Patient stories

Tony’s Story

"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. "

Sarah’s story

"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."

Lara’s story

"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."

Nina’s story

"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’s story

"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."

Daphne’s story

"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."

Don’s story

“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.”

Dom’s story

"From the start to finish of our relationship, we never had a dull moment. We laughed every single day and even when things progressed with Dom’s illness, humour was our way of coping with life."

Chrystabell’s story

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.”

Helen and Adrian’s story

"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. "

Sue’s story

"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."

David’s story

“I’m hoping that this year we get to spend Christmas at home together and it feels like a proper celebration.”

Beryl’s story

"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."

Linda’s story

"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."

Sandie’s story

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

Audrey’s story

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

Welcome to the St Barnabas House Blog

All blogs written by expert hospice staff covering everything you wanted to know about what a hospice does, and how we support people with life-limiting illnesses.

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What we do

Find out more about us. Including our care services, who we support and care for plus our history and CQC rating.

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Media centre

Are you a journalist working on a story about hospice care? We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to reach more people with our message, we’d love to speak to you!

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About our care

Find out about all the care services we offer, read our FAQs and have a virtual tour of the hospice.

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