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.

To my mum, who always shined brightly in our lives, especially at Christmas x We love you and miss you so much xx love you more x ………X

Always in our hearts.
Valerie, Ellen & Craig xxx

Mum, Missing you at Christmas lots of love Emma, Nigel, Charlie and Isabella xxxx

Fond and Happy memories of a dear husband Logan who died on 25/05/2020 after 13 long months of suffering .Loved and missed greatly by his wife Helen and boys Seeven ,Nathen and Khristian .Life goes on but we miss you greatly every day. .We will light a candle ,say a prayer.raise a glass and celebrate your life at our Christmas table .Life will never be the same without you but you have left us a legacy which we will honour in your name for the rest of our lives.God bless you Logan and Thank you xx
God bless you Dear Logan.xx

Love youGranddad

I didn’t get the opportunity to hold my daughter, she was taken too soon. I’ve never stopped loving you and it will be your 21st birthday this December so I would like to take this moment to wish you the best 21st birthday ever my darling daughter love mummy xxx

We will miss you so much this Christmas mum as we always spent it together. You are our shining star, always the fighter. All our love James, Abigail, Sonny & Georgia xxx

Loved and remembered always, the most special people, merry Christmas from us all x

So blessed to have known each and every one of them.

Remembering all the special times we had growing up, you were the best big brother I could have hoped for. We laughed, cried, squabbled but always the best of friends. I miss you more than people know. Love you always, Sarah xxxx

Christmas, more than ever, I miss my Dad's central role within our family festivities. I miss him so much.

Always a light in my life, forever loved and missed

Missing you so much x

Wishing the special people I have dedicated a Light up a Life to a heavenly Christmas. You will always be remembered and never forgotten.

My lovely Dad passed away 27th August 2020 . He was the most amazing Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad. He was known as Poppy Jim to all the children. We miss him more than we could ever have imagined. My Dad had csmcer a few years ago, he fought and won but the treatment caused complications and more illness which led to his passing. This is our first christmas without my lovely Dad and I know it will be for many others too. Sending love to every one of you x

Mike, this is my first Christmas without you. I will miss you more than words…sleep peacefully my little Christmas angel. I love you xxx

To dad merry Christmas we love and miss you so much Sarah Jonathan maisie and Harry

I lost my dad 10 years ago suddenly, but my mum we lost in January 2020 after her 2 year battle with cancer, so last Christmas was our last, she was very poorly at this time but we treasured every moment we had with her.

Uncles are the best friends we didnt know we needed. To my uncle in heaven ,may your star shine brightly this Christmas love always Xxx