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.

Our angel in heaven. Shine brightly on the tree of life. Love and miss you always. Sue Eloise Jack and Mylo. Xx

Linda who was as beautiful inside as she was outside, A true friend and work colleague.
Merry christmas Linda , always in our thoughts

Tina and Becky

My dad died last year at the age of 57 from motor neurone disease and St Barnabas were amazing providing support throughout.
Missed every single day and will be loved forever, the most wonderful dad & husband xxx

Happy Christmas Dad/Bryn, you’ll be with us all Christmas as always, and we’ll be looking out for the robins! All our love, always xxxxx

Loved and missed always x

Love and peace from all the family x

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen,unheard, but always near, Still loved,still missed
and forever near.
Forever in my thoughts Dad xxx

Love and miss you every Christmas and every day xxx

Christmas was always a special time between my Dad and I. Always big on traditions, we would go pick out a tree together, decorate it and the house whilst listening to Christmas music and eating mince pies!
This year marks 5 years since he passed away, and I have struggled to uphold these traditions the past 5 years, but I finally feel like I will be able to get back to them this year with the fond memories of Christmases past and smile knowing he would be happy that I can get back to enjoying a holiday that I have always loved.

Merry Christmas Dad. I love and miss you everyday. I hope that I do you proud with my Christmas tree choice!! 🙂 xxxx

We’ll always remember you through our very own little Eva

Our first Christmas without you! You were always at the very centre of Christmas celebrations, making it the most magical time for everyone! How will we ever do it without you? Thank you for teaching us what it’s all about..LOVE! We’ll miss you and hopefully we won’t forget the carrots! MISS YOU & LOVE YOU SO MUCH, ALWAYS! Love Rachel, Gav & Neve XXX

Merry Christmas Grandad. We are missing you lots but I hope you have a beer in your hand watching down. Its not the same without you here. Love you always our hero.
Love Zara xx

Remembering you Mum at Christmas time.

Elaine was the most beautiful, kind, caring and compassionate wife and mum. 41 years of marriage and our love grew stronger year by year. So unlucky to lose her too soon but so lucky to have met her and for us to realise we were meant for each other. Elaine, you will never be forgotten, I will never stop loving you; until we meet again, forever yours, Richard xx

In loving memory of my beautiful cousin Alison Breese forever loved and sadly missed

Remembering with much love this Christmas

Michelle, Simon, Isaac, Tabitha & Rowan
xxxxx

Lyn and I didn't meet until our mid-40s and it turned out we had less than 8 years together, 4 of which were in the shadow of cancer until she passed away in November 2016. But in those 8 years she made me the happiest man in the world. We were married in 2011, just over a year before her diagnosis after which we still made the most of the time we had remaining. She never complained, never sought pity and a lot of people didn't even realise her situation until the last months when she had to give up work. The St Barnabus Hospice At Home team were the greatest source of help and support in that final period, and the day centre were too before and, for me, after that. I'll never be able to thank them enough.

Thank you for the wonderful times and love we shared xxx

Mum & Dad, Nan Nan & Grandad we miss you so much, lots of love Craig, Sarah, Maisie & Olivia

Dot was a wonderful Wife, Mum, Nana and Big Nana, she was such a awesome lady ,who would do anything for anyone and everyone loved her , she is missed so massively every single day. This light will be so fitting because it is just how she lit up our lives, and in our memories she always glows brightly ❤️x

This is a sad and happy time of year for me; as I remember your passing in Oct 2014, but also a happy time in December as it was also your birthday and we started our celebration of Christmas by attending the Carole service in the Cathedral and then celebrated Christmas with all the family.

Beautiful parents and sister – always in our thoughts.

Merry Christmas Dad I’m sure you will be singing entertaining and sharing your favourite tipple with your heavenly family xx love you and thank you for the amazing man you were ‘Dad’ xx

Geoff loved Christmas with his family especially seeing his children, Ashley & Emma, faces whilst opening their presents.