BLOG: Charity Golf Day 2021

Golf Day

Charity Golf Day

Combining a day of sporting fun with raising money to help support our care services within the local community is a win-win! Our recent Golf Day at Boringdon Park Golf Club raised a massive £9,403.11 with the help of our headline sponsors H M Williams Accountants and the wonderful hole sponsors.

The day included 18 holes of golf, a two-course meal and the chance to win £10,000 with a hole in one presented by professional golfer, Sammie!

Here’s a few kind words from the local businesses who made this event possible.

ADS Windows and Doors – Great charity to get involved with, an absolute pleasure to support St Luke’s and you never know when you, your family or friends may need their support.

Total Quality Recruitment – TQR are one of the region’s leading specialist Recruitment Businesses based in Plymouth (head office) and Exeter. TQR promote a partnership approach with their clients, offering an end-to-end, comprehensive service which includes temporary and permanent recruitment, careers advice, outplacement, market analysis and salary survey. TQR are multi-faceted, focusing on sourcing and placing entry to executive level candidates for varied industries. As a local business we like to support local charities. St Lukes have always been a charity of choice for TQR, simply because they’ve touched so many of our employees lives in so many ways.

Greenfield Kitchens – Green Field Kitchens are a local kitchen manufacturer and supplier of bespoke kitchens and bedroom furniture suplying to the trade and public across the Southwest, we are pleased to sponsor a local charity which in turn gives so much back to the local community and we are proud to be part of it.

Made with Maturity – “Typically when you hear of end of life care, you assume it is for the elderly, however this is not the case and we were shocked at the statistics of the younger age group who require end of life care. We wanted to support St Luke’s and the amazing work they undertake for those who require care and their families. What better way than to sponsor the golf day and enjoy the company of others who are there to support St Luke’s too.” Made with Maturity is a Devon based, award-winning Web and UX Design Agency who produce engaging websites for regional and national brands. We don’t just design beautiful, creative websites, we build digital projects that deliver long-lasting results based on solid a foundation of research, best practice and user testing. As a result, our websites are quicker, more efficient and customer focussed delivering maximum impact.

Plymouth Estates – We are so proud of the consistent high-quality lettings and property management and we remain passionate about serving our local community, with traditional values and customer care at the fore front of everything we do. When we first opened over 12 years ago, our aim was to provide an unbeatable customer experience with a clear and competitive No let No fee structure, we are just as enthusiastic to continue building on this success for many years to come. “We are very proud to support St Luke’s, a local charity that provides end of life care and support to those that need it most within the Plymouth community”.

Nash & Co Solicitors – “We took the decision a long time ago to get behind St Luke’s Hospice because end of life care is something that’s important to all of us. Most people in the firm know a family member or friend that has been treated at some time by St Luke’s and they’re just the most fantastic charity that we’re very proud to support. As headline sponsors of the Midnight Walk for the last four years, we are acutely aware of their need for fundraising to pay for the services they offer our local community, and we want to do our bit to support them.”  

A&M Security – A&M Security Ltd are happy to support the St Luke’s Golf Day.  Its 20 years since Elaine Laniewski one of A&M Security Ltd founding partners and Managing Directors Daniel Laniewski mum lost her battle to breast cancer and the St Luke’s staff were great to all the family and especially Elaine. This year, three of Elaine sons will be playing in the St Luke’s golf day and A&M Security Ltd will be sponsoring a hole in her memory. A&M Security Ltd are a family run security company installing and maintaining Intruder alarm, CCTV, Access Control and Fire Alarms throughout the southwest from our head office in Bell Close Plympton. A&M have grown over the years through high standard installation at affordable prices and have built up a large loyal client base throughout the last 35 years in business. If you have any security requirements, please visit our website www.aandmsecurity.co.uk or contact one of the admin team on 01752 337337

Care or not – We offer to advise people who are in need of care support and help them to identify what package of care best meets there needs to remain living in their home as independently as possible for as long as possible. We can also advise people and help them to identify an appropriate care home placement when they are no longer able to safely live alone in their own home. The care home will be one that meets the specific needs of the client. We offer specialist advice in legal areas of community care and NHS continuing Health care and Lasting Powers of Attorney. We can support and advise clients who need help with social service assessments and care plans, adaptations to the home, Direct payments for care services, residential care and funding of care. I have supported St Luke’s because of the tremendous work that they do. They enable people to die with dignity. They provide support when it is badly needed and in difficult circumstances. The amazing people at St Luke’s can also help you smile again.

