Dad was Mr Christmas, he loved every bit about it. We cherish this time in his memory 🤍

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 in our thoughts, miss you both everyday. I hold on tight to the special memories I keep.

Remembering all the loving, happy Christmases we shared over the years. We miss you all the time Dad but especially at Christmas xxx

We will keep the Christmas traditions going Mum, even though it’s so hard with you not here. Thinking of you always.
Love and miss you
Xxx

Miss your Thursday visits Cobby, even if you did fall asleep. Love and miss you xxx

Beloved elder sister, both in kin and spirit

Hi dad, we are all missing you so very much. We talk about you often and remember all the memories you gave us. We look to the night sky and find your star. It twinkles down on us all and says, " Don't worry, I'm always by your side, be strong, and remember yo live life, until we can be together again.
Love you.

Dear Mum and Dad,

It's hard to believe it's that time again already! Thinking of you and missing you every day.

Love,

John
XXXX

You saved others, but couldn't save yourself. I hope you see Chris, Charlotte, Alice, Luke and Faye and see the good you were part of.

Love you always Dad xxx ❤️

Always forever in our hearts, love you always xxxxxx

Thinking of you this Christmas, with your red jumper and white beard, always our very own Santa. Miss you xxx

Simon was my shining star and lit up not just my life but everyone who knew him. Taken from us far too early. Always and forever in my in my heart ❤ and thoughts xxx

Dad loved Christmas. He was like a big kid, excited to get the Christmas lights up each year. I love the idea of a light in his memory on this big Christmas Tree – it is so him. I miss you Dad xxx

We miss you everyday clarkey but at Christmas your absence is felt the most…your favourite time of the year! xxxx

Merry Christmas dad always in our hearts x

Happy Christmas mum. Miss you xx

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

Remembering my beautiful sister at Christmas and always xxx

Remembering 40 wonderful Christmas's together

Merry Christmas Nanny.

Hope your proud of us up there. Miss you everyday.

Lots of love Isabelle xx

Missing you every day beautiful girl❤️❤️❤️????????????????????????????????????

Sending love this Christmas we miss you.

Their love at Christmas were selfless and have many happy memories of them all at this special time of the year

Thinking of you always
Kathy, Nicky, Douglas, James, Rebecca, Olivia, Helena, Evie and Elliot x x

Much loved Wife, Mum, Nan and Nanny. One year since we lost you, thinking of you always xx

You will always be in our hearts and we will raise a glass to you every Christmas Day.