Latest news

Royal Navy nurse Lieutenant Laura Bisset recently took time out from her role on board Britain’s largest and most powerful warship to learn about palliative care alongside St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth specialist nursing teams. After…

We’d like to say a huge thank you to Plymouth’s Winter Wonderland organiser Jack Fry and business partners David Monks and Simon Almond for inviting St Luke’s to be the official charity for this Christmas-themed family extravaganza…

Punk drummer Dave Whatmore was thrilled to be right at the heart of the action when his friends staged a unique farewell gig in his honour. It’s not often someone gets to attend their own send-off, but the best, and only, seat in the…

Most of us, when we look back on our career, want to feel we’ve made a difference – that the weeks, months and years have really counted and we’ve left the world better than we found it. This is a big part of what makes our lives meaningful,…

An 8-year-old with big fundraising goals will be taking on the moors on Sunday 8 October at our Tour de Moor. Harry Totham and his dad Paul will be taking part in our Tour de Moor for the first time this year, with high hopes to raise…

This year’s Tour de Moor marks a special occasion for one of our dedicated riders. Ten years ago, Ross Blackmore decided to get on his bike for our compassionate care, fast forward a decade and he is ready to take on his 10th charity…

For many of our Tour de Moor riders, cycling is their passion and runs through their veins. This is absolutely true for one of our younger riders, 8-year-old George Lake from Tavistock, who will be achieving his New Year’s wish on Sunday…

Our avid cyclists choose to take on our Tour de Moor for a variety of reasons, including the thrill and challenge. But for many, there is a much more sentimental reason for taking part. Callum Storr and Cameron Oakley are flying the flag…

In the fourth and final part of her report from the Institute of Palliative Medicine in Kerala, southern India, Jackie Butler finds out why young people flock to help the organisation and how their volunteer model is a global inspiration. “I…

Jackie Butler continues her report from the Institute of Palliative Medicine in Kerala, southern India, 5,000 miles from St Luke’s. Today she joins a home care team visiting patients and families in the community. Every year 2,000 new…

When Gordon Maunder’s mother, Christine, was approaching the end of her life, St Luke’s was there by the family’s side, enabling her to spend her last days, comfortably and without pain, in her own home. This memorable first-hand…

  It’s bold, it’s brave, it’s big-hearted and it’s the best fun you can have on a bike while backing your local hospice. Yes, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s ever-popular Tour de Moor cycle event returns on Sunday 8 October…

Personal grief when you work in health and care How we can become more compassionate around terminal illness, dying and grief in the workplace is the focus for this year’s national Dying Matters Awareness Week (8-14 May). The devastating…

The story of a St Luke’s collecting can What’s orange and black and (hopefully) full of cash? It’s me, of course. I’m a St Luke’s collecting can. I sit on the counter in shops, pubs, clubs, cafes, garages, pharmacies, betting shops…

With my retirement as St Luke’s Chief Executive coming up on 4 May, I want to take this opportunity to say what an immense privilege it has been to serve at the helm of our hospice for the past six years. It would be far too difficult…

Consultant and former medical director Dr Jeff Stephenson has announced his retirement from St Luke’s after two decades with the hospice. As this important era ends, we asked him what brought him into palliative care, what kept him at…

Integrated care is a hot topic throughout the health and social care world. From GPs to hospitals, community care to voluntary groups, there’s a common focus on how different agencies can work together to deliver the needs and wishes…

Selina’s account of St Luke’s in the pandemic influenced MPs’ key end of life report Proud St Luke’s ambassador Selina Rogers has spoken out at a pivotal meeting at the House of Commons in London to share her experience of frontline…

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth appoints new CEO St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is delighted to announce the appointment of new CEO Christina Quinn. She will take up her post this spring following the retirement of highly respected chief executive…

National Apprenticeship Week 2023: Meet Rachel This week (6-12 February) is National Apprenticeship Week. It is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of apprentices and the positive impact they make to communities, businesses, and…

