Tag Archive for: bereavement

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Men on the move make miles matter for hospice care

Men on the move make miles matter for hospice care

A mass gathering of kind-hearted men strode through the streets of Plymouth at the weekend, paying tribute to lost loved ones, enjoying a unique camaraderie and showing their support for the charity that provides specialist end of life care for local families.

More than 2,000 men of all ages braved chilly temperatures and a persistent drizzle to turn out for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s 2023 Men’s Day Out on Saturday (11 March). With most sporting distinctive event T-shirts, and some wearing eye-catching fancy-dress, they set off to walk a 12km (7.5 mile) route through the heart of the city, beginning and ending at the Plymouth Albion rugby ground at Devonport.

The thousands of pounds raised by the sold-out event will help St Luke’s continue its compassionate care, free of charge, for local people with terminal illness in their last months, weeks and days of life. As well as expert medical care, at home, at Derriford Hospital and at the charity’s own specialist inpatient unit at Turnchapel, the hospice teams provide valuable emotional and practical support for patients and their relatives and friends when they need it most.

St Luke’s patron Mark Ormrod, Royal Marines veteran, Invictus Games athlete and motivational speaker, was at the start line at Albion with his daughter to cheer the crowds on their way. “If I had my legs I would be out there with them,” said Mark, a triple amputee.

Amid all the fun, banter and companionship of the day, participants had the chance not only to share precious memories of friends and family members who have died, but also to talk frankly about the pain of losing a loved one to terminal illness and the realities of bereavement. It’s well recognised that men struggle to reach out for support and being together on the move offered a rare opportunity to speak freely with others who really understand.

It was a particularly poignant day for Martin Jones from Plymstock as he walked in memory of his wife, who died just five days earlier. Jen, 76, was a nurse who worked at St Luke’s from its very early days at Syrena House. The couple actually met at St Luke’s 35 years ago when Martin was a volunteer and Jen was working in the specialist unit at Turnchapel. In her final days she was cared for at home by the St Luke’s Urgent Care Service team.

“I can’t praise the girls from the hospice enough. I call them all angels in every respect,” said Martin, a retained firefighter, who is also a regular volunteer at the St Luke’s Plymstock Broadway shop. “I was Jen’s full-time carer and not only did they look after her, they looked after me as well. They brought me back from the brink.”

Martin has been taking part in Men’s Day Out since it started, on previous occasions in fancy dress costumes ranging from a crocodile to a Power Ranger, although that didn’t seem appropriate this time.

“Before my Jen died we talked about it and she was adamant that I should still do it this time no matter what happened. This morning I thought about not coming but I got myself up and out the door. It really is a brilliant day out,” said Martin, who was finding it comforting to talk to others along the route who had been in his situation. “I have spoken to a couple of men today who have told me to stick with it and the pain will get better over time.”

Four generations from one family were on the move to remember Shirley Roberts from Derriford, who died at St Luke’s Turnchapel specialist inpatient unit in January 2017. Her husband, Andy Roberts, her father Dave France from Saltash, and from Crownhill, her son Mark Green and his 13-year-old son Oliver were walking together in her honour, as well as in memory of John, Shirley’s stepdad.

“St Luke’s was a massive help to me when I lost my wife. Death is a taboo subject – it shouldn’t be, but it is and Men’s Day Out opens up conversations. Taking part you get to chat to people,” said Andy.

Sam Moore, 24, from Stoke was taking part in Men’s Day Out in memory of his Nanny Ann and Auntie Jackie, walking alongside his dad, his uncle and his brother. Acknowledging the power of togetherness during the event, he said: “The struggles you got through, everything is better as a team. It’s like a sigh of relief and such a weight off your shoulders to get it all out. And the fact St Luke’s is out there for everyone is brilliant.”

Martin Warran from Ford was taking part in memory of his wife, Lesley, walking with his grandson Jason Gee and a group of friends and family, all wearing bright striped umbrella hats. Lesley died last November, surrounded by her loved ones.

Martin said: “My wife wanted to pass away at home and we had St Luke’s coming in for about eight days.” “She was very comfortable with all of us around her,” added Jason, who appreciated the chance to walk and talk with others who have lost a loved one, while having a great day out. It’s a right good laugh, a bunch of lads getting together, and you know you are not the only person feeling it.”

