Hospice hero celebrates 35 years

5th June 2024

A milestone 35 years

As modest as he is kind, Andy Campbell would never describe himself as a ‘hospice hero’, but having reached the milestone of 35 years’ dedicated service with St Luke’s – making him the team’s longest serving current employee – it’s a title that could not be more deserved.

As Support Officer at our specialist unit at Turnchapel, Andy – who joined the hospice back in June 1989 – understands just how much first impressions matter. It is he who ensures every person who walks through the door receives the warmest of welcomes and is immediately put at ease when visiting their loved one in the evening or staying overnight to be close to them.

A comforting face

Not only is Andy attuned to the needs of visitors who may be feeling apprehensive about what to expect within the walls of a hospice building, thanks to starting his St Luke’s journey as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) he also has empathy with the clinical team looking after patients on the ward.

HCA is a role Andy held for many years even after taking on the additional job of Support Officer – in fact, it wasn’t until 2014 that he chose to focus on the latter, covering the 6.30 – 10.30pm shift after the day staff have gone home.

As well as being responsible for securing the building for the night, Andy covers reception, answering the phone and greeting visitors. More than this, he ensures that every person spending time with their loved one is comfortable, recognising that it’s often the ‘small’ things that can make a big difference to them at such a sad time.

Keeping an eye out

Andy said: “I know our patients are looked after impeccably, so I see my role as keeping an eye out for those visiting them, who are often struggling emotionally even if they seem relatively calm on the surface.

“Whether they’re at Turnchapel for an hour or staying consecutive nights, there’s always something we can do to make them feel as relaxed as possible. Sometimes, just a friendly chat and a bit of banter are all it takes to remind them how much they matter, but we can help in practical ways too, such as ordering their favourite takeaway so they can eat what they like while they’re here.”

Putting patients and families first

So, from laying the tables ready for a family to enjoy a meal together to making up z-beds so they can stay close to their loved one through the night, Andy’s shifts revolve around the needs of our visitors so that they leave feeling better than when they arrived.

He said: “Being kind and thoughtful doesn’t cost us anything, but it can be priceless to those we help, and it’s St Luke’s unswerving commitment to putting patients and families first that has made me want to keep working for the organisation all these years.

Compassion at the heart

“In three and a half decades, I’ve seen a lot of change as the hospice has continued to evolve, but compassion has always remained at its heart. That’s what matters most to me, and it’s a privilege to serve with such a dedicated, supportive team so needed by our community.

“Working for St Luke’s is way more than just a job – you know you are part of something truly special, making a difference when it matters most of all. Nothing feels more rewarding than that.”

Thank you Andy!

St Luke’s Chief Executive George Lillie said: “On behalf of our hospice team and the many hundreds of families whose lives he has touched during 35 years with our charity, a huge and heartfelt thank-you to Andy for all his dedication and hard work.

“Professional, big-hearted and entirely unflappable, he is a fantastic ambassador for our charity and we couldn’t be more grateful for his outstanding contribution to our cause.”

Volunteer for St Luke’s

Related articles

, ,

BLOG: Step inside: Explore our specialist unit with our new hospice virtual tour

The prospect of coming to a hospice can be a daunting and scary one. We have tried to ease any uncertainty with our brand-new virtual tour. Thanks to local company Made Snappy 360 who created the virtual tour, you can now step inside the doors of our specialist unit at Turnchapel from the comfort of your home. Whether you are coming to the hospice building yourself, from home or hospital, or visiting a loved one, we hope that by exploring the rooms and gardens any anxiety can be lessened. Many of you, including young children, may have never even stepped foot inside a hospice, so will be unsure of what to expect, but thanks to the virtual tour you can now explore the rooms ahead of time, including the family play room!
, ,

BLOG: A brush with Christmas: Brian Pollard’s festive designs for St Luke’s

It might still be October, but at St Luke’s we’re starting to embrace the festive spirit - and what better way to start than with our brand-new charity Christmas cards, available in all our shops now! This year’s exclusive design has been painted by celebrated local artist and long-time supporter of St Luke’s, Brian Pollard, whose joyful winter scene captures the magic of Plymouth in the snow. We caught up with Brian to hear more about his inspiration and his special connection to St Luke’s.
, ,