Mortgages4Plymouth – In an ever-changing mortgage market, it’s important to receive up-to-date advice from a company you can trust. You can rely on Mortgages4Plymouth to give sound advice, personalised to you.

We offer an initial free no obligation appointment to see if we can help you achieve your goal. Whether that be buying your first home, re-financing your existing property, moving house, building a Buy-to-Let portfolio or ensuring that you have adequate protection for your mortgage, family and income.

We are proud to support this event for St Luke’s, a charity very close to our heart, who provide the most fantastic support for those who need it.

Base Concepts – Base Concepts is a Plymouth based company who specialize in all forms of construction, refurbishment and maintenance works including extensions, bathroom, kitchen and whole house refurbishments. Our commercial services include shopfitting, drylining and on-call maintenance. We are proud to support St Luke’s as a local charity who provides such a caring and invaluable service to so many in their time of need.

Fairwinds Mortgages – I wanted to be part of something magical, making a difference to the care our community gets from this wonderful organisation. At Fair Winds Mortgages Ltd we offer a comprehensive range of mortgage and insurance advice.  As Professional Advisers we have access to a wide range of lenders and insurers.

Marslands Accountants – Marslands Accountants help landlords and small businesses meet their tax obligations. We specialise in rental property accounts and helping landlords with HMRC’s Let Property Campaign. Marslands are certified advisors for Xero and Quickbooks and can help you with the transition to cloud accounting in preparation for Making Tax Digital. We aim to give our clients a peace of mind service and save them more in tax than our fee! Contact Marslands on 01752 344582 or email admin@marslands.co.uk.

Nordic Installations – Nordic Installations Ltd are manufacturers and installers of aluminium fenestration products. As specialists in our field, the range of experience and ability to deal with challenges is a resource that architects can take full advantage of. The creation of practical but visually attractive solutions to design challenges is a resource for architects and project managers, looking beyond the drawings to practical applications and requirements.

From fittings to complete systems, understanding what is required from a window, door or curtain walling system will ensure problem free installation and future performance, saving on time and budget.

The experience within Nordic Installations Ltd is a key factor in resolving complex geometry and detailing ensuring there are no problems with any of the major features.

Understanding the needs and requirements of local authorities, health trusts, education authorities and similar agencies or organisations is key to achieving efficient, smooth running build programmes.

Nordic Installations Ltd has become a recognised supplier to a variety of public sector construction projects. All have benefited from the company’s in depth knowledge of product performance levels, appropriate applications and valuable input into design issues.

Benellie – Benellie premium accommodation is the premier Airbnb luxury short term accommodation specialists in the city catering for families and business alike.

ADS – Architectural Design Solutions are a leading window film installation company with 20 years’ experience in the trade. We offer a full range of window film products from tinted to security and provide the ideal solution for any environment. At home or at work, one thin layer of window film helps cut the cost of your energy bills, reduces excessive glare, blocks out heat, increases privacy and security.

Wright Clean Ltd – Wright Clean Ltd provide commercial cleaning services across the South West working with local people and businesses.

Travel Counsellors – As a Travel Counsellor with 30 years’ experience I am your go to person for all types of travel plans. Completely impartial and financially protected I am here to find the right solution for you so what are you waiting for? Specialising in once in a lifetime experiences why not trust a true award winning expert to elevate your travel plans to another level?  Get in touch today for a consultation and tailor made proposal.