How to knit a St Luke’s lottery win into a sociable money spinner When Lynne Matthews had a lucky £250 win on St Luke’s weekly lottery last summer she thought about giving it straight back. Instead, the passionate knitter invested her…

How Stuart’s bargain sofa made Sandie smile and boosted our funds for patient care Around this festive time of year we’re bombarded with TV ads for big name furniture brands, urging us to buy a new sofa or suite in the sales. In these…

Men’s Day Out 2023 makes mindful miles matter It’s time to round up your mates, sign up for our flagship Men’s Day Out and walk, talk and remember together. On Saturday 11 March you can join the mass of big-hearted men marching through…

Two entwining roles with compassion at their heart For many who join our hospice team, working in an environment where death, dying and bereavement are everyday occurrences can – understandably – take some time to adapt to. For one recent…

We’re in urgent need of more womenswear. We know that you, our wonderfully loyal supporters, always rally to support St Luke’s, so we’re sending out an SOS asking for your urgent help! So quick is the turnover of the good-quality,…

Celebrating Caitlin: A life lived in technicolour Celebrating the life of their loved one in a way that reflects that person’s special qualities often helps the bereaved find comfort at such a deeply sad time. For the Kelly family from…

Fancy having your birthday off work? Wild swimming in Scotland, days out in London and trips to Center Parcs. At St Luke’s, our staff are very special to us and we felt they deserved a treat. This year, in honour of our 40th anniversary,…

Fundraising has no age limits for our Tour de Moor Losing a loved one can be difficult at any age, but especially so for young children. The impact of losing their grandma has spurred on two young fundraisers, who are the latest participants…

Taking on an epic challenge in aid of local hospice care Six big-hearted adventurers from Devon and Cornwall are going further than the extra mile to raise money for St Luke’s by taking on a challenge like no other - they’re going over…

“I did not expect to hear laughter in a hospice." “I did not expect to hear laughter in a hospice. The atmosphere is uplifting – I knew right away I was volunteering with an organisation that was just right for me.” When Eleanor…

From boardroom to coastal path Drawing on their professional and life experience to help St Luke’s by kindly giving their time and skills free of charge, our trustees are community-spirited volunteers who ensure our charity is governed…

Win a stay at the Copthorne Hotel, Plymouth! We are giving you the chance to win a night's bed and breakfast at the Copthorne Hotel, Plymouth simply by registering for our Midnight Walk! Treat yourself to a well-deserved rest in the…

Generous Joanna backs our care What could be better than winning a stunning custom VW T6.1 campervan? To also have the option of donating £500 to a well-deserved charity of your choice! We’re so touched by the generous gesture of local…

It's Midnight Walk! Step back in time for local hospice care We're taking you back to the past to raise vital funds that will help local families for generations to come. Our iconic Midnight Walk is back on Friday 22 July, when it is set…

People Experience Manager Claire Boosey, whose role is to help ensure everyone in St Luke’s workforce feels recognised and valued, pays tribute to the volunteers whose support is so crucial to the service our hospice provides. “The…

On the 40th anniversary of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, we began our series focusing on the past of our charity that has touched the lives of so many local families over the past four decades. Today, we share the reflections of Dr Mary…

St Luke's 40th Anniversary - The Mini Documentary It's our birthday! Proud to reach our 40th anniversary today, we couldn’t let such a special milestone pass by without saying a HUGE thank-you to all our supporters, as loyal now as you…

Cancellation of St Luke’s Light Up a Life services, 14 December 2021 A message from St Luke’s Head of Fundraising, Penny Hannah With confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Plymouth rising above the UK average, plus current uncertainty…

Recognising three decades of volunteering dedication “It doesn’t seem that long – I can’t quite believe it!” They say time flies when you’re enjoying yourself and that is just how Saltash charity shop volunteer Jackie Taylor…

Acceptance and understanding bring light to couple in their darkest time “It was a safe place during a dark time. Somewhere we could be ourselves and spend precious time together.” When someone is nearing the end of their life,…

