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.

We will love you dearly forever and never stop thinking of you.
We miss you so much.

Love Jo
Adam,Joshua,Amy,Darren,Tom & Ellis
Xxx

You were always the organizer of our family Christmas and our first one this year without you will be the hardest to get through but we know you will be there celebrating with us and we will cherish our memories that will never fade. Forever in our hearts Mum.

My dear Mum, Dad, Val, Mick and Jo, We miss you all so much, especially at Christmas. We had some lovely Christmases together. We are truly blessed to have so many happy memories. One day we will all be together again. Polly and Colin xxx

Remembering you Mum at Christmastime.

A light in memory of my mother who is dearly missed by all her family. Never forgotten xxx

To mum …miss you
Love
Nic xx

We always knew losing you would be heartbreaking but never imagined such emptiness and we miss you so much. So many memories and I miss our chats, company and sense of humour. A candle is constantly burning for you and always in be in our hearts. I hope one day we can meet again but until then say hi to Grandad/Dad, David, Auntie Margaret and all the animals. Love you always, Louise, Carol, Scott, Sam, Mike, Jack and Richard xxx

The strongest, bravest, most whole-hearted little boy.
Your memory lives on through your mummy and daddy and everyone who loves you.
Merry Christmas our little angel, you're in our hearts everyday.

Miss you each and everyday.
This year you would have been a great grandad, and what a great one you would have been. Your great grandson has Johnny as his middle name, after you.

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.

Many Happy Memories.
Thank you for everything.
We miss you every day.
God bless

Dad always liked to dismiss Christmas but secretly we all knew he enjoyed it. Always there. Always involved in the day itself from carrying a bin bag collecting all the wrapping paper to washing the pots. Happy Christmas Dad x

Miss you every single day, my life hasn't been complete since the day you left me, I love you grandma, so much xxx

IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DEAR WIFE CAROL, WITH LOVE FROM ALL THE FAMILY, FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS XXX

Our first Christmas without you Dad! Miss you every day

Stu, missing you more than ever, five years on yet it seems like yesterday x

Miss you Dad, until we meet again.
Love always Shaun, Scott, Kelly and Jade xxx

In memory of my wonderful dad who passed away 31 December 2019, I miss you so much but especially at Christmas Time, the family is not the same without you and I miss you every minute of the day. Love you always your heartbroken daughter Elaine xxxxx

A dear friend….sadly missed.

Miss you so much, nothing compares

Always in our hearts and forever grateful to have had you in our lives.
Karen, Phil, Sophie and Maddie xxxx