Happy Christmas

With loving memories Jill 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.

My first Christmas without you Mum. I do know though that you are still with me in your own way. We will always be together. Be at peace until we see each other again. Love, your little girl xxx

Remembering closest family members Always Loved & Missed so very much ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Remembering you all this Christmas… Roger, Pete and Jamie … sending all my love, Sue/mum ❤️❤️❤️

Christmas was something we looked forward to as a family and it brought us all together from Yorkshire, the North East and overseas. Sadly, with the passing of so many it has now become a solo event, with time for reflection of those wonderful times.

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

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
I carry you in my heart everyday and know you’re always with us♥️.
Merry Christmas my angels ✨

WE MISS & LOVE YOU BOTH ENDLESSLY. HAPPY CHRISTMAS , ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS LOVE SARAH, OLLIE, LUCA , CASEY ,BEAU & FINLEY XXXXXX

My mum said she didn't like Christmas much and its was a big fuss for one day. She loved shopping and buying gits for everyone though! She had a stash of presents from around April.

Miss you everyday xx

In my thoughts and always in my heart, love you Jan xx

Always Remembered
Love from Diane, Sue and Mandy

A lovely girl with the kindest heart and a beautiful smile.
Everyone loved her. She lit up a room.

Happy heavenly Christmas Mum, I miss you everyday even after 9 years it still hurts my heart that you are no longer here.
I love you Mum
xxxxxxxxxx

Miss you Auntie Megan

Gone but never forgotten m. Always in my heart ❤️ XxXx

In memory of our much loved family. How we long to turn back the clock to years past when we were all together. Love and miss you all every day Dawn and Mick xxxx

Love and miss you always…Christmas will not be the same without, but we know you will be close to us & sending your love always xxxx

A wonderful, kind, warm person with a mischievous sense of fun. You will be missed by so many.

The most wonderful parents, grandparents and great-grandparents who we sadly lost this year. All the family will love and miss you forever.

Happy Christmas Dad – our first one without you. I'll be sure to have a few pints on your behalf!