for taking Pauline into your care during her dying days.
Life had been so difficult and it was so pleasing to see you take care at such a difficult time

Merry Christmas dad, always remember you drinking your whisky on Christmas day telling silly jokes and one of your great Christmas dinners. Miss you so much xxxx

remembered with much love

We love you and miss your everyday. From your adoring family.
XXXXX

A dear friend and employer.
Fond memories of 7 years as your carer.
What a privilege it was to spend your twilight years caring for you .Forever in my thoughts .xx

Daddy,

We miss you so much.
Every day we think of you and smile while our hearts break over and over.
Thank you for everything you were and always will be.

Much love, Lindsey and Barbara xXx

Daniel, Not having you with us all to celebrate Christmas is not something we will ever get use to. This year our first without you will be so hard however Ethan, Harper and I will try to smile and fill it full of laughter like you would have done. Your sense of humour is what got us all through the hardest of times. We will all use this same outlook on life at Christmas to make it as special as it can be. You will be in our thoughts and in all that we do xx You are so missed, yet still loved so much xx

St Barnabes allowed us all as a family to have that quality time. The children were able to spend time with their Dad in a comfortable and safe setting. The staff went above and beyond for us all and embraced Dans wicked sense of humour. They made him feel safe and cared for him with such compassion and dignity. We were all looked after nothing was ever too much trouble. The most important thing they did was allowed us to have some extra time and memories.

Having a light shine in honour of Dan warms our hearts and gives us some comfort.

It was never goodbye but see you soon
Every day is a Dan day
Forever loved

Always Vicky, Ethan and Harper xx

Every

Knowing we can give back to them in this way helps us all feel we are doing something when a Thank you just isn’t enough for our gratitude.

You were the most wonderful husband to me for 56 years. I miss you every day and will always love you. Pat xxx

Love and miss you all so much xxxx

We loved our Christmas holidays together and I miss him so much, not just at Christmas but every day of the year.