Patient stories

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

Our Light up a Life Appeal

Jan's story

Lyn has kindly shared the story of her sister, Jan, with us for our Light up a Life Appeal. She shares how the time spent in the hospice with her sister lead to her own volunteering for the hospice and how Jan's memory is living on in a legacy of fundraising.

Read Jan’s story Light Up a Life 2024

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. "

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. "

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."

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."

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."

Beryl at the hospice

"A lot of people find the hospice to be a very happy place, including me. It’s a place where you can learn new things, where you can meet people, share your troubles, but also share your happiness."

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."

Volunteer and patient at home

"Until you need a hospice, you have no idea that the care also extends way beyond the hospice building. The regular phone calls, links with her GP and home visits were all so reassuring."

Family stories - Don

“I thought a hospice was just a row of beds with people on their way out, but it was a lovely surprise to find nice wide open spaces, full of light and comfy furniture.”

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 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."

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Four healthcare workers in different coloured uniforms, in the In patient Unit.

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.”

Image of Helen and Adrian

"Whilst I’m lucky to have an amazing support network, grief still left me feeling lonely and isolated. Because, until you have experienced the pain of loss, I don’t think you can fully understand how it feels. "

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."

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."

"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."

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."