Every day, St Barnabas Hospice are privileged to see the impact that legacy donors make on the services they provide to the people of Lincolnshire.
These remarkable gifts help to expand their services, set up new initiatives and support staff.
Since opening their doors to their first patient over 40 years ago, more than 100,000 people have received free, compassionate end-of-life care and support from the charity.
Warwick Davis, Patron and legator of St Barnabas Hospice, shares how with your help, the Hospice can keep caring for the Lincolnshire community for years to come.
Warwick said: “Hospice care is a vital part of countless lives, and no one appreciates that more than the patients and their families.”
“You see how St Barnabas is there for them no matter what. That’s why some people choose to leave a gift in their will, to say thank you, after we’ve said goodbye.”
“The gifts our friends leave in their wills, however big or small, help to keep our doors open and our care flowing.”
“Even a small donation can make a huge difference to a patient or their family, when they need it most.”
Nobody understands that more than Ann Gregory, wife of Pete, a St Barnabas patient.
Pete was diagnosed with a grade four glioblastoma in April 2022. Pete, Ann and their family went on to receive care from a variety of services provided by St Barnabas, including Hospice at Home support.
Ann said: “Pete was 67 years old at the time of his diagnosis and his words to me were ‘I don’t want to know how I’m going to die’.
“The support from St Barnabas kept me going, I couldn’t have managed without them.
“From the physiotherapist to the people coming in to talk to Pete about what was going to happen, getting his respect form in and sorting out claims. They just knew what they were doing.”
Helen, Ann’s eldest sister, is another member of the family that has received support from St Barnabas. She said: “I’m not sure there are many other families out there that have received as much support from St Barnabas as we have.
“Sadly, a number of years ago my husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. Approximately five years ago, my youngest sister was diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer and then, nearly two years ago, I was also diagnosed with incurable secondary breast cancer.
“We have all received so much support from St Barnabas and we are all so, so grateful.”
St Barnabas understand that leaving a legacy is a deeply personal choice. Wills are an important way of making sure your wishes are known, and that the things you have worked hard for during your life will go to the people and causes that you hold dear.
St Barnabas are able to help you with this and make it as simple as possible.
The Hospice run regular Free Will Cafés in their Wellbeing Centres across the county, where you can meet with a legal professional to gain guidance about making your Will. Find out more about the charity’s upcoming available appointments in Grantham and Lincoln.
Alternatively, there is the opportunity to use a free and simple online service with Octopus Legacy, or ask your solicitor to give you advice about leaving a gift in your Will to St Barnabas.
Warwick and Ann have supported St Barnabas in numerous ways. Now, both as legators of the Hospice pledging: “I have left a gift in my Will to St Barnabas.”
To find out more and give the gift of loving care, please visit the St Barnabas Hospice website, or contact the charity’s Legacy Advisors on 01522 540 300 or legacy@stbarnabashospice.co.uk.
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