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Patient stories

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

Forever dancing

Derrick was a big personality who loved to dance, volunteer and chat to everyone. When he was sadly given just a few weeks to live, St Barnabas House was there to help support him and his entire family. Derrick was admitted to the In-Patient Unit where his children, grandchildren and even the family dog got to stay with him and say their goodbyes.

His wife, Debbie, shares their story, what St Barnabas meant to her and the family and how Derrick's joyful legacy lives on.

Read Derrick’s story
Ian and Susan’s story
“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."
Mark and Sally’s story
“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."
Nigel’s story
“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
Jan’s story
"Until St Barnabas came on board, I felt so alone. When we were referred to St Barnabas, everything changed."
Lara and her family
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."
Fiona celebrating with a glass of bubbles
Fiona’s story
"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. "
Beryl at the hospice
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."
Volunteer and patient at home
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."
Image of George and Judith
George’s story
"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."

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Because St Barnabas House is a charity, we rely on your kind donations to make sure we can continue to support local people with lift-limiting illnesses.

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Four healthcare workers in different coloured uniforms, in the In patient Unit.
Sarah and her mum in the art room at the Hospice
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."
A man and woman smile while wearing sunglasses
Michael and Barbara’s story
"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
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. "
Audrey-and-Phil on their wedding day
Audrey’s story
"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
Ben’s story
"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."
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.”
Image of Helen and Adrian
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. "
Close up image of two people embracing
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."
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."
Margaret with daughter, Andrea
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."
Image of a photograph of Sandie
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."
Sue and Stevan in the art room
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."

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