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.

Merry Christmas Grandma and Grandad. I miss you both so much, but this is your first Christmas back together in a while. I hope you’re watching over me everyday and I hope I’m making you proud. I love you both xx

Love and miss you all so much especially at this time of year. X

The most special person in my life. So many beautiful memories
of the precious years we had together.
I miss you so much Dougie xx

Happy Christmas up in heaven to you all, your missed & loved every day, always in my thoughts
Love Pam xXx

Remembered each and everyday and loved always

Forever in our hearts, missing you all so much. It doesn’t get any easier as time goes by.

In memory of wonderful grandparents forever in our thoughts x

This is in memory of my mum who always put family first. Christmas was always a special time for our family to come together.

Always and forever in my heart ❤️

Neil
You were the love of my life and I think of you and miss you constantly. Our first Christmas without you will be hard but we will remember the good times we had together (and there were so many good times.) Our memories of you live on in all of us. Sleep tight my love.
Roma XX

Keep shining over us Dad, love you forever

Nette, and family xxx

Benjamin, you are in our hearts forever, we miss you so very very much so much more than words can ever say.

So loved and missed by me, his children and grandchildren. 3rd Christmas without him, he so loved his family, he would be proud of the people they are becoming x

One in a million Das. Love you so much. Miss you xxxx

For my wonderful Grandad, also a beloved dad and friend. The epitome of a gentleman. Enjoy Christmas with Grandma again.

Thank you for all the wonderful memories that we made together. xx

We know you're so proud of us all xxx

Best friend sadly missed x

Sylvia adored Christmas, it was her favourite time of year. This will be our first Christmas without her but to know her light will shine this Christmas brings comfort.

We love and miss you so much Daddy. Xxxx

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

Isobel loved Christmas time of year a fun time with the children. Always in our thoughts and remembered each and every day.

Reunited and back together like the two halves of the whole you always were. Enjoy your Christmas together
With lots of love xx