Amid a host of volunteers helping to make the event possible, nurse Tracy Edwards from St Luke’s Urgent Care Service was out and about selling raffle tickets to boost the charity’s funds.

She said: “Men’s Day Out is about blokes coming together who are perhaps facing recent loss. There are a lot of men grieving and sometimes they don’t know how to deal with those emotions or express how they are hurting. While they are walking they feel they are doing something to represent the person who has died. “They get to be with other men and have that support. I feel proud to see them walking around the city in their St Luke’s T-shirts.”


Credit BBC Spotlight – 11 March 2023

Penny Hannah, St Luke’s Head of Fundraising, hailed the event a huge success. She said: “It’s incredibly heart-warming to see so many men put their best feet forward to support St Luke’s, especially in such cold and drizzly weather. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part, to our sponsors Jem Scaffolding Ltd for their generous support, and to all the wonderful volunteers who gave their time to make sure the day ran smoothly.

“In previous years Men’s Day Out has raised enough to provide 160 families with a full package of care and support at home. This time it looks like we’re going to exceed that target, which is especially welcome at a time when we’re facing fast-rising costs.

“The kindness of our community never ceases to amaze me. It’s what has kept us going for more than 40 years, helping people with terminal illness make the most of every precious day, with the people who matter most to them. We couldn’t do it without you.”

Register your interest for Men’s Day Out 2024 here.

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SIX STEPS CARE HOME
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Agency’s six steps to end of life care excellence

SIX STEPS CARE HOMEAgency’s six steps to end of life care excellence

The very first nursing and care agency in Plymouth to boast St Luke’s end of life training verification is delighted that its high standards and good practice have been recognised and verified for the 12th year running.

St Luke’s has long been committed to helping the wider caring community to deliver the very best care for people who are approaching death, through its dedicated Six Steps+ education programme.

There’s a growing band of great nursing and care homes in and around Plymouth that have invested in the specialist training initiative. However, the highly respected Prestige Nursing & Care – a Domiciliary Care and temporary staffing provider – with clients across Devon and Cornwall is the only agency that has proudly renewed its Six Steps+ accreditation, year after year.

With three in-house certificated St Luke’s End of Life Champions to spread their specialist knowledge and skills to all their staff, Prestige has demonstrated an ongoing commitment to make a real difference to clients at such an important time in their lives.

Their care teams are experienced at looking after the dying in their own homes, during the day and overnight, working alongside St Luke’s specialist teams when expert input is needed. The agency, rated “Outstanding” by the CQC, also supplies staff for nursing and care homes, and occasionally provides temporary cover for St Luke’s specialist unit at Turnchapel.

Manager Emma Bonney, who spearheaded the agency’s ongoing connection with St Luke’s, says their Six Steps+ training by St Luke’s End of Life Educators, has been a game changer, giving her staff the confidence, not only to give a better standard care, but to champion their clients.

“We were having more and more clients at the end of life in the community and my main motivation was to improve our services and support those people more effectively,” she said. “Liz Lawley and the St Luke’s education team have empowered us to challenge things when it’s in the best interest of the patient – we have the knowledge to do that now.

“It’s great that we know what to do to look after people at the end of life appropriately. Families don’t know what to expect because they can’t tell what is normal, but our health care assistants can calmly explain things and take away some of their worry.”

A recent example was a woman who was trying to look after her elderly, terminally ill mother at home but found it overwhelming when she deteriorated steeply and was in a lot of pain and distress.

“The daughter just couldn’t cope and thought she would have to put her mother in residential care. Because of our specialist knowledge, we were able to go in and help to keep the lady calm and comfortable so that she could stay at home.

“Stories like that are why we do the Six Steps+ training, to provide really high quality care that allows people to stay at home at the end of their lives,” said Emma.

The programme’s standards also emphasise the importance of Advance Care Plans and documenting people’s wishes in terms of their future care.

“Advance care planning is a big benefit. We looked after a lady who had early onset Alzheimer’s and she could see where the disease was going to take her. We helped her to make a plan while she still had capacity. She wanted to be care for in her own home and was very concerned about being patronised. This was documented as part of her Advanced Care Plan and she remained at home until she died, in her preferred place of care”.

