My father died at the age of 39 and my sister at 19 and despite these tragedies, my mother lived to the age of 84. They are always in my thoughts. I have had the good fortune to have lived just over twice as long as my dad and just over four times longer than my sister!

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.

Always thinking of you both, forever in our hearts xxx

Happy Christmas to our dear family and friend. We wish we could have you all at our Christmas dinner table. John, Ruby still misses you and weve even see Sue this year.
We miss you all terribly.
Julie Mike and the whole Roach family xxx

Merry Christmas Nanny, the first Christmas without you but forever in our mind and hearts. You are the brightest star on top of the tree. We miss you lots and love you millions.

My Darling Peter,
This is our first christmas without you, we miss you so much, and angel and i think of you every single day, i hope that you are okay, remember that we love you so much,

My memories are with me every day of our time living in Cumbria from the walks on the fells to walking on
Seascales beach.
You are my spring summer autumn and winter,my love my life,my light ✨️ xxxx

Scott, you are the brightest star I know and I hope you're shining bright in Heaven. Love you to the stars and back love from your little sister Fifi xx

Loved and missed every day xx

My dad would dress up as santa for my son and try and surprise him but my son always knew it was him. He guessed every time. My hero

To our beautiful mother,
May you rest peacefully in the arms of your mother.
We miss you so so much
We Love you and miss you
From your loving husband Martin, your 9 children and 11 grand children
X x X

Loved and missed , every day .You would make us laugh , at Christmas with your silly jokes,and trying to carve the turkey, your way which never went right.Xx

Never far from my thoughts and always my moral compass.
Love & Hugs
Steve *****

Happy Christmas dad – Christmas wasn’t really your thing but you tolerated it for us :-). Miss you. Xxx

Mum,
I can't express how much you are loved & missed daily. A shining star! I dedicate this light on the tree to your memory. ????

You were always the organizer of our family Christmas and our first one this year without you will be the hardest to get through but we know you will be there celebrating with us and we will cherish our memories that will never fade. Forever in our hearts Mum.

Remembering all the loving, happy Christmases we shared over the years. We miss you all the time Dad but especially at Christmas xxx

My wonderful parents always in our thoughts & hearts. Our 1st Christmas without you both love you xxx

Thinking of you Dad. Loved and missed every day. Shine bright. Love from Mandy, Jack & Frankie xx

Miss you all everyday, until we meet again, so much love xx

n/a

Miss you more at this time of the year
Always in my heart
Xxxxx

Sarah,

I know christmas was your favourite time of year. It doesn’t get any easier without you here, we miss you so much. I wish you were still here with us but I’m glad you’re no longer in pain. Keep shining bright.

Love you always,
Shannon

Fondest memories of special times spent together at Christmas.
Thinking of you always, love and prayers – Marilyn xxx ????????????