Patient stories

Read our patient and family stories and see the difference your support makes to local people.

Hospice patient Marc is helping support our winter campaign by telling his story

Marc's story

Marc explains the life-changing effect of hospice care on his family, and asks people to support their local hospice so they can be there for more people in future.

Read Marc's story

“From the medical team to the lovely man in the café, and the cleaner who stopped what she was doing to give us a hug, I feel that everyone wrapped us up in love and care."

“I was so impressed with the care Susan received that I decided to leave the hospice a gift in my Will, as well as financially supporting the charity in my lifetime."

“We chose Hospice at Home, and it was beyond amazing. The hospice did everything very, very well. The people were brilliant: nothing was too much trouble."

“I'm so grateful that we got that time while he was in St Barnabas, because we sort of got him back for a little while."

Jan's family picture

"Until St Barnabas came on board, I felt so alone. When we were referred to St Barnabas, everything changed."

Lara and her family

"St Barnabas brought us all a huge sense of relief from no longer having to worry about things like medicines, personal care or feeding. And it also gave my dad a lot of peace, knowing we were being looked after too."

Female physiotherapist wearing a white uniform doing gardening with a male patient

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Fiona celebrating with a glass of bubbles

"Despite all this, Mum’s happiness and humour was quickly picked up on by the nurses and it was beautiful to see the connection they had with her. "

Image of George and Judith

"When George eventually agreed to me calling St Barnabas, I felt utter relief as his symptoms were so complex that we couldn’t cope at home."

Sarah and her mum in the art room at the Hospice

"She makes me laugh all the time, and everyone she meets loves her because she’s so bubbly and chatty. Just being around Sarah makes you feel better."

A man and woman smile while wearing sunglasses

"We felt so welcome when we first arrived, and nothing seems like too much trouble. Everybody we have met has been absolutely brilliant."

Selfie of Tony and wife

"The pain of losing your partner, your soulmate, is almost impossible to describe. I miss his laughter and his crazy socks every day. But I can honestly say that saying goodbye to Tony was easier thanks to the support of St Barnabas. "

Audrey-and-Phil on their wedding day

"I admired Audrey so much, her ability to keep her strength and dignity throughout her illness was an inspiration."

A woman and a man smiling together

"The Care Team at St Barnabas House are amazing, I’d even describe them as angels. We were at the hospice for the worst possible reason, but we still smiled and chuckled every single day."

When one of the nurses recognised Ted from when he sang and entertained in the St Barnabas Day Hospice she said, “This is such a privilege, to be able to give something back to him for all he gave to us.”

“I have learnt so much and coming to the art room at St Barnabas has really given me the opportunity to explore my creativity, talk, and work through my grief. It’s also a great opportunity to talk to other people in a similar situation, while discovering things about yourself."

Close up image of two people embracing

"At the beginning there were lots of dark days, but thankfully they’re getting fewer. I know that if I knocked on St Barnabas’s door tomorrow and said I was struggling I’d be invited in and offered counselling."

"If you’re fortunate in life, you will meet that one person who is as much a part of you as your own body and soul. For me, that person was Linda."

Margaret with daughter, Andrea

"Thanks to the hospice, I look back on the last few months of Mum’s life as a gift. With help to keep her comfortable at home, I could spend quality time with Mum – as her daughter, not her carer."

Image of a photograph of Sandie

"We broke down in tears. She’d worked in palliative care most of her life, but nothing can prepare you for that news."

Sue and Stevan in the art room

"I look forward to visiting the hospice and I’m doing something that means such a lot to me. Rather than sitting at home and giving up, I now have a collection of beautiful artworks and the grief I felt on that first visit to the art room feels a little less raw."