Another of Prestige’s top priorities is providing continuity of care for people in their own homes.

“When we consider a package of care, we always look to assign a set team to ensure we can cover it fully and safely. We try to minimise the number of people as much as we can so that the client has a consistent team who know them well. This in turn gives the client a more effective service as the staff are able to respond promptly to any changes in their condition and wellbeing.”

Emma and her fellow Prestige End of Life Champions, Jane Lys and Clare Waterfield, are all involved in training the Prestige staff. As part of the Six Steps+ programme, they undertake refresher courses with the St Luke’s Education Team and attend the regular End of Life forums that bring together other local champions to discuss common issues and expand knowledge with guest speakers.

“The programme is ongoing. Every year we re-verify. At that point we have to provide evidence that we are still providing high quality end of life care, showing examples of how we put the Six Steps+ into practice.”

What is the Six Steps+ programme?

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Men's Day Out
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Men’s Day Out: It’s good to talk

Men’s Day Out: It’s good to talk

Chat, chew the fat, put the world to rights, whatever you do, it’s good to talk.

Men, it’s good to talk. We’re masters at masking how we really feel, even when we’ve lost someone we care deeply about.

Sharing our feelings can make a big difference, and Men’s Day Out offers a great opportunity to drop the brave face and open up to others in the same boat.

Dave Gundry, 54, from Liskeard, will be striding the streets of Plymouth on Saturday 11 March along with hundreds of other like-minded men.

With two decades of work in men’s mental health, Dave has witnessed the changing face and increasing recognition of mental health in men, fully embracing the ‘it’s good to talk’ nature. He looks upon the event as the opportunity to put his skillset and background to good use, in order to help any men who might be suffering in silence.

“During my time on the walk, if someone speaks to me I may be able to help them understand more about some mental health issues that maybe they don’t understand or if they don’t know where to turn to for advice, while also sharing my experience of grief and St Luke’s.”

Like many of the men who will be making big strides for St Luke’s, Dave will be walking in memory of two special loved ones. His father and close family friend and best friend of his wife, Lianne, who was looked after by St Luke’s at our specialist unit at Turnchapel and at home, after a terminal cancer diagnosis.

“During the time we visited her and when she came home briefly in between stays, she was full of praise for all the staff and was telling us how some staff would call in to see how she was doing. Despite not being her carer for the day they would just pop in to cheer her up and make her laugh, always going the extra mile.”

Men's Day out

Dave was the first of our Men’s Day Out participants to get his JustGiving page up and running. The money he and all our walkers raise through sponsorship means we can keep our teams out in the community, providing the highest calibre of care for our patients and their families, ensuring no one has to die alone and that they can have comfort and dignity until the end.

It was Dave’s group of friends, known as the ‘Friday Team’ that first suggested Men’s Day Out to him, having completed it multiple times themselves. Unfortunately, the timing wasn’t to be, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Dave’s father growing ill and passing. So it wasn’t until last year that he was finally able to take part.

Along with Dave, many of his teammates – who vary in ages from their 20s to 70s – have experienced the care and support St Luke’s provides first-hand, through family members or friends, making Men’s Day Out the opportune time to walk, talk and share.

“I wanted to do it again this year, to try to raise some more money and awareness and also in the hope that some of the people I met and talked with last year I may bump into again and get an update on how they are doing. I think it’s a wonderful event and to mix raising funds for St Luke’s with raising awareness for men’s mental health works really well.

“Oh and it would be a bit unjust if I didn’t say that of course some good laughs and great company of like-minded people and rugby all thrown in were a bit persuasive too…”

Visit Dave’s fundraising page to find out more about his fundraising journey https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/david-gundry1

Like Dave, you have the opportunity to discover a special bond with friends old and new as you stride a scenic 12km (7.5 mile) route through the city and waterfront. Winding up at Plymouth Albion, you’ll be ready to tuck into a well-earned pasty, enjoy a welcome beverage and cheer the local boys as they clash with the Rams from Reading.

If you’ve already got your place for Men’s Day Out, sponsored by Jem Scaffolding Ltd, now is the time to set up your JustGiving page just like Dave. Not only do the funds you raise make a massive difference to our end-of-life care, but the camaraderie you’ll find on the road can also work wonders if you’re struggling with loss. Click here to get your page up and running.

