When faced with the reality of coping with a terminal illness, many people say that the fear of having to handle pain and other distressing symptoms, as well as a possible loss of dignity, is what worries them the most. 

Founded in 1982, St Luke's Hospice is a registered charity that is dedicated to providing highly specialised palliative and end of life care for patients who have terminal or life-limiting illnesses. We also offer support to the families and loved ones of our patients.

Today, as part of St Luke's Services, the Hospice cares for more than two thousand people each year from across Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall.

It is our vision to help our patients achieve the best possible quality of life by giving them dignity and choice at a time in their lives when they may feel they have none. Our aim is to offer care and support to patients in their 'preferred place of care' wherever that might be: At the Hospice inpatient unit, at Plymouth’s Derriford Hospital or at Home.

The Hospice costs more than £5 million each year to run. Government funding is extremely limited so each year at least £3.5m must be raised within the local community.