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 going to football with my Dad on Boxing day

To GGB,

Thank you for keeping an eye on me from heaven and please look after Doodle for us. You’d be so proud of how well I’m doing at school.

‘Always in my heart’

Your best friend Oliver JBD xxx

Merry 1st Christmas our darling girl
We hope you are happy, dancing in the clouds.
Love you always and forever,
Mummy and Daddy
xxxx

Rachael you shone so bright, beautiful inside and out, you lit up a room with your smile and not just a room all the lives of those that were fortunate enough to have known you. Such happy loving memories that I carry with me everyday of you my darling that continue to still light and warm my heart. I know how much you loved Christmas, so here's to a beautiful shining light on the tree especially for you Rachael. XXX

Grief is the last act of love, where there is deep grief, there is great love.

We miss you every day. Christmas will not be the same without you. Love you xxx

St Barnabas made it possible for my husband to spend his last weeks at home as he wished and I was well supported.

Always in our thoughts and missed every day.

Allways the life and soul of the party, She may be gone but will never be forgotten. xxx

John absolutely loved Christmas. He loved nothing more than to decorate all of the inside and outside of our home with lights.We will miss you this Christmas and always.Lots of love Doreen Sharon and Loyd

Christmas like you will go on forever.

In memory of a beloved wife who was taken far too young

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

The man who never grew up, filled our hearts with happiness and our lives with unforgettable memories.
A loving husband, Dad and Grandad.
Remembered each and every day.
Our love, always.

A much loved and missed Husband, Dad and Grandad. Gone but not forgotten Remembering the good times we all had with you. Goodnight and god bless. XX

Merry Christmas. May you always shine over us and look after us. We miss you.

Forever Blue! X

I am paying tribute to Em's almost 55 years of devotion to her children and me, whatever the circumstances, wherever we were. Tim Beath.

Almost 20 years gone but I still remember the positive impact St Barnabas had. I treasure the teddy a nurse gave my mum.

Your love of Christmas always shone so brightly. You spent many, many hours volunteering as Father Christmas for various local charities. Such care and attention for every single child you saw. Making sure that you kept the magic alive for them ❤️ we miss you dad, always, every day, but particularly at Christmas

Missing you both this Christmas, will remember the good times as I put up the Christmas trees this year, with all the memories attached to each bauble. Lots of love Tanya

As time goes by you are missed more and more. Love and miss you lots. X

My first Christmas without a hug and smile from you will be difficult but I will remember how lucky I have been to call you ‘Mum’ for so many years and how wonderful it was to be your son.