“My name is Rebekah, and I would like to share with you some very special news about how St Barnabas is helping people like us remember loved ones this spring. When my sister Natalie died, my family and I wanted to find ways to support the Hospice. Now I can honour her memory with a personalised ironwork feather, and you can do the same for your loved ones.
“My sister, Natalie, was a funny, kind, and beautiful mother, sister, and auntie. She loved everybody she met and was so generous.
“In April 2021, at age just 33, she was diagnosed with one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer. Natalie appeared healthy and full of life, so it seemed impossible that anything could ever take her from us, from her children. In May 2022, I realised that we didn’t have much time left with her at all.
“The St Barnabas nurses that visited Natalie at home, were a huge support to her and us, as a family. They could not do enough for Natalie in the final weeks of her life, going above and beyond to make sure that she was comfortable.
“We have seen first-hand just what a difference St Barnabas makes to its patients and their families, which included the invaluable help and support members of our family received after Natalie’s death. This wouldn’t have been possible, were it not for kind-hearted people like yourself who have donated to the Hospice in memory of loved ones. St Barnabas Hospice supports and cares for over 12,000 people across Lincolnshire every year and with your support, I know they will be able to continue to do so for years to come.
“I am excited to share with you that when you purchase your ironwork feather, it will appear in a beautiful display, made possible thanks to Aubourn Hall Gardens and Grounds.
“The ironwork feathers are made at three different heights to create a moving display of art that will interact with the wind. At the end of the display, you will be invited to choose the feather that resonates with you the most and collect the personalised tag with your loved one’s name, to take home and display forever.
“To purchase your feather, you can visit the St Barnabas Hospice website or, you can fill out the enclosed form and post it back to us.
“The moving Feathers from Above display will be open to visit from Saturday 4th May to Friday 17th May and you can book to visit through the St Barnabas Hospice website. You will receive a unique code for one free entry with every feather purchased. For other visitors, the entry fee is £8 per person (50% of which will be retained by St Barnabas) and free for children under 16 years old.
“There is also an opportunity to view the display at night, with specially curated lighting, photos of the loved ones, music, and a welcome drink. The reflection evenings are taking place on Thursday 2nd and Friday 3rd May. Tickets are £10 per person, and you can book a time to visit through the St Barnabas website.
“Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and hear about how much St Barnabas means to our family and so many others. I look forward to seeing so many special people being remembered through the Feathers from Above appeal alongside my sister, this spring.”
Best wishes,
Rebekah Watson