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.

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

Wishing you were all still here and watching your grandchildren flourish xxx

Merry Christmas grandma and grandad Caithness hope you are proud of us all!

Fondest memories of special times spent together at Christmas.
Thinking of you always, love and prayers – Marilyn xxx ????????????

I miss you my darling every day. I’ll carry a torch for you again this year. Love you always and forever. Xxxxxx

My very first time abroad I got to spend it with you in Florida xxx

My Dad is my hero and my best friend and I miss him so much, especially a round this time of year as he died at the end of November – so Christmas is not the same without you xx

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

We love and miss you always Dad xxx

Sarah, this will the first Christmas we will be spending without you and we all miss you so much. You were our world and we are lost without you. There is not an hour that goes by where you are not in our thoughts. Fly high princess. Love you forever and always. Xxx

This is the 10th Christmas without you.
Another year too of you not playing Father Christmas for the playgroup.
All the family will be thinking of you. Xx

My Grandma, who was an amazing, kind woman who made the best chicken pies that would put Delia to shame! She is missed every day.

To our John.
Much loved Husband , father , papa and brother.
Forever missed and always in our thoughts , especially at Christmas.

Love you forever
Your family ❤️

Loving dad, grandad, friend to many so sorely missed.

You are always in my heart Rod, I will love you always and forever ❤️????❤️????❤️

With love to a very special husband, Dad and Grandad this Christmas xxxx

Miss you every day my beautiful girl , ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????❤️

In memory of a wonderful husband and father

Loved and missed forever Xx

Remembering you as always this Christmas. Lots of love from Rita and family.

For a loving Nanny, Mum and Wife. This will be our first Christmas without you, but you are not forgotten and will be in our hearts forever and allways.

We love you so much and will allways think of all the wonderful memories and hugs we shared ❤️

We miss you every single day and you are always in our heart &mind love you loads xxxx

Happy Memories Much missed