Sign up for Men’s Day Out now and make mindful miles matter for St Luke’s.

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Remembering lost loved ones in candlelit harmony

Remembering lost loved ones in candlelit harmony

Personal reflections on her first St Luke’s Light Up a Life service by St Luke’s Communications Copywriter Jackie Butler.

As Christmas approaches, the classic song reminds us that this should be the “most wonderful time of the year”. Yet, for many of us, the festive season is when the pain of losing a loved one can hurt the most.

Gathering with others in a place of worship to remember and celebrate those we miss can be uniquely comforting, whether you are a regular churchgoer or not, and that’s exactly the opportunity St Luke’s Light Up a Life tradition provided for our local community last Tuesday.

Hundreds flocked to St Andrew’s in Plymouth city centre for three special Christmas remembrance services that were making a welcome return after a three-year absence, and I felt heartened to join the throng.

Preparing to venture out on a bitterly cold evening, I wanted to make sure I’d be toasty warm. Opening the jumper drawer, one very precious item caught my eye – a rich green toasty warm mohair polo-neck, hand-knitted by my mother for herself a year or two before she died. When I put it on, it felt like I was taking her with me, which seemed appropriate, given the occasion.

As I entered St Andrew’s, the whole place looked magical, illuminated by dozens of church candles, and I was handed my own hand-size version, ready for a poignant moment later in the proceedings. Taking a seat near the back, in the pews in front of me were men and women of all ages, some alone, others in groups, but all well-wrapped up in warm, winter coats, sitting side by side in quiet unity.

It began with a procession down the aisle, led by relay runners Paul Griffin and David Matthams who had carried the flaming Olympic-style Light Up a Life torch all the way from St Luke’s at Turnchapel just as they have done for more than 20 years. Members of the St Luke’s nursing team and loyal volunteers walked behind in pairs, carrying flickering candles.

With the original Christmas story at its heart, the thoughtfully crafted programme of words and song that followed acknowledged not only the pain of people’s grief and loss, but also the hope that light in the darkness can bring.

Team vicar Tim Partridge recognised the painful reality of people’s struggles this Christmas, reminding us that “Life is full of tears and it doesn’t get put on hold for Christmas Day.”

St Luke’s CEO Steve Statham welcomed the crowd and reminded us that St Luke’s care doesn’t stop at Christmas and that it’s the generosity of the community keeps the organisation going, year after year.

Loyal volunteers Dazzle Tighe and Adrian Frost stepped up to read a passage from the Bible and a poignant poem about treasuring our memories of people who are special to us. The Tamar Concert Choir performed two exquisite Christmas songs – Oh Holy Night and Christmas Lullaby.

The emotion was almost palpable when it was time for us to light and dedicate our personal candles, retreating into our own private worlds. It was a moment to remember those “we love but no longer see” and feel grateful for the light they brought into our lives. I thought not only of family members and special ones who are no longer with us but also of the dear friends who have lost their life partners recently.

There were prayers and a chance to raise our voices together singing Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, transporting me as if by magic back to school nativity concerts.

But the occasion wasn’t quite over yet. The camaraderie of mutual understanding, forged in the pews, carried on in the church hall, with smiles and chatter, new connections made, and old friendships rekindled, over welcome hot drinks and mince pies.

It felt very special to be part of such a heart-warming occasion that didn’t shy away from sadness but offered the chance to celebrate the memory of our loved ones in a positive and hopeful way.

If you weren’t able to join in the Light Up a Life services this year, there’s still time to record your precious memories and post photos of the loved ones you are missing this Christmas and make a donation to St Luke’s on our special online Light Up a Life memory wall.

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Two entwining roles with compassion at their heart

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 arrival though, becoming part of our workforce felt a very natural transition from her former role.

That’s because before taking up her new job Healthcare Assistant (HCA) with our Urgent Care team in February, Denise Holgate worked as a Funeral Director, overseeing, directing and co-ordinating all aspects of funeral services including body preparation, visitation, services, burials and cremations, while providing caring support and advice to families and friends of the deceased.

