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.

I hope you are both having an amazing time together. We all miss you so much. Lots and lots of love Robert, Nicola, Jake, Oliver and Emilia

We love and miss you both so much.You are often in our thoughts.xx

For my wonderful, beautiful Lynnie. Taken too soon, you had so much more to give. You'll be forever in my heart xx

My mum was my best friend and I miss her so much . She will be in my heart every day always . Love you mum . Donna xxx

My Uncle Lew was 2nd dad and my favourite person. He used to call me that too, "his favourite". My Auntie Bett is my 2nd mum and is my real life Fairy God-mother. She's now in the Hospice, being nursed and looked after by the wonderful nurses. Uncle Lew will fetch her when she's ready and they'll be together again. I love them both so much and I dedicate my light to them. They've lit up my life for the last 41 years and will do forever and ever. I feel so blessed they loved me back.

My first Christmas without my
much-loved Mum. Thought of and missed every minute of every day.

This will be our first Christmas without our dad, it was his favourite time of year and we have so many magical memories of our childhood , at this time of the year. We love and miss you every single day xx

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!

Dad we miss you more than words can say, we remember you every single day.
This is our first Christmas without you and we know you loved a 'bit of a do'.
On Christmas day we will raise a glass for you and remember all the good times we had. Love you xxx

Brian & I were married on 7th December and had just celebrated a Wedding Anniversary 6 days before he passed away from a terminal illness. I miss my soulmate more than anything in the world & will love him for always. We had such a wonderful marriage making beautiful memories which are mine to treasure. I hope he is looking down on our beautiful grandchildren, we had 2 when he passed away and now we have 6, such blessings to me which keep me strong. Brian was 64 when he passed away 9 years ago on 13th December 2012. Sleep peacefully my darling until we meet again xx

It has been 2 years dad and I miss you every day.

My first Christmas without you would not be complete. I am lighting up a candle for you to remember our happy times together. Merry Christmas my love! I miss you so much!

After many years of friendship I hope you enjoyed your final flight.

You were the kindest Mum ever and so sad that you never lived to enjoy all your grand children.

Miss you every day, Nan. Love you to the moon and back, always xxxx

Almost 3 years ago we lost our Mum very suddenly and at a young age to cancer. We are so grateful to all of the staff at St. Barnabas who treated Mum with such respect and love. Sadly in the space of just a few years we have had three family members who have all needed care from the team at St Barnabas. The work they all do is just amazing and they continue to need as much help as possible to continue to provide this level of care for so many families.

With loving memories Jill xxx

Auntie Edna was an inspiration to me, and all that had the pleasure of knowing her. Despite challenges she faced, she always had a positive attitude, and such determination, strength and bravery that astounded us all. She had the kindest heart, the biggest smile and will be very missed by all that knew her. She always wanted to help others, enjoyed baking, especially rock cakes, which were amazing and has taught me so much and a real example of the woman I have become. We have so many amazing memories together, from being young in her garden watching the lilies blossom in her pond, baking all sorts of delights together to hours sat on the sofa chatting. She leaves a very big hole, however, I know her star is shining brightly above us.

Remembered always and forever. Missed in to the eternities x love Mum, Dad, Simon and Anneka xx

Dad/Pop and Mother,
Remembering many happy times especially at Christmas.
Forever in our hearts.
Love you always,
Ann and Phillip

Beloved parents and Grandparents, we especially miss you at this time of year, forever in our hearts. Xxx

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

Happy Christmas, miss you so much, love Tracy, James, Mark, Rachel, Cy, Lucy and Emily x

Loved Deeply and never forgotten