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.
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
Mike and Julie miss you all very much.
Love you all xxx
Never forgotten a loving husband, dad, step dad and Grandad forever in our thoughts xx
For Chris, the "light of my life" from 1980 – 2019
Loved so very much, remembered every day.
Always on my mind xxx
Remembering Chris and John at this time of the year. So many lovely memories of our times together with Geoff and myself. You will both always be remembered – with all my love Gill
Always thinking of our wonderful parents at Xmas
All our love Ron and Max.
Always loved, always remembered.
Mum,
This will be the second Christmas without you and it doesn't get any easier. I heard someone say that you only miss someone when you think about them and I think about you every day.
I know you're watching over us.
Sending you lots of love
Julie xxxx
You saved others, but couldn't save yourself. I hope you see Chris, Charlotte, Alice, Luke and Faye and see the good you were part of.
A special Dad who will live in my heart forever.
Thinking of you always xx
Miss you Bro, Keep shining bright xx
My darling Paul
Life goes on, you are missed and loved every day.
Happy heavenly Christmas darling
Always in my heart.
Louise xxxx
Sis always loved Christmas….. every year the seasonal decorations, lights and ornaments would fill her house with Christmas spirit. And every year all the family would be blessed with the most amazingly thoughtful gifts; Anne had a wonderful way of looking into your soul and knowing exactly what to spoil you with. But best of all, she was just good fun to be around.
Christmas isn’t the same now you’re not here but we’ll raise a cosmo to you again this year, dear sis, and enjoy all the happy memories of Christmas’ past.
Always love you grandad
Love you always miss and think of you every day.
Thinking of you always
Margaret, you will be never forgotten, and I will always remember all of the sixty Christmas's that we shared together, many with children and grandchildren, they all miss you as I do and will be thinking and praying for you this Christmas.
God Bless
Alan xxxxx
Miss you Dad, until we meet again.
Love always Shaun, Scott, Kelly and Jade xxx
Remembering Margaret and Vince Doran, my partner Angela’s Mum and Dad, in her first Christmas without both of them
10th March 1958 – 11th December 2017
Taken too soon, aged 59 years
Loved and remembered every day, and especially at Christmas 🎄
Jennifer x
Lindsay, Christopher and Andrew xxx
Love and miss you every Christmas and every day xxx