In loving memory of a dear husband and father

Always remembered

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.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and letting you know how loved and missed you are.

Sleep tight Dad, Night God Bless

xxxxxx

For Helen a very special Wife, Mum and Grandma. Christmas was always your favourite time of year, we miss you so much and think of you always. Lots of Love Steve, Louise, Clare & Charlotte xxx

Merry Christmas husband, it's not getting easier. Until we meet again – keep shining down on me please. 831 XXX

Mum,
Missing you always not just at Christmas.
Love you forever ???? xxx

Was lovely to have known you Sam for 20 years. Will miss you always xxx

Thinking of our wonderful Mum and Nana at Christmas time. Always in our thoughts. She will be so greatly missed as she is every day. Sending her all our love and kisses. xxxxxx

Another year has passed without you, the love of my life, but precious memories will stay with me forever. Love you always xx

So many Christmas memories of the biggest kid of them all. So loved, so missed xxx

Miss you every day Mum.
Christmas was your favourite time of year, because it brought your family together who meant everything to you.
Happy Christmas Mum, love you lots xxx

thinking of you and missing you every day

We love and miss you Dad.
You will be the brightest star in the sky this Christmas.
Lots of love Claire, Katy, Richard and Louis
Xxxxxxxx

The hospice at home team were amazing at supporting my father in law in his last weeks, and allowed the family to spend that time together at his home. His grandchildren would like his light to shine on the tree of life this Christmas, as he was such a big part of all family festivities and was the ‘real’ Santa to all who knew him.

To the best mum / nanny, dad / grandad we could of loved. You are missed every minute of the day especially at Christmas time so we every year we attend the light procession in honour of how great you both were xx lots of love always, Hayley, callum, Joshua, Raymond and Daniel xxxxx

Missing you this Christmas and always

Maurice stayed with you in the hospice at the end of his life and we are grateful for the care you gave. Maurice is always in our memories and much missed especially by his daughter's Juliet and Lauren xx

A special husband, Dad and Grandad
Constantly loved, ever remembered xxxx

This is the first Christmas without you dad, we all miss you and love you so much!
Hope you have the best Christmas up there in heaven!
Lots of Love
Mum, Abi, Lois, Sam and Mia xxxxxx

Mike and Julie miss you all very much.
Love you all xxx

Merry Christmas Dad,
Another year without you… I miss you more with each day that goes by.
Christmas was your favourite time of the year, so I promise I will try my best to enjoy it, just like you would want me to. I'll be sure to have a Bailey's or two for you.
You'll forever hold the most special place my heart.
Xxx

My husband who has recently passed away. He was the light of my life x

Forever in my heart.

PAT, love you always. Thank you for your love. Miss you for ever sweetheart

We love and miss you all so very much. Lots of love from all of us xxxxxxx