Just like our hospice, good companies recognise the importance of connections and always keeping a compassionate heart for the communities they serve. Last month, it was our great pleasure to welcome representatives from local and regional businesses to the smart, comfortable surroundings of our b.kinda coffee shop* in Plympton for a networking event with a difference, not to mention mouthwatering array of treats!
Over coffee and cake – plus, delicious brownies, buns and flapjacks – familiar faces already generously supporting St Luke’s mingled with ‘newcomers’ finding out about the many facets of our charity for the first time, from patient care to retail, education, fundraising and volunteering.
As well as making connections and swapping news with each other, it was an opportunity for guests to meet members of St Luke’s hardworking team. In small breakout groups, they put their questions to Cathryn Goodchild, who draws on many years’ experience as a St Luke’s Specialist Nurse in her current role of End of Life Care Education Lead; Robert Maltby, Head of Communications and Marketing, and long-serving Fundraising and Bereavement Volunteer Adrian Frost.
While Cathryn, Robert and Adrian represent different areas of our charity, they are united by St Luke’s vision of a community where no-one has to die alone, in pain or distress.
Andrew Richardson is Founder and CEO of Friends Helping at Home, an independent local care agency with an extensive network of individual care providers. He said: “Listening as members of the hospice team shared from their hearts about what their roles entail – and why they choose to do what they do for the hospice – was a reminder of how very special St Luke’s is and so deserving of our support.
“We must never take such specialist care for granted. After all, none of us knows when it might be our family who needs it.”
Wellness Coach Angie Williams, owner of local business Awsome Nutrition, said: “I have raised money for the hospice in the past, and now I’m interested in how I could use some of my spare time to support such a fantastic local cause.
“Hearing Adrian speak with such empathy and warmth about supporting people going through bereavement has really inspired me to find out more about volunteering. St Luke’s is an amazing charity, and I just want to be able to help.”
Angie’s fellow Wellness Coach Marie Hayes, owns B Nutriwise in Ivybridge. She said: “St Luke’s is very close to my heart because when my mum was diagnosed with cancer last year, it was their team who made it possible for her to receive care at home, exactly as she wished.
“Everyone from the hospice was so compassionate, not only to mum but to me and all our family. One of the healthcare assistants even brought some beautiful blooms and put them in a vase beside mum’s bed because she remembered her saying how much she loved seeing flowers. The team was also there for me when I cried and needed hugs. I’ll never forget these and all the other personal touches – they have left an imprint on my heart.
“St Luke’s went above and beyond to ensure that my mum had a peaceful passing, and I cannot thank them enough. I will always continue fundraising for the hospice to keep their vital services running for our community.”
St Luke’s Head of Fundraising, Penny Hannah, said: “We simply couldn’t do as much as we do, as well as we do it, without the fantastic support we receive from big-hearted businesses.
“Whether they choose St Luke’s as their charity of the year, sponsor our nurses, support flagship events such as Tour de Moor and Midnight Walk or encourage their staff to volunteer with us, they are more than corporate partners – they are part of our St Luke’s family and we couldn’t be more grateful for their backing.”
There you have it, business networking at its best – not only friendly and partnership focussed but with our community at its very heart. That’s the cherry on the cake!
Are you part of a business keen to support our charity and make a difference to local families going through the toughest of times? Find out more here.
* You’ll find our b.kinda coffee shop at St Stephen Rd, Ridgeway, Plympton, PL7 2ZN. Every purchase made pours profits back into St Luke’s, directly supporting the exceptional care our nurses provide to patients and their families. b.kinda isn’t just a brand; it’s our promise to the community – a commitment to finding uplifting and sustainable ways to ensure that our hospice care continues to touch lives and make a difference every day.
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