We are remembering my Grandad. An amazing trombone player in his day as well as a terrifically talented joiner. My Grandad was like a built in best friend. So funny, his smile and laugh just lit up the entire room. And I would always feel safe and secure whenever he was near, he just had a calming presence. He always reassured you that you would be fine and give you a big squeeze and you would instantly feel better. My grandad was so determined, this showed when he had a stroke when I was younger and he had to learn how to read, write and speak again and he did. He passed away two years ago now from falling on a rainy day and after all he had achieved recovering from those traumas, it left such a hole in our lives for him to be suddenly taken when he was so healthy. Our lives are definitely different without him as he was such a light and a joy. Everyone who met him says the same, he was just a force of nature. The best husband, father and grandad in the world.
We are also remembering my Granny (Grandad’s wife) unfortunately she passed when I was a baby so I didn’t get much time with her, which really upsets me but when I hear all the wonderful and also funny stories about her I truly feel like I know her so well. She was so kind, so creative, also a force of nature. She was very determined, she ran a restaurant whilst taking care of her family and just had so many feathers to her cap! She had an eye for detail. I wish I could have spent years on end with her, going around antique shops which she so dearly loved. She was a treasured wife, mother and Granny.
We are also remembering my Auntie Bridget. When my granny passed away Auntie Bridget sort of took on the role of Granny duties. And to this day , I can say she truly shaped who I am. She was so kind, so delicate, always fair. Auntie Bridget loved church and keeping her rosary beads close to her (which is something I like to do now because of her), everything in her home was perfect and beautiful. Some of the best memories of my childhood are school holidays at my Auntie Bridget’s. And walking through her front door and getting a whiff of her homemade chicken soup that she was cooking. Everyone who knew her, held a special place in their hearts for Auntie Bridget and that’s a fact. We miss her everyday.

And finally we are remembering my Granny Flynn (Auntie Bridget’s sister and my Mums Granny) she too passed when I was baby so I don’t have any memories with her and I so wish I did because of the stories I hear she was such a kind and wonderful person to know. I have one picture of her holding me when I was just born, I’m asleep in her lap and she is looking down at me just like an angel and she is so very gently holding my tiny hand with the tips of her fingers, the picture is so beautiful and special because although I never knew her that picture shows how much she loved me and how many memories we would have made together , the memories would have been wonderful. My mum describes her as so elegant and very much “a lady” and she was a huge part of my mum’s growing up, almost everyday they would see her, she was like a “second mum”. It just shows how treasured she was.

Christmas was Mum’s favourite time of year, when she was more excited than even the grandchildren! Having lost Mum earlier this year, Christmas is going to be a really difficult time where her absence is felt so greatly. We love and miss you so much Mum.

Daddy was unique, a classical tenor, a jack of all trades, mastering most, he built our family home in Greece himself, taught us independence and to enjoy the little things, breaking free of generational shackles to love and support us with our Mummy. We are lucky to have had you in this life as our Daddy. We love you and will miss you fiercely.

Mum passed away 2 years ago and would've been 80 this November. She loved a party and getting dressed up, the sparklier the better!
We'll be raising a glass or two to you on your birthday and at Christmas.
Love and miss you so much xxxx

Remembering all of our special Christmas memories mum xx
Missing you more than you will ever know xx love you xx

In memory of our brother Keith, much missed and never forgotten. With thanks to St Barnabas for thier loving care.

We miss you and wish you were still with us. Heartful of love
for you both.

My Dear Husband taken so quickly and loved so much. I don't know what I am going to do without you. Our Anniversary 14th December and would be for 52 years, I have known nothing else in my lifetime.
I love you so much and will forever miss you. Life will never be the same for me and the family.
Sue XXXX

Poppet (Alan)
I love you more than words could say.
You are with me every day in my heart.
Shine bright up there you gorgeous man.
Will raise a glass or two for you this Christmas.
All my love always, till we meet again
Sylve xxxxx

Gran,

This is the first Christmas without you. Will always love you and miss you everyday. When anything happens, you’re the first person I want to call and for a brief second, I forget I can’t.
I sponsored this light as it helps to keep you shining. You’ll be shining outside the Cathedral. Remember when you came up for my graduation and we pushed you over the cobbles. I will always remember your laugh that day.
Love you forever

Christmas was always our favourite time of the year. I will be holding on to all the memories of buying the trees, decorating the house, and dancing in the kitchen to Christmas songs whilst cooking the Christmas lunch. Love you and miss you everyday. x

Tommy B, we all miss you and your magic energy, cheeky sense of humour and gorgeous smile so much!
We will make sure your Christmas Tree looks beautiful and the lights in the garden are just how you like them.
Love you forever and always dude Xxx

Broken hearted without you. Love and miss you. All my love Jill

Dear Colin
This is a special time of year for us with your birthday closely followed by Christmas. Sadly it is also the time that I lost you unexpectedly last year. This year has been the toughest of my life and I miss you so much. Wishing you were here with me this Christmas. Debbie xx

Merry Christmas, with us always 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.

Dave – still miss you lots, lots of love Sue

My rock and guide then and now
x

Always in our hearts Jamesy, Christmas was your most favourite time of the year and it was when you chose to go xx

Remembering you Mum at Christmastime.

Remembered every day with love our beautiful Mum and Nana, whose caring heart of gold beats no more. Gone too soon so suddenly but never forgotten; every moment of our lives touched by memories, to remain in our hearts and minds always and forever. Love and miss you!

Always going to football with my Dad on Boxing day

My brother Lee, the guy with the world's biggest smile. Our first christmas with out you. Shine bright x

Dad, somehow it’s been a year since you passed. You live on in all our hearts and minds. I know you’re at peace now and look forward to the day we meet again. Until then keep looking down upon us all and know I will always do my best to make you proud. Love always Adam x