Biking bravehearts smash Compass Points Challenge 980 miles by bike in just ten days? They smashed it! We’re in awe of the brave bunch who took on the epic challenge of covering England - north to south and east to west - on two wheels…

  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…

  How the nurturing environment of St Luke’s, plus her own gentle strength and tenacity, have helped Anca thrive in her role at St Luke’s. When you’ve arrived from overseas to live in another country and are still learning…

  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…

This is your chance to explore the exciting and historic Drake's Island, set in the beautiful surroundings of Plymouth Sound. We've also received word that recently discovered secrets have been revealed. During it’s fascinating history,…

When there’s been a bereavement in the family and you also have caring responsibilities, it’s a lot to manage and can feel very tough at any age. With today being the start of national Carers Week (7 – 13 June), we’re sharing…

We're delighted to bring you the exciting news that we’re planning for the return of Midnight Walk, Men's Day Out and Tour de Moor this autumn - and we cannot wait to see you! Of course, safety is always our top priority so the following…

  Captain Tom 100 invites people all over the world to take on a challenge based around the number 100 to raise funds for charity. Following the outpouring of heartfelt messages since the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore on 2 February,…

You’re never too old to make new best friends – as Margaret Davies, Ena Powell and Mollie Hodges can all testify! Strangers to each other when first admitted to our specialist unit in March, in a matter of days these lovely ladies…

A Kingsbridge man, passionate about protecting the specialist service that ensures local people with terminal illness receive the high-quality care they need – and deserve – at the end of their lives, has taken up a new voluntary role…

A local charity that’s pulled out all the stops to continue its vital service for terminally ill patients and their families, despite the huge challenges of doing so during the pandemic, is calling on the community to support its annual…

“When I start my shift after two days off and realise all my patients’ names have already gone from our whiteboard, that’s when it really hits home how much more quickly people are dying now because of the pandemic. It’s utterly…

When your vital work caring for terminally ill people already takes its toll on you emotionally, how do you cope when it is made so much more challenging by the pandemic and its impact on not only the families St Luke’s serves, but the welfare…

Following official safety advice relating to mass participation events during the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the city’s best-loved charities has announced the cancellation of two of its flagship fundraising events for this year. Check…

“It’s almost an over-used phrase these days, but I want my children to know it really is okay not to be okay. If they feel happy and want to have fun, that’s great, but if they feel sad or anxious they don’t have to pretend otherwise.” While…

With the current crisis meaning that sadly, more people are dying – and often more quickly – we’re extending the reach of our bereavement support service to anyone who has lost a loved one to COVID-19 or is anticipating this heartbreak. As…

Students of Scott Medical and Healthcare College are not only proving they’re as well motivated as ever despite lockdown, learning from home via lessons online, they’ve shown that when it comes to kindness they’re also top of the form,…

Among our amazing volunteers giving their time and skills unpaid to help our charity is a special lady who has stepped up from one shift a week to five in these extraordinary times.

It’s straightforward to do and saves your loved one’s unnecessary distress at an already difficult time, yet many of us have not made a will. In fact, in the UK 77% of parents with children under five do not have one*. With this in…

Now, that's going the extra mile! When last Sunday's Manchester Marathon was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, hours of arduous training throughout the biting wind and relentless rain of winter could have been in vain for hundreds…

It’s International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, celebrating the work of those working in these professions and providing a golden opportunity to attract more applicants to such essential and rewarding roles. What better time, then, to…

Ahead of the South West’s biggest men-only annual charity event on Saturday 28 March, a local man has shared the moving reasons behind his motivation for taking part for the sixth consecutive year. As is his annual tradition, 50-year-old…

Martin York, who was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer at the age of 55, has spoken out to urge men to be vigilant in checking for symptoms of the disease and not let embarrassment keep them from getting the simple check-ups that could…

Once the last of the turkey sandwiches are eaten and there are only repeats on television, thoughts naturally turn to the year ahead and what’s in store. So, recognising it’s a popular time for making resolutions and seeking a new challenge,…

