Missing you this Christmas and always

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.

A light for my lovely Mum who loved Christmas and life.
Missed every day and always in our thoughts,

Sarah, Jim, Harry & Angus xxxx

Missing you so much this Christmas but remembering all the happy times of the past 70years Always in my heart Eileen

Love and miss you all so much especially at this time of year. X

To my beautiful daughter Kirsty gone to soon but I will never forget you. I miss you so much and love you with all my heart ❤️. With lots of love from your Mum. Xxxxxxxx

Missing you both at Christmas and always xxx

We miss you very much.
Merry Christmas xx

For my wonderful Brother Mark
and
My inspiring and lovely Dad
Miss you both every day
Jill xxxx

Mum,
You will forever be in my thoughts, especially at Christmas time, which you loved.
Love and miss you always ????
Jill xxx

To our beautiful Mum and Nanny, you are in our thoughts and our hearts every day. We miss you dearly, love always from your daughters and grandchildren xxxx

I wish you were still here with us all.
Miss you so much Granny
With Love
From
Kirsty and Amelia

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

Miss you every day
Thinking of lovely memories together
Much love Jill xx

We love and miss you all so very much. Lots of love from all of us xxxxxxx

All our memories are and will be forever in my heart.

A treasured memory of my Sister, myself and her son singing ‘Lily the pink’ at the top of our voices. We were laughing and lost in the moment. This happened a week before Jo was sedated and passed away. Xxxx

Parents JJ and Kathleen were the most amazing parents, Grandparents and in laws you could wish for. Always with us 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.

They all went too soon and leaving a hole in our lives but also a huge amount of happy memories. The pain we feel at their loss represents the huge love we have for them.

We remember them frequently: with a smile, a tale retold, a song they loved, a phrase they used and how they made our lives richer. They may not be here in body but they remain with us in our hearts x

Shine brightly this Christmas Nan. You are always in our thoughts.

A gentle man.

Missing you more everyday.
Always on my mind and in my heart.
Christmas was your favourite time of year. You loved everything about it writing cards buying and wrapping gifts. There is always a place at my table for you xxxx