Hospice’s Renowned Spring Appeal Returns With An Exciting Twist

St Barnabas supporter, Emma Gowland, has spoken out about the fantastic care her dad received from the Hospice and why she is dedicating a heart in his memory.

She said: “My dad, Geoffrey, had such a cheeky personality; always joking and making us smile. He was diagnosed with cancer on 16th March 2016, and from then we only had a couple of weeks before he died and our world fell apart.

“I felt so lost at the time. I was 28, but it was as though I had reverted back to being a child, just trying to tell myself that it was all a bad dream.

“Our saving grace during this horrible period was St Barnabas Hospice. The dignity and care they showed my dad was like nothing I had ever imagined. From the moment our family walked in, we felt they were caring not only for dad, but for us too.

“My brother and I struggled to process our feelings alongside making sure Mum was ok, but the nurses took over and gave us stability when everything was falling apart. I don’t think people realise just how special the team at St Barnabas are.

“Everyone at St Barnabas has so much love to give to families and patients, which is what makes this heart display feel so special to me. The suggested donation for a heart is £35.54, this is the equivalent to one hour of specialist inpatient care, just like Dad received.

“My ironwork heart will stand proudly in the garden so that a part of Dad is here with me always.”

To dedicate a heart in memory of a loved one, just like Emma, visit www.stbarnabashospice.co.uk/foreverhearts.