St Barnabas House is a charity based in Worthing which provides palliative and end of life care to adults with life-limiting illnesses.They believe everyone facing life-limiting illness should receive the care and support they deserve. Their mission is to provide dignity, comfort and choice for adults who need specialised, supportive care. 

When we had to make the call to the hospice their community team came and visited us at home and talked us through Sarah's options. Just their presence at home was calming and the process was calm, not rushed and so respectful. They helped us decide how best to ensure she was comfortable, which for Sarah was at the hospice. The 10 days she was cared for at the hospice gave the family time needed to be with Sarah knowing she was receiving the best possible care. We were given a large family room where we could spend time with Sarah and feel at home. For Martha it was a safe non hospital like room where she felt comfortable to leave possessions and come and go with family. Their family team also provided amazing support to her helping her understand what would happen, and without them such conversations would have been so hard.

Like so many charities in 2020 their income stream has been massively affected, yet so many families need their support.

In 2020 whilst enjoying a summer swim Martha and I discussed whether we could swim every month in 2021. On 31 Jan she reminded me of this and I had my first sea swim of the year. 7.5 degrees sea temp, ambient temp 10 degrees! Hopefully it will get warmer soon!

With generous support St Barnabas House have helped to provide specialist supportive care for 1,786 local people and their families at the hospice and in the comfort of their own homes last year. If you can just share a couple of quid while you laugh at the thought of us dipping our toes in icy water it all adds up :-)