It was a role Denise found hugely rewarding, guiding and supporting bereaved families as they planned and attended the funerals of their loved ones. So, when a period of ill health forced her to rethink her career and search for a new position, she was set on finding one that made the very best use of all the skills and experience she’d acquired and enabled her to continue to make a difference to the lives of others.

Denise takes up the story: “I have always worked in caring roles. Before qualifying as a Funeral Director I was a Healthcare Assistant at Dartmoor Prison, and worked at the National Blood Service and in a various NHS posts, as well as bringing up two children.

“As my children became more independent, I began looking into new career opportunities. Becoming a Funeral Director appealed because while it was something different, it sounded really interesting and I sensed it would be a good fit for me. Following a year of study which covered everything from greeting bereaved families to helping them arrange every detail of their loved ones’ funerals, I worked for a funeral company that’s part of a national chain and then for an independent firm.

“During those 13 years, I had such a fulfilling career supporting people at the most sad and difficult of times for them. Being a Funeral Director, you are in a position of great trust and there to ensure the family gets the funeral they wish for. Having lost their loved one, they are reliant on you to explain things clearly, patiently and kindly, guiding them gently so they know – and feel – that they are in control. Obviously, it is a very emotional time for them so listening with empathy is key.

“Each family is unique, and what many people don’t realise is that the funeral can be as individual as they want it to be as long, as it meets health and safety regulations. They can even conduct it themselves if they want to. You only get one chance to say goodbye so I always made it my mission to ensure that not only was each funeral the dignified service they wanted and needed for their loved one but an occasion that would leave them feeling they had done their very best for that person so dear to them.

“From taking services by the sea and in people’s back gardens to helping a musician’s family organise his funeral along a festival theme – in a field and with everyone dressed the part – it was important to me to do all I could to make sure everything went smoothly, reducing any feelings of anxiety or fear for families so they could say goodbye feeling as at peace as possible.  

“I really loved my work, but the hours could be very long because you can’t just clock off, and eventually a period of illness meant I had to stop. I knew though, that whatever I did next would need to be something where I could continue supporting people. That’s why joining St Luke’s appealed to me, and why – when I saw the opportunity to join as an HCA – I wasted no time in applying.

Healthcare assistant funeral director

“There are so many similarities between my former role and the work I’m doing now, comforting people as well as making sure they are comfortable despite it being such a tough time for them. The only difference is that whereas my contact with families used to be after their loved one had died, now it is in the weeks and days before.

“What matters to me is being able to make a difference, whether that’s giving a patient’s partner a break from their caring duties so they can grab a shower or get some fresh air, or arranging a night sit from the Marie Curie team so they can get a decent night’s sleep.

“In both my previous job and this one, it’s that shared sense of humanity that connects us with those we support. I always want the people I’m looking after to know they are not alone and that if there is anything they need, they only have to ask. To be that shoulder for them feels very special to me.

“Having been a Funeral Director, I am at ease with all aspects of death and dying, and just like my colleagues at St Luke’s I am passionate about helping to remove the stigma that hinders the helpful, honest conversations people need to have sooner rather than later.

“As well as being really welcoming and supportive, my teammates have been curious about my previous job and full of questions that I’m only too happy to answer. And recently, for those who wanted to visit I had the honour of arranging a tour of a local crematorium so they could look around and find out more about what happens there. I think they found it helpful and reassuring, recognising that whether you are someone providing support before or after a person dies, what matters above all is compassion.”

If you are interested in joining the St Luke’s team, have a look at our current job opportunities.

Thank you to Clifford’s Family Funeral Directors for the use of the photos. 

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Caitlin
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Celebrating Caitlin: A life lived in technicolour

Caitlin

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 Devon, paying tribute to much-loved Caitlin, just 23 years old when she died, involved a final adventure that perfectly captured her independent spirit and zest for life.

This Hospice Care Week (10 – 14 October) in partnership with Hospice UK, we’re sharing Caitlin’s story to remember the inspirational young woman she was, to highlight the vital help that hospices and hospice care can provide to people of all ages, and to reveal the very personal part a ground-breaking transatlantic voyage played in her family’s fond and fitting farewell.