Steve Hoskings Construction – ‘Steve Hoskin Construction Ltd Building and Civil Engineering Contractors deliver a wide range of services such as earthworks, excavation, civil engineering works & street works to its clients across the southwest. Established in 1995, we are proud of our Cornish heritage. With that pride comes the drive for continual improvement as well as long term planning and ongoing investment in plant, staff skills, training and safety.’

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BLOG: Light up a Life – Angie’s story

Light up a Life - Angie's Story

Light up a Life – Angie’s story

St Luke’s supporter Angie shares her story about her Dad, Clive, and how important St Luke’s was to her family…

“St Luke’s looked after my Dad, Clive, wonderfully at the end of his life 30 years ago, and I don’t know how our family would have coped without them.

“Dad was such a lovely man, very easy-going and jolly. He was an electrician and when he went self-employed, I did his typing for him, which meant we were together more and grew even closer. I have fond memories of the caravanning holidays we used to have, too – Mum, Dad and me and my siblings, Julie, Paul and Carol, all together.

“When Dad became short of breath doing simple things, we insisted he went for tests. When they revealed he had asbestosis it was devastating because it’s so serious and there’s no known cure.

“Seeing his condition deteriorate was really tough, and it was harder still when he became so poorly that he needed end of life care. There were such mixed emotions for our family because this was all happening while I was pregnant and me and my husband Colin were excited to be having our first child.

“Everyone was so friendly, his room had beautiful views”

“Hearing the word ‘hospice’ felt frightening. You can’t help imagining a depressing place, but to our relief St Luke’s specialist unit wasn’t like that at all. It was shortly before Christmas when Dad went in, and straight away, we knew he was in safe hands. Everyone was so friendly, his room had beautiful views and mum could stay by his side.

“St Luke’s were so kind and when Christmas Day came, they arranged for Dad to be at home with us for a couple of hours. He was very weak by then and stayed on the sofa, but it meant the world to him – and the whole family – that we could have that last Christmas together. It was the best gift we could have received.

“Just a week later, I went into labour and Mum accompanied me to the hospital – and, after I’d given birth, she raced back to Dad to tell him the happy news.

“Sadly, it was just a few hours later that Dad died and though it was heart-breaking that he never got to meet our new arrival, it has always comforted me that he lived long enough to hear the wonderful news of his birth.

“I’ll never forget the special man my Dad was, and the way St Luke’s helped us all at such a difficult time.”

“I’ll never forget the special man my Dad was, and the way St Luke’s helped us all at such a difficult time. Colin and I decided to call our son Luke, partly because the name couldn’t be shortened but also because I think, subliminally, I associated the name with the great kindness our family received from the hospice team.

“Luke is 30 now, doing well in his career and about to get married. I know Dad and Mum, who died just 18 months after him, would be so proud of Luke and our other children Jake and Tillie. We keep their grandparents’ memory alive, and we do whatever we can to support St Luke’s to say thank-you for making such an important difference.”

Were you touched by Angie’s story? During the festive season, we reach out to the families of our patients, allowing them to tell their stories of care at St Luke’s to people like you. If you’d like to help us continue to deliver our compassionate care, please consider donating to our Light up a Life campaign.

volunteering for 30 years
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BLOG: Recognising three decades of volunteering dedication

volunteering for three decades

Recognising three decades of volunteering dedication

“It doesn’t seem that long – I can’t quite believe it!”

They say time flies when you’re enjoying yourself and that is just how Saltash charity shop volunteer Jackie Taylor feels about clocking up an incredible 30 years as part of the store’s hardworking team.

Jackie, who is 80, lives in the town with her husband and has four children and nine grandchildren. Explaining what drew her to volunteer with our charity after moving to Saltash from London, she said: “I had a breast cancer scare and although I turned out to be okay, it got me thinking that one day I might be one of the ones who needs St Luke’s. Also, I’d worked as a nurse in London so there was an affinity there as well.

