A date night to remember for Aimee and Dan at St Luke’s

21st July 2026
Aimee and Dan
  • Aimee, receiving specialist care at St Luke’s, shared how much she missed simple date nights with her husband, Dan.
  • The hospice team at our specialist unit created a surprise romantic evening, complete with a Chinese takeaway, candles and a decorated table.
  • Aimee and Dan are renewing their wedding vows this weekend at the hospice, surrounded by loved ones.

A date night to remember at St Luke’s specialist unit

After being admitted to St Luke’s specialist unit to manage the complex symptoms of her stage four cancer, Aimee Sumner was really missing date nights with her husband, Dan.

So when she asked if it was possible to set up something at the hospice, the team pulled out all the stops to create a memorable soiree for the couple.

Together for seven years and married for five, Aimee and Dan have always loved sharing a takeaway and snuggling up to watch a film at home in Plymstock, as well as more adventurous outings like axe-throwing, bowling or walks in the park with dogs Odin, a Sprollie, and Pip the Jack Russell.

Aimee and Dan

Setting the scene for romance

For their special night at Turnchapel, St Luke’s team set the mood for a romantic meal, ordering in a Chinese, laying a table in the hospice café with pink tablecloth, heart-shaped pink balloons, candles and Bucks Fizz with a proper champagne bucket and flutes.

“I loved it. It made me cry,” said Aimee, 38. “It was such a lovely surprise – they made it so special. And Dan bought me flowers, bless him, just like a proper date!

“I can’t eat very much now so only managed a couple of mouthfuls of the Chinese, and I couldn’t drink the Bucks Fizz, but we had a toast. It was just lovely.”

Aimee dozed off a few minutes into their chosen horror movie, but date night wasn’t quite finished yet. The couple then spent the night in a cosy side room, where staff set up a two-person cuddle bed and decorated it with rose petals.

“Now I’m at this point, I’m in a place where I feel comfortable and cared for and I know I am in safe hands. But I miss home, and not being with Dan is the hardest thing. It was so nice to actually lie down and cuddle with Dan for the first time in a good while,” she said.

Aimee and Dan

Saying ‘I do’ all over again

The romantic mood continues this weekend when Aimee and Dan renew their wedding vows at the hospice in a ceremony attended by family and friends, followed by a party with slap-up buffet in the Conservatory.

“I’m excited about that,” said Aimee. She will put on her wedding dress once again and Dan will wear his suit, with bouquets and buttonholes arranged by her best friend, Nicki.

“My family are from up North and as it’s really short notice I’m not sure if they will be able to come down. But my hubby’s family will be here, and we’re having the ceremony videoed so that people who can’t come can see it.”

Aimee has nothing but praise for the thoughtfulness of the St Luke’s team in helping her and Dan make these precious memories.

“It is second to none here. St Luke’s is such a beautiful place, and the staff are incredible. I have never met such a beautiful bunch of people. The work that they do is amazing caring for us all.”

Learn more about St Luke’s at Turnchapel

Related articles

, ,

River rides Tour de Moor in memory of his grandad

For young cyclist River, taking on St Luke's Tour de Moor was about more than completing a cycling challenge. It was a chance to do something he loves, remember his grandad and raise awareness of motor neurone disease (MND).
, ,

St Luke’s appoints new Chief Executive

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth welcomes Will Warrender as its new Chief Executive from April 2027, bringing extensive leadership experience and a longstanding connection to the charity.
, ,

Connection, community and giving back: Why Caroline loves volunteering for St Luke’s

A chance visit turned into something special. Discover how volunteering at St Luke’s has brought friendship, laughter and a sense of belonging to Caroline and her son Clayton.
, ,

Nearly 1,000 cyclists saddle up for St Luke’s Tour de Moor challenge

Nearly 1,000 cyclists took on Dartmoor for St Luke’s Tour de Moor 2026, with 952 riders tackling three challenging routes. From families enjoying the Mini-Moor to seasoned cyclists conquering Beast Mode, participants came together to raise vital funds for specialist end-of-life care, many riding in memory of loved ones.
, ,

Our Guiding Lights shine bright as auction finale raises £200,000 for hospice care

Our Guiding Lights shone brighter than ever as the spectacular auction finale raised an incredible £200,000 for hospice care. Every sculpture found a home on the night, thanks to the generosity of our passionate supporters and everyone who helped make this unforgettable campaign possible.
, ,

Dave’s reason to ride: Making every mile matter

Dave will take on Tour de Moor for the fourth time this October, riding in memory of two much-loved members of his family and encouraging more friends to join him. For Dave, it’s about challenge, camaraderie and helping St Luke’s continue to make a difference.
, ,

Anna Gelderd MP backs fairer end-of-life care

Cornwall MP visits St Luke’s and backs fairer end of life care on both sides of the Tamar.
, ,

Tourist sisters travel from Essex to see Guiding Lights shine

Essex sisters Maria and Emma travelled to Plymouth for the first time, drawn by their love of charity art trails and St Luke’s Guiding Lights.
, ,

How our community is taking St Luke’s Guiding Lights to heart

A month into St Luke’s Guiding Lights, thousands have taken to Plymouth’s streets to explore the trail. Discover the incredible community spirit behind the sculptures and what’s still to come.
PreviousNext

Our Care

Support us

Courses

Information

Hospice’s pioneering programme helps schools talk about deathHelping schools talk about death and lossPedalling for St Luke’s: Tugboats and Dolphins take on a 1,200 mile chall...