At the end of her life, in May 2021, Caitlin – who was born with cerebral palsy and had epilepsy as well was a visual impairment and learning difficulties – was looked after by St Luke’s, initially at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, then at our specialist unit at Turnchapel.

Caitlin

Caitlin’s father, Sean Kelly, said: “It wasn’t unusual for Caitlin to have seizures, but when she suffered a brain haemorrhage at home, we knew we were facing something different and very serious.

“The hospital teams – initially at Royal Devon and Exeter and then at Derriford in Plymouth – did everything they could for her, but despite a series of operations the reality began to dawn that her life was coming to an end.  When it was suggested it might be time to have a conversation with someone from St Luke’s, Dr Doug Hooper – a member of the charity’s team at the hospital – was there to talk things through with us.

Caitlin Doug Hooper

“It was an incredibly difficult situation to accept because as a parent it’s always your instinct to fight on, but when he told us about Turnchapel, it felt like the best place for Caitlin to spend the final part of her life.”

So much more than simply a place to deliver expert medical provision, her family, including her mother, Jacqueline, brother, Cameron, and sister, Erin, describe the specialist unit as “an oasis of calm” in the most tumultuous of times.

Sean said: “After such a frenetic time, we welcomed the peace we found at the hospice, without the constant distractions of the hospital environment and the very necessary but stressful cacophony of beepers and warning sounds in the Intensive Care Unit. We decorated Caitlin’s room with her artwork, brought in her own pillows and familiar items from home and spent time reading to and just talking to her.”

It wasn’t just the tranquillity of our specialist unit at Turnchapel that made it such a haven for the Kelly family. They found solace in being able to lie down next to Caitlin on our special “cuddle bed”, which at the touch of a button expands from a single into a safe, comfortable double.

Sean said: “It was only afterwards that we learned the cuddle bed was donated in memory of a young lady, Chloe Hunn, who was close to Caitlin’s age when she was looked after at the hospice. Finding out it had been Chloe’s dying wish to have just such a bed so she and her boyfriend could cuddle – and that the family, together with friends and her local Cornish community, had clubbed together to posthumously donate it – made such an impact on us.

“The care and kindness of St Luke’s meant we had the time, space and even a certain serenity – in the midst of this most emotional of experiences – to say our goodbye to Caitlin, something for which we will always be grateful. We were grateful, too, for the support on hand, whether it was the St Luke’s nurses offering a cup of tea, a walk out in the garden or even a chat with the bereavement support staff who made themselves available, both during our time there and after her passing.”

In the week Caitlin was at St Luke’s, by chance Sean and his family, learned about a remarkable challenge, steeped in history, that brought to mind their daughter’s indomitable spirit. As part of celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims’ journey on board the Mayflower, from Plymouth, Devon, to Plymouth, Massachusetts, a 21st century cutting-edge, fully autonomous ship, completely run by an IBM computer, was undertaking sea trials in preparation to set to sail – without a crew – following the same route across the Atlantic, collecting important scientific data along the way.

Caitlin IMB / ProMare Inc

Photo credit: IMB / ProMare Inc

Inspired by Caitlin’s can-do attitude to life, the family – who have relatives in the USA, including Caitlin’s sister – got in touch with Mayflower Autonomous Ship’s co-developer, ProMare Inc, with a very special request.

Sean said: “Plymouth has historically been a point of embarkation and adventure.  We explained how much it would mean to us if a few of Caitlin’s personal possessions, including some medals, bookmarks but also a small teddy bear from Turnchapel, could make the transatlantic crossing on Mayflower so they could reach her relatives in the USA, and they very kindly agreed. After a circa three-week voyage, the trimaran arrived at its destination in the summer of 2022.  Caitlin loved adventures and, in a way, the crossing represented a great adventure in honour of that spirit.

Caitlin

“Our beautiful, happy and sometimes sassy daughter never considered herself to be less able than others. She was defined by her determination to overcome her disabilities and to live her life literally in technicolour. She was – and will always be – such an inspiration to us.”

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Tour de Moor
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Fundraising has no age limits for our Tour de Moor

Tour de Moor

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 in this year’s Tour de Moor.

After losing their grandma earlier this year, seven-year-old Milo and his five-year-old sister Aurora decided that they wanted to give something back.

