When her mother died unexpectedly Alison Griffiths was left heartbroken, her pain compounded by her mum not receiving the high level of care she deserved in her final days. It was a profound experience that planted in Ali, a highly experienced nurse, the passionate desire to one day work in palliative and end of life care, reducing patients’ pain, putting them at ease and helping to ensure that their death is dignified and peaceful.

Now, having joined St Luke’s as Advanced Palliative Care Specialist Practitioner (APCSP) four months ago, Ali is realising her dream in this peripatetic role, looking after patients at home.

To qualify for such a specialist position, Ali had to complete six months’ study of complex subject matter, which she juggled with all the responsibilities of being a full-time Senior Sister at our partner organisation University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, where she managed a team of 52 staff on an acute respiratory ward.  What Ali could not have foreseen, however, was that a global pandemic was on the way and that she would also be required to help quickly launch and run one of the COVID admission wards at the hospital and the step- down ward for patients recovered enough to be able to return home.

Ali said: “Being part of the emergency response was tough and exhausting but I was able to draw on all my years of nursing to help, including experience of working in war-torn countries such as Afghanistan, where managing stress and constantly reprioritising was key. I was part of the intensive care team caring for wounded patients at Camp Bastion, the military, multinational-run trauma hospital.”

Listening to Ali, it is clear she is relishing being part of our charity, in a busy but less frenetic environment than the one she came from, giving her unhurried time to get to know her patients so that she can tailor care to best suit their needs. As APCSP, Ali is there to provide holistic care, along with diagnostic and treatment expertise, focussing on maintaining the highest possible quality of life for the people she looks after. The post of Advanced Nurse Practitioner is relatively new to St Luke’s and is ground-breaking, incorporating a deeper knowledge of anatomy and physiology as well as being a non-medical prescriber. These skills enable Ali to get to the very core of the patients’ symptoms, assess what is going on and then implement the best possible solutions and treatment options.

Ali said: “When I arrive on their doorstep and they see the St Luke’s uniform, the relief patients feel is often palpable because they know they’re in good hands.

“Spending time with them in their own domain helps me build that deeper level of understanding of them, not just because of what they tell me but because all around are clues as to who they are as a person, from family photos to mementoes and books. It all helps me get to know them so I can develop their bespoke treatment plan. It’s a privilege to make a difference to them at such an anxious time – I find it incredibly rewarding.”

Ali is already feeling the benefit of having a better balance between work and home life, too. She said: “My wife is a Matron at the hospital so spinning lots of plates, just as I did when I was there. Life is busy at the hospice but there’s time to reflect, too, which is so important when you’re involved in such sensitive situations. Now, I have time to breathe and a renewed sense of energy and purpose, too.”

Along with her wealth of clinical expertise, passion and energy, Ali also brings to our charity experience of helping organisations to be truly inclusive in their approach so that no-one feels discriminated against. At UHP NHS Trust, she was part of the team that pioneered the implementation of the NHS rainbow badge for staff, a symbol letting patients know they can open up about issues related to sex and gender without fear of being judged or stigmatised.

Ali said: “It’s so important for health and social care organisations everywhere to not just talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to being inclusive, otherwise people will continue to miss out on getting the treatment that’s right for them. They need to know that they can speak to us openly and that we are their allies.”

Talking of allies, Ali credits the huge kindness that surrounds her at St Luke’s with helping her manage the steep learning curve that comes with taking on a senior role in an unfamiliar organisation.

Beaming, she said: “I can only describe arriving here as like walking into a hug – everyone is so welcoming, friendly and helpful. It’s a really nurturing environment, too, where people are encouraged and supported to give their best – just like ingredients that make up a delicious cake! Joining St Luke’s has been life-changing in the very best way.”

After putting on the brakes last year because of the pandemic, the region’s boldest charity cycling challenge is back for 2021, raising vital funds to support hospice care across Plymouth and surrounding areas.

The Tour de Moor biking challenge in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth returns to the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor on Sunday 10 October. Sponsored by Print Copy Scan, a local supplier of printers and copiers, the popular event offers cyclists an adrenalin-packed adventure: the hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route of mud, sweat and gears. Cycling at its fiercest for those aged 12 and above!

Alternatively, participants of 9 years and above can take it down a gear and saddle up for 30km of tough riding over hills and through woods, and there’s also the ‘mini moor’, a gentle 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail that’s suitable for all the family.

Not only does Tour de Moor provide for every level of cycling ability, the money it raises means our highly skilled team can be there for more families affected by terminal illness, providing not just expert medical care but emotional, practical and spiritual support that makes an important difference to them at such a vulnerable time.

Since it began in 2010, the annual event has raised just under £800,000 for St Luke’s and the service we provide for patients at home, in hospital and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel.

Penny Hannah, Head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, said: “Tour de Moor is always a fantastic event and this year it will feel all the more special as we welcome cyclists back after last year’s cancellation due to COVID safety measures. It’s fitness and muddy fun, and with three classic routes to choose from, it’s ideal for both families as well as more experienced cyclists who really want to push themselves.

“Taking on the challenge is a great opportunity to get on your bike and help us provide vital care and support to patients and their families across the local area, making every hill climb worth that extra effort!”

Director of Print Copy Scan, Karl Welburn, said, “The calibre of the care St Luke’s provides is second to none, but we must never take it for granted. After a really tough year for everyone, the charity needs our support more than ever. We’re proud to sponsor Tour de Moor again this year. All the money raised by people participating goes directly to patient care across the community.”

The Tour de Moor challenge departs from 8.30am at Harrowbeer Airfield, near Yelverton, and finishes there.

Sign up for the challenge HERE or by calling 01752 492626. Registration costs £30 for the 52km or 30km route, and £15 for the 11km route.