“I always look forward to my two mornings a week at the shop. I’m happy doing whatever is needed, whether it’s being on the till, steaming clothes and tagging them, or doing the dusting.

“It’s great being part of such a super team.”

“Hayley is a lovely manager, and it’s great being part of such a super team with people who are all so dedicated. I love meeting the customers, too. It’s never about hard selling – they’re there because they want to be, and I enjoy chatting with them as they browse around.

“Of course, being a volunteer all this time I’ve seen lots of changes, including the shop moving from the bottom of the town to the top and back again. What has stayed the same though, is the compassion St Luke’s has for everyone who needs them. It feels good to contribute to a charity that makes such an important difference in the community.”

As part of recognising Jackie’s special milestone, Saltash Shop Manager Hayley Pollard put on a celebratory tea, with Head of Retail Mike Picken and Retail Area Manager John Saunders calling in to say a special thank-you, too.

Hayley said: “Making sure the shop runs smoothly is a real team effort and we couldn’t do it without our volunteers who so kindly give their time and skills. I started as a volunteer myself – on the same day as Jackie in fact, so we’ve known each other a very long time. She’s committed and focussed, and nothing is too much trouble. I can only describe her as a complete superstar!”

Thank you, Jackie, for everything you do for our charity – it is so appreciated.

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BLOG: Furniture Collection with compassion

furniture collection with compassion

Furniture collection with compassion

For our friendly team of drivers who carry out furniture collection from people’s homes so it can be sold in our charity shops, it’s a job that involves more than the muscle they use to do the heavy lifting.

With six years’ service, Mark Stansbury is the longest-serving van driver in the collection team covering Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall. During that time he has visited hundreds of homes across these areas, picking up furniture from people not only keen to clear space in their houses but to support local hospice care, too.

“I often hear anecdotes that highlight the great compassion and respect St Luke’s has for everyone in their care.”

One of seven drivers in the team, he said: “Not everyone we collect from has had personal experience of St Luke’s, but many have. It is always heart-warming when they share their memories of a family member or friend looked after by the hospice team, and I often hear anecdotes that highlight the great compassion and respect St Luke’s has for everyone in their care.

“Sometimes – particularly if the person has recently been bereaved – you can see them struggling emotionally. I’m prepared for that and mindful that the items they’re donating might have belonged to the person who has died.

“Recently, my colleague Bob and I made a call to a man in Ivybridge. Straight away, I could see he was upset, and when he explained that his mother had died just a few days before and that he had the difficult job of clearing out her house before the owner wanted it back, my heart went out to him.

“I listened as he spoke very movingly about his mum and how well she had been looked after by St Luke’s, first at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and then at home, where she passed away. We had a bit of general chat, too, and by the time we left him, I could see his spirits lifting.

“The aftercare our charity provides is there to make sure people who are grieving have the listening ear and emotional support they need.”

“I didn’t want to leave it there, though, because it was obvious he was going through a very difficult time. The aftercare our charity provides is there to make sure people who are grieving have the listening ear and emotional support they need. So, I spoke about it with my manager Becky Lugg and with Retail Area Manager John Saunders and we were able to arrange for a colleague from St Luke’s Social Care team to get in touch with him.

“It felt good knowing I’d helped, not only in a practical way by collecting the furniture but by showing him some kindness and reminding him that he wasn’t alone.”

St Luke’s furniture collection service is available between 9am and 4pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Click here for booking details.

 

Tour de Moor Blog Header
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BLOG: Cyclists unite for St Luke’s Tour de Moor

Tour de Moor Blog HeaderCyclists unite for St Luke’s Tour de Moor

Community-spirited cyclists braved the wilds of Dartmoor at the weekend, raising much-needed funds to support local hospice care that makes an important difference to families affected by terminal illness.