Tour de Moor

Milo and Aurora’s mum, Laura said: “After losing their grandma in May, they came to us and asked if they could take part in this year’s Tour de Moor. St Luke’s came to us in Derriford at the end of mum’s life and I will never forget the support that was shown. They both realised what St Luke’s does as a charity and now want to help give back and help other families.

“They love bike riding and if you know us, you know we ride a lot of miles on our bikes, so we thought why not let the kids do something more challenging for such a great cause.”

The day will be an extra special occasion for Aurora as it will also be her 6th birthday.

If you can support Milo and Aurora in their fundraising journey visit their JustGiving page.

Join the inspirational siblings on your bike in our 40th anniversary year, as Tour de Moor returns on Sunday 9 October. The summer holidays are the perfect opportunity to get those wheels turning as a family in practise for the big day.

Tour de Moor

Participants in this year’s event, sponsored by Print Copy Scan, can embrace the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor with the choice of three routes, an exhilarating hill-filled 52km of mixed terrain, 30km of tough riding over hills and through woodlands or our gentle family friendly 11km ‘mini moor’. Whether you choose to saddle up alone or with the whole family, the money you raise provides vital funds to make an important difference to people living near you, going through the toughest of times.

Whatever your age, sign up for our Tour de Moor today and make a difference in your community.

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Make a Will Month, 1 – 31 May

If the past turbulent year has taught us anything, it’s just how quickly life can change and the dramatic impact this can have on us and the people we hold dear. That’s why as well as reminding people about the importance of having a will, we’re stressing how crucial it is to keep its content updated so that your loved ones will be protected after you’ve gone.

Launching our Make a Will Month campaign (1 – 31 May) in partnership with local solicitors, St Luke’s is highlighting the good sense of making sure your will keeps pace with the significant changes in your life, such as buying a home, getting married, starting a family, getting divorced or the death of your partner.

In support of the campaign, which raises vital funds to help our charity continue providing compassionate care for terminally ill people across Plymouth and surrounding areas, 10 community-spirited solicitors are waiving the fee they would normally charge for making and updating wills in return for a donation to St Luke’s. We give our specialist care and support free of charge to the many local families who rely on our service, but with less than a third of our funding coming from the NHS we are reliant on the generosity of supporters to continue our vital role.

Spearheading St Luke’s Make a Will Month campaign is our Head of Fundraising Penny Hannah, who knows first-hand how life can change overnight and how keeping your will current can help bring peace of mind.

Penny said: “I think it was learning at an early age that nothing in life is certain that made me feel I always want to be as prepared as I can be for whatever lies ahead. I was just 14 when my father died suddenly, and I had to grow up fast. Losing dad was incredibly hard, and my older siblings and I became a rock for my mum.

“I started work as soon as I could so that there was enough money coming in, taking a cleaning job after school at 14 and going into the world of retail, where I quickly worked my way up. By the age of 23 I was a store manager for a national retail chain and had my own home, but it was marriage and the birth of my first daughter, Amber, that was the catalyst for me deciding to get organised and make a will. I remember, very clearly, wanting to know she would be provided for if history repeated itself and she lost me young in life the way I lost my dad. When my then-husband and I made our wills, we included our choice of legal guardians for her, something we updated a few years later when our second daughter, Ruby, was born.

“Since then, life has taken many unexpected twists and turns, as it does for most people. Following the breakdown of my marriage and subsequent divorce, which led to a new chapter in my life, I knew it was important that I should rewrite my will. The next part of my story is a fairytale. I met my prince, Andrew, and when we married our two families became one bigger one of seven. We have shifted careers and moved home, and as a couple we have agreed to keep our wills current so that our loved ones are provided for, no matter what happens.

“Before the pandemic we enjoyed foreign holidays, and we hope to again when it’s safe to travel. Every time we go away, we feel we can truly relax because we know our affairs are in order should the worst happen. We’ve recently become grandparents for the first time, so life has shifted again in another wonderful way.

“While I understand that it may not be uppermost in people’s minds at the moment with everything else that is going on, I can’t stress enough how having an up-to-date will can help free you to enjoy living in the moment. It is one of the kindest things you can do for the people who matter most to you, making what can be a traumatic time for them that bit easier.”

