How Nina turned personal gratitude into a lasting legacy

26th July 2026/
Nina retirement

After more than 14 years helping to shape and grow fundraising at St Luke’s, Partnerships Manager Nina Wearne is preparing to retire, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of support for local hospice care.

A connection that inspired a career

Nina joined St Luke’s in 2012, bringing with her a passion for fundraising and a deep appreciation of the difference hospice care can make. Long before she became part of the team, she had experienced first-hand the compassion and support provided by the hospice – an experience that would later inspire her fundraising career.

Prior to St Luke’s, Nina worked as a Health Care Assistant and Phlebotomist at a local surgery and she was reluctant to leave the patients she’d grown fond of. But the pull of St Luke’s was strong.

“I knew I really wanted to work for the hospice. If St Luke’s has done something for you and your family it really matters.”

What began as temporary fundraising work soon became a long-term commitment to supporting the hospice and the community it serves. Over the years, Nina has helped raise many millions of pounds, building relationships with supporters, businesses and community groups across Plymouth and beyond, making sure others can benefit from the compassionate care that meant so much to her.

Nina (bottom right) and the St Luke’s fundraising team

The art of fundraising

Her fundraising philosophy is simple: be confident, be realistic and keep asking.

“Fundraising is about sharing ideas, building relationships and helping people understand the difference their support can make.”

The values and foundations for her success were laid very early, firstly through her family upbringing in Brixton, the village on the edge of the city where she was born and bred and still lives today.

“My mum said don’t put anything off until tomorrow, that you can still do today. I like to get things done and done well.”

That approach was evident right up until Nina’s final official event for St Luke’s – Midnight Walk, although she’ll doubtless be back to help as a volunteer.

She started helping with set-up from 8am, drove miles during the day to collect something that was needed, sold merchandise throughout the evening, walked the five-mile route as a participant and then carried on helping until 3am.

Nina and the team getting in the fundraising spirit

Leading by serving others

Known for her hands-on approach and determination, Nina has always led from the front. Whether helping at fundraising events, speaking to supporters or encouraging colleagues to develop their skills, she has built a reputation for combining ambition with genuine care for others.

“My job as manager is to serve. I think that’s what the Japanese culture at my first job at Plymouth’s Toshiba TV factory taught me. Our success is all about our people. You need to look after your staff and not micro-manage them – just let them develop.

“I’m always looking for how to help people.”

That commitment to people has helped shape a fundraising team that continues to go from strength to strength. During her time at St Luke’s, fundraising income has grown significantly, helping to secure the vital services that patients and families rely on.

Nina has always gone above and beyond for St Luke’s

Why every donation matters

For Nina, every donation has always represented something far greater than a fundraising target.

“Wherever you go, if you say you’re from St Luke’s, people will give you their story,” she says. “That’s what keeps you going. You know the difference those donations make.”

Nina being presented her recent ‘Recognition’ award by Chair of Trustees Nick Thomas and St Luke’s CEO George Lillie

A living legacy

As retirement approaches, Nina is proud not only of the funds raised, but of the team and partnerships she leaves behind.

“I want to leave knowing I’ve done the best I can,” she says. “I’m excited to see what comes next and where the team will take things in the future.”

What is absolutely certain is that Nina leaves behind a remarkable legacy and a thriving team. As she says when reflecting on her time at St Luke’s: “It is never about me, it’s about us.”

Everyone at St Luke’s thanks Nina for her extraordinary dedication, leadership and commitment over the past 14 years, and wishes her a long, happy and well-deserved retirement.

Fundraise for St Luke’s

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Midnight WalkSunny skies and heartfelt memories as 1,300 join St Luke’s Midnight Walk