After putting on the brakes last year because of the pandemic, the Tour de Moor biking challenge in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth made its return on Sunday 10 October, attracting more than 1,400 participants, which exceeds the total in 2019. The popular, annual family-friendly event, sponsored by Print Copy Scan, a local supplier of printers and copiers, saw cyclists take on their choice of an adrenalin-packed, hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route; a tough 30km ride over hills and through woods, or a more gentle 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail.

Not only does Tour de Moor provide for every level of cycling ability, the money it raises means our highly skilled teams can be there for more families, providing expert medical care as well as vital emotional, practical and spiritual support.

Among the cyclists taking on the mud, sweat and gears of this year’s Tour de Moor were those doing so in memory of their lost loved ones.

One of the brave 945 people doing the demanding 52km route, in which cyclists tackle the notorious Widowmaker hill not once but twice, was Lydia from Peverell, participating in tribute to her much-loved nanny, Margot. St Luke’s looked after Margot at home eight years ago before sadly, she died.

“It feels important to give back to St Luke’s.”

Tackling Tour de Moor with brother Conor and friends, Lydia said: “This is the first time I’ve done the event and although I’ve been down the Widowmaker before, I have never been up it! It’s a tough challenge but it feels important to give back to St Luke’s because they were just so wonderful in the way they looked after Nanny, making her comfortable at home.

“She was an amazing lady and so very caring. Losing her hit me really hard and I’m grateful that St Luke’s were there for me, too, with a listening ear when I needed support.”

Also doing the 52km route for the first time was Lesley, from St Budeaux. She said: “I wanted to join in because of the difference St Luke’s made when my Auntie Lena needed their care back in 2007. It is very peaceful at Turnchapel, and she was looked after with such compassion – nothing was ever too much trouble.

“I miss my auntie a lot. She was an incredibly positive person, including throughout her illness, and always thinking of others. Tour de Moor is my way of saying thank-you to the hospice team for caring for her so well.”

“I can’t speak highly enough of St Luke’s.”

Making Tour de Moor a family affair was Ian, from Plympton, taking part in the 30km challenge with son Oliver, aged 9. The duo was doing the event in memory of Ian’s aunt, Gill, who died of cancer last year. She was looked after by St Luke’s at home before she passed away.

Ian said: “As a former Wren, my auntie had that military spirit and was very bubbly and outgoing. It comforts me that she was able to accomplish the things on her bucket list before she died, and also that she received the very best of care from St Luke’s.

“Oliver remembers her fondly too, so doing Tour de Moor together is very special. He can’t wait to take on the extra tough 52km in a few years’ time! It’s good to know that the money we raise will help more local families affected by cancer and other terminal illnesses. I can’t speak highly enough of St Luke’s and the important work they do.”

“What an amazing day!”

St Luke’s Events Lead Georgina Mayhew said: “What an amazing day! Tour de Moor is always a fantastic event but this year felt all the more special as we welcomed cyclists back after last year’s cancellation due to COVID safety measures.

“Our charity relies on the kindness of our community to help us continue looking after local people so they can live well to the end of their lives. Our cyclists did us proud and we are very grateful to them for getting on their bikes for us. Thanks to them, we can be there for more people who need us, ensuring they get the best possible care and support at the end of their lives.

“We’re already excited to be planning Tour de Moor 2022 because it is set to be one of the highlights of St Luke’s 40th anniversary year!”

We would like to thank Print Copy Scan for their ongoing sponsorship of the annual event, as well as recognise the kindness of Dartmoor National Park and Maristow Estate for the use of their land, Dartmoor Rescue Group, Devon and Cornwall 4×4 Response and Devon and Cornwall Cycle Marshals for their valued support, and the Dewerstone Café for help with facilities.

On any one day, we looks after around 300 people with life-limiting conditions at home – where the majority of patients receive their care – in hospital and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel. Our service covers from Salcombe to East Cornwall via Tavistock and the moors.

BLOG: Acceptance and understanding bring light to couple in their darkest time

Hospice Care Week 2021

Acceptance and understanding bring light to couple in their darkest time

“It was a safe place during a dark time. Somewhere we could be ourselves and spend precious time together.”