With an increasing ageing population, hospices like ours can’t reach everyone who needs our care and, for the majority of people it will be their GP, and their teams, that look after them at home at end of life. When this care is high…

  With the help of a generous grant from Hospice UK, St Luke's has been able to kick-start a compassionate community in Kingsbridge, Devon. The initiative ensures that no matter how far out you live, support will be available for…

Bidders snap up a unique piece of art to be a part of something special that will leave a legacy for families across Plymouth and surrounding areas. On the evening of 9 October, 40 of the enchanting elephant sculptures that have delighted…

What does it take to make a young terminally ill patient ‘feel like a princess’ in the last days of her life?

Located on the eighth floor of Derriford Hospital in Plymouth, with offices just outside Brent Ward, is our busy Hospital Team providing bespoke care for patients at end of life and supporting the families around them. They are there seven…

It’s a wrap! Elmer’s Big Parade – Devon’s biggest public art event of 2019 – is coming to an end, but the mammoth mob is not going quietly. In fact, there’s an ele-fantastic Farewell Weekend in store for the whole family to enjoy. Having…

The kitchen is often referred to as the heart of the home and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel, there’s no less thought and attention given to the nutritious meals and tasty snacks prepared for our patients nearing end of life. At…

Compassion is at the heart of the service that we provide at St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. This is no different for our newly appointed Community Network Co-ordinator, Robyn Newport. For more than six months, Robyn has been out and about…

Finally, after months of anticipation and with excitement filling the room, came the big reveal! At a special launch event earlier this month at Herd HQ, the curtain was lifted on the mammoth mob of enchanting elephant sculptures ready…

A big-hearted powerhouse of a fundraiser, a selfless, long-serving volunteer and a woman who has helped countless families emotionally and practically during their toughest times were celebrated at last night’s Plymouth Community Awards…

When someone is perfectly suited to their job and loves what they do, it shines out of them when they’re speaking about their work.

Here at St Luke’s, we don’t keep our expertise to ourselves. We share it with others so that more people benefit, and this includes welcoming placement students keen to gain experience to complement their theoretical knowledge. So, it’s a happy turn of events when a student shines during their time with us and then the right opportunity subsequently opens up for them to apply for a position as part of our paid staff.

Personal experience of terminal illness affecting loved ones, coupled with the desire to make a difference through a career in healthcare, have combined to lead a young student to St Luke’s, where she’s become a familiar face at our specialist unit at Turnchapel.

It’s fun to play, has a vital role in supporting our expert care and this June it’s celebrating 25 years, so raise a cheer to the St Luke’s weekly lottery and the difference it helps us make across the community!

Despite it being straightforward to do and saving loved ones unnecessary distress at an already difficult time, many people do not have a will. In fact, in the UK 77% of parents with children under five do not have one*.

Did you know that St Luke’s lottery generates £14,000 a week, helping us reach more families who desperately need our help?

As well as expert hands-on medical care, helping families make the most of every moment together when a loved one is approaching their last days is all part of the compassion for which St Luke’s is renowned. So, it was only natural…

Among the long-serving 30 staff and 74 volunteers who recently gathered at a special ceremony to recognise their contribution to St Luke’s was 85-year-old Jeannie Norris, a special lady whose dedication to our charity has spanned an incredible…

Today, when so many transactions are done online, there are those who miss the kind of everyday, doorstep greeting of the milkman. So, when your lottery fee is collected at your front door, it’s about more than money changing hands. It’s…

One in four terminally ill people in the UK are missing out on the end of life care they need, according to research by national hospice and palliative care charity Hospice UK, which is running its Open Up Hospice Care campaign this March…

We’re excited to announce the opening of our new shop in Plymstock. Located opposite the Costa coffee shop on the Broadway, the store will open on 11 March following the closure of our shop on Dean Hill on 6 March. So, if you’re in…

When we are extolling the benefits of volunteering with St Luke’s, we often focus on the opportunity to gain new skills and hence be more attractive to employers, plus the well-being boost volunteering in the community can bring. So,…