Details of the solicitors taking part in St Luke’s Make a Will Month can be found here, or call 01752 492626 for more information. Appointments can be made for May or for later in the year, and there is the option to meet with a solicitor online or in person.

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Extending the reach of St Luke’s bereavement support to anyone who has lost a loved one to COVID-19

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 part of our city’s response to help individuals and families affected by loss due to the pandemic – and working in partnership with University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth City Council, Livewell Southwest and our networks of Compassionate Friends – our charity has stepped up to co-ordinate support for both pre and post bereavement in Plymouth and surrounding areas.

We know how hard it is when someone close to you dies. We also know that COVID-19 has made loss even more complex for so many people. You might not have been able to visit your loved one in a care home or hospital, or perhaps you’ve had to make extraordinarily tough decisions on who could attend the funeral.

If you need help, there’s no need to wait – you don’t need a referral. Just pick up the phone and call our friendly, experienced and sensitive team on 01752 964200. Whatever you’re feeling, we will listen and support you. You are not alone.

We’re also here for health and social care teams, recognising the toll the pandemic is taking on those working in hospitals and care homes. You’ve been getting on, carrying on and keeping on – we’ll give you the space and support you need to reflect, de-brief, release some emotion and signpost you to the most appropriate support. After all, you’re humans, too.

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General Practitioners learn at St Luke’s

With people living longer and developing more complex conditions, having GPs who understand end of life care, and do not shy away from difficult but necessary conversations with patients about death and dying, is more important than ever.

Given this, you may be surprised to hear that it is not mandatory for GPs to gain experience within hospice care as part of their training. Rather, it is an option they can select as one of the three rotations they are required to complete on their way to becoming qualified.

Recently, we spoke to Dr Malik Dinata, a trainee GP who has chosen to spend four months on rotation with St Luke’s, to see our service through his eyes and find out how his experience with us will help to prepare him for his career in general practice.

Based within our multidisciplinary clinical team at Turnchapel, Dr Malik has been particularly struck that the time he spends with patients on the ward is unhurried. This means he is able to focus on more than their physical symptoms, getting to know them and their history and finding out about their hopes, expectations and concerns – something that would not be possible within the very pressured environment of acute care.

Dr Malik said: “It is very precious to be able to work with St Luke’s. I get to sit with my patient and practice medicine as it is supposed to be.”

Dealing with death, dying and someone’s last days of life can be one of the most stressful parts of a doctor’s role, and Dr Malik credits the support he receives from his supervisor,

St Luke’s Lead Consultant Dr Jeff Stephenson, and other colleagues, for ensuring he feels ‘safe and comforted’ in a setting many would find very challenging.

He said: “We always touch base before I see a patient so that we can discuss the approach that’s most appropriate for them, and then afterwards colleagues check in with me to ask how it went and how the patient responded.”

On average, a GP surgery has 2,000 patients, with around 20 of them – one per cent – living with terminal illness. To help them be as comfortable and as at ease as possible as they approach the end of their lives, they need the specialist care and support of hospices like St Luke’s, where the help they receive is holistic and tailored specifically to them.

Trainee GPs like Dr Malik, who spend time gaining valuable experience in a hospice setting, are not only more equipped to diagnose accurately and prescribe accordingly, they are more confident having the sensitive yet necessary open conversations about death and dying that help their patient fulfil their wishes about their last months, weeks and days of life.

Dr Jeff said: “Being on rotation with us is a wonderful opportunity for future GPs to gain intensive exposure to looking after people who are terminally ill.

“Importantly, while they’re with us, trainees also learn when to admit a patient to hospital and when it’s more appropriate for them to receive care at home, which is key to avoiding unnecessary admissions.”

Listening to Dr Malik, it is clear that our organisation has made a positive and lasting impression on him that he will carry forward into practice.

He said: “St Luke’s is such a unique environment where people, including the patients themselves, learn to become more accepting of their mortality.

“It’s so important for GPs to know how things should be done. At St Luke’s I’ve seen the ‘gold standard’ and it will benefit my future practice – it will be my point of reference and remind me what I need to do for my patients.

“You don’t gain this type of valuable experience from reading about it in textbooks or hearing about it in lectures. You get it from practice at St Luke’s.”

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