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.

Sending love to you all, Merry Christmas. Wish we were all around the table again, together xxxx

Miss you every day Grandma ❤

My heart is still so broken each day I miss you my Butchie. You didn’t deserve what happened to you, but you took it all that was thrown at you with such grace never complaining. I would walk a million miles to see your face one more time or to talk and laugh with you. You will always be in my heart till we meet again. Love Maggie xxxxx

My beautiful daughter I miss you so much Mel I know life could be a struggle.for you and you are now at peace, no more tears, struggles and pain I love you so much always in my heart ❤️❤️ love mum and dad xx

Merry Christmas Mum, not a day goes by without us thinking about you

Our Beautiful Mum/Nanna. We miss you so much. Our lives are not the same without you. We will love you forever and always. Shine bright! Love Vanessa, Myla and Frankie xxx

In memory of Anne Skinns and thanking St Barnabas for their support.

A gentle man and a gentleman. I hope I can be something like him

Our first Christmas without you mum forever our queen
Miss you so much
Love you xxxx

Thinking of you all this Christmas time and always.
I hope you are all together shining your stars down on us

Love and miss you
Linda 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

Always loved, Never forgotten, Forever missed. Merry Christmas ❤️

Always in our thoughts two wonderful parents.

Another light to remember your favourite time of year as always Dad We all miss you everyday love you xx

Richards favourite time of year was christmas.

Christmas was always Melvyns favourite time of year so it’s a special time for us as a family. After nearly 19 years we still miss and love you.

Dear Daddy,
I love and miss you so much.
Love
Clemmie xxxx

In memory of a wonderful friend- deeply missed and will never be forgotten x

Adam always enjoyed Christmas, decorating the tree, making mince pies and the Christmas Pudding.
Christmas is not, and never will be same without him here to share it with.

Dad, you were the best. Think of you each and every day.

Forever in our hearts

Barry was a lovely, kind and supportive friend. My husband and I miss him very much. We have many happy memories of our time together.

Thinking of Dad at Christmas time. We miss you every day. Lots of love, Nick & Jo xx

To a very dear friend, Paul. We never thought this time last year you would not be here to celebrate Christmas this year. We will miss you dearly, love Nick, Jo and all of your friends xx

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

In memory of the strongest, most incredible woman I have ever known. A daughter, a sister, an auntie, a wife, a mother, a friend, but also so so much more than that; a hero, my hero. We love you so so much Auntie Sarah, forever and always❤️