When someone is nearing the end of their life, it matters more than ever that they should be with those dearest to them, but – as revealed by research carried out by the Care Quality Commission* – for some LGBTQ+ people with terminal illness the reality is that they encounter discrimination and lack of understanding at a time when they most need acceptance and support. This Hospice Care Week (4 – 8 October), a Plymouth man is sharing his story to demonstrate what high-calibre hospice care looks like when you are part of a gay couple, and the important difference it makes.

When retail manager Pete Richards met accountant Richard Shaw in 2012, their instant connection saw the two quickly become inseparable, moving in together, enjoying holidays in far-flung destinations and relishing time spent with friends and family, including their two young nephews, aged 6 and 4.

The couple’s active lifestyle included regular walks along the coast and in the countryside, plus daily visits to the gym for health-conscious Richard, who Pete describes as ‘the perfect gentleman – always impeccably turned out’.

Then, at Easter 2019, came devastating news that changed everything, when tests revealed that Richard aged 36 had a brain tumour. A gruelling regime of medical treatment followed, including chemotherapy, but could not halt the growth of the tumour and eventually, Richard made the difficult decision not to undergo further treatment.

Pete said: “Our focus was on making things easier, ensuring he was comfortable and being able to enjoy the time we had left together – that’s why getting him into St Luke’s specialist unit at Turnchapel made sense. Not only are the doctors and nurses experts in end of life care, it’s local so it was really easy for me and our family and friends to visit. Rich was such a sociable person and he loved having us all around him.

“It was such a relief to find that the hospice was not at all like the dark place I’d been expecting. There was a feeling of great warmth, and Rich had a lovely big room with spectacular views of the Hoe.

“What really meant so much to us both was that we didn’t have to hide our sexuality. Even though this is the 21st century, I was anxious I might have to pretend to be Richard’s friend instead of his partner, but we were immediately accepted as a couple and received nothing but kindness and support from everyone at St Luke’s. I could lie next to Richard and cuddle him without worrying what anyone was thinking.”

Importantly, too, Turnchapel was a place Richard and Pete felt comfortable for their nephews Charlie and Matthew to visit – not only because of the playroom full of toys and the space for them to run around but because through our Patches scheme, providing bespoke, age-appropriate support for young children facing the loss of someone close. Our Family and Children’s Support Worker Lisa was there to involve the boys in fun activities as well as gently preparing them for the changes they would see in their uncle.

Pete said: “Rich adored watching the boys play and just seeing them be happy, and Lisa was amazing all the way through. She helped Charlie and Matthew process what was happening, and even after Rich died she visited them at home.

“The other staff were really kind, too, wheeling Rich’s bed into the garden on sunny days and making us cups of tea. One nurse in particular, Anca, stood out to me. She would give Rich these hand massages that would put him to sleep. Little touches like that made such a difference.

“Rich was at St Luke’s about four weeks and I’m forever grateful that when he died it was with the people he loved most in the world around him. We were all there, holding his hands.

“Losing my partner, who was such a lovely, lovely guy, has been heart-breaking, but everything St Luke’s did for us made that final chapter a little bit easier. From day one, Rich and I were welcomed, loved and respected by the team just as much as anyone else and that compassion never wavered. They were even there in the church for Rich’s funeral, supporting us.

“Everybody, regardless of background or circumstances, deserves to die with dignity surrounded by those they love and that’s why I feel I owe St Luke’s a debt for helping Rich, me and our family, bringing light to us in our darkest time.”

Want to ensure more families can access our care?

Show your support for nurses like Anca and Lisa by sponsoring a St Luke’s nurse or join Pete in taking on challenges in aid of St Luke’s. Thank you!

*A Different Ending: Addressing Inequalities in End of Life Care 2016

Other useful documents, Hospice UK Equality in hospice and end of life care: challenges and change

Light up a Life

Light up a Life

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