Record-breaking 2,500 put their best foot forward for hospice care

23rd March 2025

St Luke’s Men’s Day Out

An incredible 2,500 men took to the streets of Plymouth on Saturday, striding out to honour their much-missed loved ones and show their support for the independent charity that provides specialist end of life care for local families.

Sunny skies made an unexpected appearance as the biggest gathering yet of big-hearted chaps of all ages turned out for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s Men’s Day Out, setting off from Plymouth Albion rugby ground at Devonport to walk 12km along the waterfront and through the city – a reversal of the route to ring the changes for regular participants.

The iconic sold-out event – the biggest men’s charity walk of its kind in the South West and beyond – has gained huge momentum over the years. Since it was first held in 2014, with just 574 walkers, it has raised more than £1 million through sponsorship and donations to fund the clinical, practical and emotional support St Luke’s provides for people in their last months, weeks and days of life and their families.

United by a common goal

United by a common goal, the men enjoyed a unique camaraderie as they walked, sharing light-hearted banter as well as digging deeper to reveal moving stories of their own experiences of loss and grief and how St Luke’s has helped them and their loved ones.

Most sported distinctive official navy blue event T-shirts, but as usual a host of eye-catching fancy-dress outfits added a touch of drama to the day, including a topical Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, knights of old England, Roman gladiators, cops and robbers, seagulls and chips, burger pickles, clowns and Dunkin Donuts.

You’re not alone

Steve Ladds was flying high inside a Spitfire aircraft costume he made himself, walking in memory of “my beautiful wife Allison” who was cared for by St Luke’s at Turnchapel before she died in January 2024. They had been together 43 years.

He said: “I took part in Men’s Day Out for the first time last year on 6 April, which would have been Allison’s 62nd birthday. I had an old flying helmet and goggles so decided to rustle up a flying machine to go with them this year. It’s made from about 30 years’ worth of rubbish from my shed that Allison was always telling me to get rid of, so now I have!

“St Luke’s is a fantastic organisation. Nothing is too much trouble for them. You can talk to them about anything. When you have a loss in the family, you feel like you’re alone. Coming to Men’s Day Out you are walking alongside people and you all have something in common and you realise you’re not alone, there is light at the end of the tunnel and things will get better.”

Sharing stories and raising funds

Jim Meakin, from Torpoint, and his brother Frank, from Milehouse, were walking with friends and family members, honouring their mum, who had “outstanding support” from St Luke’s many years ago, and Frank’s old school friend Charlie who died aged 62 after battling cancer for ten years.

“The support Charlie had from St Luke’s was enormous. He was such a positive person and spoke about how caring everyone at St Luke’s was,” said Frank.

“We bump into so many people and chat about fun times and that’s all because of Men’s Day Out. We also meet people we don’t know and share stories, and most importantly, we are doing it to raise funds for St Luke’s.”

Giving something back

Will Wills was taking part in Men’s Day Out for the first time, in memory of his father, Chris, who was cared for at St Luke’s specialist unit at Turnchapel and died in November last year.

He said: “St Luke’s are like everybody’s grandma. You can talk to them about things you would never dream of even thinking about. You can ask the stupidest questions, and they tell you there is no such thing as a stupid question.

“Today is about giving something back. Everyone here today has a personal reason for being here. We’re having a good time but scratch the surface and everyone has a story to tell and when you talk to someone else who understands it helps you feel better.”

As he walked with friends, Lee Willson was thinking about his dad, Lester.

“Dad has been having some issues with cancer so that makes it resonate more and writing a message on your T-shirt means you are walking for a reason,” said Lee, who is in the Navy.

“As men we are really poor at opening up and talking about our feelings and issues. Here it’s a relaxed atmosphere, everyone talks to each other as we’re walking and we’re all here because we want to do good.”

Among some of the younger participants was Will Drake, 19, walking in memory of his nan who was cared for by St Luke’s about 15 years ago. Last year he came along with his dad and enjoyed the day so much that this year he invited his childhood pals Finley Davis, Tom Ellis and Jack Llewellyn to take part.

“It’s nice to carry on the family tradition of taking part and to help keep the hospice going for future generations.”

Walking, talking and showing support

James Woodhams from Sherford, whose father was cared for by a Yorkshire hospice, said he was taking part to help the community and people who need end of life care, and enjoy the camaraderie.

“You sometimes feel isolated when you’re grieving but at Men’s Day Out everyone is walking, talking about things and showing their support. It’s a very nice way to bring people together and to highlight the great work St Luke’s does,” he said.

Georgina Dyke, St Luke’s Events Manager, was thrilled by the turnout, the atmosphere and the kind weather. She said: “It was unbelievably heart-warming to see so many men come together to support the compassionate care St Luke’s provides in the local community. Having the sun shine on us was an added bonus on what was an incredibly joyful, emotional and uplifting day.

“A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and raised funds for us this year, and to all the people whose generous support makes Men’s Day Out possible – to our main sponsors JEM Scaffolding Ltd, hosts and raffle sponsors Plymouth Albion RFC, Salcombe Brewery, Ace Double Glazing and Sir Fix a Lock Ltd, and the army of support teams and volunteers who give their time to make sure the event runs smoothly. Thank you also to the Samaritans and Andy’s Mans Club who were on hand to offer mental health support.

“We never cease to be amazed and overwhelmed by the generosity of our wonderful community. St Luke’s wouldn’t be here without you.”

Don’t forget to pay in your sponsorship money from the event, you can pay it in online via the button below or in any of our shops. You can also register your interest to take part in next year’s event.

Pay in your fundraising Register for Men’s Day Out 2026

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