Geoff was the centre of our family especially at Christmas and is very sadly missed every single day and at this special time of the year

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.

Jeff was a family man in every sense of the word. He loved us all unconditionally. Jeff loved Christmas and every year would fill the house with all things festive. He is missed so much at this time of the year. Xx

Dad,

Thank you for everything your taught me and memories you created.

So glad you got to meet Zavier, I know your looking down protecting him.

Dear Janet. Always in our thoughts and prayers and never forgotten.
Lots of love Tony, Fiona, Tracy and Clare, plus your grandchildren.xxxxxx

The brightest star in the sky this Christmas

A life time of love and friendship for that I will always be grateful

Dad, somehow it’s been a year since you passed. You live on in all our hearts and minds. I know you’re at peace now and look forward to the day we meet again. Until then keep looking down upon us all and know I will always do my best to make you proud. Love always Adam x

This is our second Christmas without you Natty. We didn't acknowledge the holiday through pain without you last year, but this year we welcome the festivities back into our home with you very much front and centre of our minds.
It's important for us to pay respect to the time of year that you loved the most and we hope that in whichever way you can, you join us in spirit and guide us in love.
We miss you dearly Natty, you know that and you are the first and last thought of us on any day.
Mummy and Daddy are your best friends, Jack and Finlay are your brothers.
You are perfect son, we love you with all our hearts.
You are everything. X

I love that you are my person
and I am yours, that whatever door we come to, we will open it together.
Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us everyday.

My third Christmas without Roger, our family will gather for fun and happy times. Wishing you were still with us to share it

Dad died in St Barnabas in 2008 ,the care and dedication given to him by the staff was excellent. Everyone was so kind,from the trained staff to the domestic staff, through the sadness shone dedication and happiness.Thankyou so much x

Thinking of you and Missing you every day
love Claire xxx

Remembering you this Christmas as I do every day. Love and miss you
Xxx

She was a beautiful person and is with the angels and her loved ones that went before her.

Remembering my beautiful mum the brightest star in the sky and the person who made Christmas so special.
Thankyou for being the best mum I could have ever asked for you are missed so so much ….. untill we meet again mum love becky xxxxx

The light of my life suddenly taken away far too soon, always in my heart.

In memory of our wonderful dad who we lost in June this year to cancer; and our lovely mum who died in May 2020. Thank you for being amazing parent.s. We miss you so so much. May your lights shine brightly in heaven. All our love Heidi, Anna and Jonathan xxx

Merry Christmas Mum. Thinking of you always. Love John Amy & boys xx

Christmas will never be the same without my darling husband at my side. Sorely missed and never forgotten.

My soul mate, my best friend and the love of my life, this light is for you my darling Dougie.

Dad was cared for by St Barnabas inpatient unit for just over 3 weeks this year and they did a fabulous job to make dad comfortable and pain free as per his wishes. Also doing all they could to involve us during the pandemic. Dad lived in Lincoln all his life and memories with him will always be in our heart. Lighting a light for him will light up the memories we have of him, especially being the first Christmas period without him.