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.

Always loved, desperately missed. Xxx

Dearest Dad, another year has passed and you are still very much loved and missed by all the family. We think of you every day and remember the happy times x

Lots of Love from : Your loving Wife Rita, Daughter Jane, Son Chris Granddaughters Jessica, Eleanor, Poppy and John, Holly and Mal xxx. Not forgetting love from Lyrah and Henry ????????

We know you are shining down on us this christmas Nanny. You are missed more than you could ever imagine. God Bless xxx

I just remember how incredibly loving he was, I lived with them for a few yrs in my teenage yrs and it was the best yrs ever as I got to build a bind with my grandad many people don't get to build, he was just alway there x I miss his smell, I miss his face and I'm scared I will forget your voice ????

Mum loved Christmas, the tree, the lights, the food, the presents and the time spent with family. Her tree was always up as early as she thought she could get away with, even if she was coming to spend Christmas with us and wouldn't really be there to see it! On Christmas day she was the biggest kid of all and we would wrap up any amount of random things just because she loved to open presents, however daft they may be. Christmas is not the same without her.

David was the most loving, kind and funniest man and is remembered by all as a man who always had a smile for everyone. He is missed and loved by his family every day. We will raise a glass of malt whisky to him and all our past Christmases together. Love from Maureen, Daniel, Ben and Fyn xxxx

To my mum, who gave me a stocking every Christmas even when I was grown up. Merry Christmas and lots of love, Sarah x

Love and miss you mum, you’d be so proud of Harry and how he’s growing up. He still talks about you. Xx

My beautiful mum, my best friend, the best grandma to my babies, the most selfless and brave person I've ever known.
Our first Christmas without you. Not a day goes by without thinking about you, talking about you and Christmas will be no different. I miss you so, so much.
We love you to the moon and back.

My mum was a very special lady who lived her last months with the same peace and humour which had accompanied her throughout her life. I miss her every day and I know Christmas will be a little less merry without her, but I am lucky to have many very happy memories which keep her with me always.

They made Christmas so very special for me I hope they know I am thinking of them ❤️

My dad was the most kindest amazing man anyone could ever know, I have so many beautiful memories of him and miss him terribly, he is always in my thoughts and I will forever love him, happy Christmas daddy love always Sharon xx

Thinking of you as always this Christmas – All our love Rita and family

Happy heavenly Christmas to Dad and Maureen remembering the happy memories together xxx

To my darling Justin remembering the happy Christmases, your favourite time of the year how excited you would get
Love and miss you my special Son
Broken hearted Mum xxxxx

In memory of my wonderful parents always loved never forgotten xx

Remembering you both this Christmas. Xxx

My beautiful mum, miss you so very much, loves you always, loves you more xx

Together, we saw the whole of the moon. Thank you for the days.

Sending Christmas kisses and a big Christmas hug of love to our dad, it will be our first Christmas without you Dad we miss you so much at this special time,
Cheers Dad we will never forget you, love you from your loving family xx

To My amazing Dad who sadly will not be with us this Christmas . You will always be remembered ❤️ we are so lucky to have so many fond memories to cherish.
You were my rock and the foundation of The Barkle family . Love you for ever Caroline , Simon, Hayley, Carla, Harry, Ben, Elliot and not forgetting your little fusser Ivy who we know meant the world to you xxx

Remembering you every day Dad. Hope you’re me dazza!

You will both be very much missed. Christmas isn’t the same without you. Xxx

My wonderful dad. Love and miss you always xx

Remembering Jules, our beautiful daughter.

Colin and Maureen Nicholson.

Always in our hearts & minds x