BLOG: You can take the lady out of St Luke’s but not St Luke’s out of the lady

St Luke's Hospice Plymouth has reunited with one of its earliest caring hearts during a surprise visit for this special lady on her 95th birthday. Brixton Venn Court resident Joy Ridley, one of St Luke’s first-ever nursing auxiliaries in the 1980s, was visibly moved when Jess Timbrell, a paramedic with the hospice, arrived with flowers and a birthday card for her this week. Although the two women had never met before, they quickly recognised in each other the same unwavering compassion for families affected by terminal illness.
, ,

BLOG: Going above and beyond – Hospice Care Week 2025

Making what seems impossible happen – even the smallest of things - can have a profound effect for those whose time is running short and their families. At St Luke’s, we believe hospice care goes far beyond the physical care – it’s about living well until the very end. Every day, our teams go above and beyond to help patients make the most of the time they have, creating space for joy, connection, and unforgettable moments with loved ones. Whether it’s a final trip to a special place, arranging a wedding, or simply sharing stories over tea, we’re here to make memories happen. This Hospice Care Week (6-12 October 2025) we are shining a light on the compassionate stories that make up St Luke’s and the staff and volunteers that make them happen.
, ,

BLOG: Pedal-powered moorland challenge Tour de Moor supports St Luke’s hospice care

Hundreds of generous-spirited cyclists pedalled with a purpose on Sunday to make this year’s St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s Tour de Moor bike challenge a memorable and successful occasion. Wearing striking orange branded T-shirts, more than 900 riders turned the wild landscape of Dartmoor into a thrilling two-wheeler spectacle while raising vital funds to support the charity’s compassionate end-of-life care for local people and their families.
, ,

BLOG: Riding ahead of the pack: Meet Joseph

When 13-year-old Joseph realised that he wouldn’t be able to make it to our Tour de Moor ride on Sunday, he didn’t let disappointment slow him down. Instead, he took on the challenge a week early, determined not to miss out on the event he had been looking forward to all year. Avid bike lover, Joseph Florey, from Sherford, took part in our Tour de Moor with his dad for the first time last year. He loved it so much that he couldn’t wait to do it all over again this year and so signed up as soon as possible. However unfortunately, he is due to undergo an operation just before the big day, meaning he would miss this year’s event. But Joseph was not going to let that stop him from completing the challenge. He got out on his bike at the weekend and battled the weather to ride the 11km route and has raised more than £100 in the process.
, ,

BLOG: Mini-Moor, Mighty effort: Five-year-old Lenny rides for St Luke’s

At just five years old, Lenny Harrison from Plympton is gearing up for a challenge that’s bigger than most children his age would dream of - taking part in the 11km Mini-Moor route of our Tour de Moor. Not only that, but he has already raised over £1,300 for St Luke’s and he hasn’t even crossed the start line yet. Lenny, who turned five in April, lives with his mum and dad, Mica and Dan, and his older brother Parker, who’s nine. He has recently discovered a love for cycling that’s taken off in a big way. “Although he’s been great on a balance bike for a while,” says Dan, “he only really became confident on his current bike around April or May this year. But now it’s clicked, we just can’t keep him off it!”
, ,

BLOG: Mrs M makes her mural magic shine for St Luke’s Guiding Lights

With her signature blend of nature-inspired creativity, her passion for protecting the environment and her strong sense of community spirit, Plymouth artist Ellie Johnson, aka Mrs Murals, is a beacon of enthusiasm for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s Guiding Lights art trail and auction spectacular that’s set to dazzle the city’s streets in summer 2026. As one of two launch artists, alongside St Luke’s patron and celebrated city painter Brian Pollard, in May Mrs M proudly unveiled the design she created for a small scale lighthouse that will travel to different locations across South West and West Devon and into Cornwall in the lead-up to the event, encouraging public engagement and support for the hospice.
, ,

BLOG: Vicki’s Ride of Remembrance: Tackling Tour de Moor for her dad – and herself

With a mullet bike, a fierce love for enduro riding, and a promise made on her dad’s 70th birthday, Vicki Boorman will be one of our riders taking on the 53km Tour de Moor challenge on Sunday 28 September. For Vicki, riding has long been her way of finding balance and clarity - a few hours of freedom among the trees - and this year as she takes to the inclines of Dartmoor, every pedal stroke will be both a tribute to her dad and a step forward in her own journey.
PreviousNext

Our Care

Support us

Courses

Information

BLOG: National Volunteers’ Week 2024 – celebrating the volunteers...BLOG: Ray’s windswept 1,000-mile quest for Toby