Our volunteers are gradually mobilising after the lockdown. Recently, the Friends in Modbury held a most successful stand at the Modbury Fair,

Tag Archive for: care

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BLOG: By Royal invitation…How we flew the flag for St Luke’s at the King’s reception for carers

As His Majesty reached out to grasp my hand, the significance of the momentous occasion suddenly hit me. There, in the historic hallows of St George’s Hall, as the sun set behind Windsor Castle, not only was I meeting King Charles face-to-face, but I was bestowed with a right royal opportunity to sing St Luke’s praises to the gothic-beamed rafters in the most illustrious company possible.
It was an incredible privilege to be one of just four people selected to represent the hospice at such a prestigious celebration of carers, alongside Nikki Mackenzie, Clinical Admin team lead, Tina Lake, Domestics team lead, and Claire Behennah, one of our most loyal supporters and fundraisers.
The grand, but relaxed, champagne reception acknowledged the King and Queen’s heartfelt gratitude to carers from all walks of life, both professional and personal. We were joined by more than 200 other guests from charities and community groups across the UK, as well as individuals, including young children, being recognised for their selfless dedication to the care of people close to them.

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BLOG: Josie’s journey: a legacy of love and awareness

Sometimes, life is not as long as we expect, or hope it will be. Receiving a terminal diagnosis can feel shattering on every level. Yet with tenderness, the utmost sensitivity – and kindness that never wavers – the right care and support can bring peace to an anxious mind and soothe a frightened heart.
At Turnchapel, where talented artist Josie is a patient, she is surrounded by those who matter most to her: husband Laith – her ‘rock’ – and their two bright, beautiful girls, Becca, aged 10, and Sophie, 6. Living with terminal cancer, Josie knows time is running short, yet within the peace of the specialist unit, her story is not dominated by sadness. It is one of extraordinary love, abundant courage, and creating a lasting legacy.
Together, Josie, Laith and their young family have built a life of muddy boots, fresh air and adventures. An outdoorsy tribe, at their happiest together. The moment that changed life as she knew it is sharply etched in Josie’s memory.

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BLOG: Supporting our people to learn, grow and thrive: National Apprenticeship Week 2026

This Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating the people at St Luke’s who are growing their skills, building their confidence and taking the next step in their careers – all while continuing to make a difference every day.
We now have nine members of staff undertaking apprenticeships across the organisation – from our clinical and care teams to retail, admin, finance, IT and HR.
This week we wanted to shine a light on the nurses who have been leading the way for career development. Three of our nursing team are currently in the middle of apprenticeships, either advancing their clinical practice with an MSc or taking the next step from Nurse Associate to Registered Nurse.

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BLOG: Lighting up the season: TEC Construction brings Christmas cheer to Turnchapel

Our specialist unit at Turnchapel was filled with festive cheer last week as the kind-hearted TEC Construction helped us to light up our beautiful Christmas tree – standing tall enough for our patients to enjoy its sparkle from their windows.

Thanks to TEC Construction and their local subcontractors at LTC Access Platform and ACD Electrical – the night’s sky was lit up with hundreds of multi-coloured lights and a shining star sitting atop of the impressive tree – watched on by our nurses, patients, family members and members of our community including children from Hooe Primary Academy who graced everyone with a selection of beautifully sung Christmas carols.

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BLOG: Community spirit shines bright as Plympton street supports St Luke’s

Residents of Redvers Grove in Plympton, Plymouth have come together to light up their street in a dazzling display of festive cheer – all to raise vital funds for St Luke’s.
Each of the neighbours on the street have adorned their houses and gardens with illuminating white Christmas lights, a tradition which started 24 years ago and has since grown as more and more people have moved to the street.

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BLOG: St Luke’s Men’s Day Out is back for 2026!

Step up for each other, stride out for hospice care – St Luke’s Men’s Day Out is back for 2026!

Walk with us on Saturday 14 March 2026 and show families in our community they’re not alone. By joining the mass of big-hearted men marching through Plymouth, you’ll help bring St Luke’s compassionate, expert care to those who need it most.

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BLOG: St Luke’s opens Plymouth’s largest charity shop at Charles Cross

St Luke’s has opened the doors to its brand-new flagship store at Charles Cross – claiming the title of Plymouth’s biggest charity shop.
We have relocated our flagship furniture store from the former Toys ‘R’ Us building at Western Approach to a prime city-centre location, just yards away from shopping hub Drake Circus.
There to cut the ribbon were members of our Urgent Care Team, who are committed to providing our compassionate end-of-life care and bespoke support to people at home.

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BLOG: Because home is where love lives

Valerie and her husband Michael have shared a lifetime together – surviving war, raising a family, and building memories that span continents. Recently, Val was diagnosed with cancer of the blood, and her greatest wish was simple: to stay at home with the man she’s loved for 66 years.

Thanks to St Luke’s, that wish came true. Our team is there every day, bringing comfort, dignity, and compassion – because home is where love lives.

“They’re just like friends coming to visit you… It helps the family too. People forget about the family.”

This is hospice care at its heart: not just caring for patients, but wrapping families in support when they need it most.

Your support is how we make moments like this possible. Thank you.

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BLOG: How schools can support grieving children and parents

St Luke’s Compassionate Schools programme encourages and empowers conversations in schools and colleges about death and dying so that staff and pupils can help support and comfort children and young people, and their families, when they are facing the loss of someone close.
Figures show that one in 29 children in the UK are affected by the terminal illness or loss of a close family member – that’s roughly one child in every classroom. Through our close contact with local families in times of crisis, we know how important it is for grieving children to feel well supported not only by their class teachers, but also by their fellow pupils and other school staff.
Adopting the Compassionate Schools ethos means better understanding of bereavement and the emotions associated with it, and an attitude of caring and kindness becomes an integral part of the school day.

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BLOG: You can take the lady out of St Luke’s but not St Luke’s out of the lady

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth has reunited with one of its earliest caring hearts during a surprise visit for this special lady on her 95th birthday.

Brixton Venn Court resident Joy Ridley, one of St Luke’s first-ever nursing auxiliaries in the 1980s, was visibly moved when Jess Timbrell, a paramedic with the hospice, arrived with flowers and a birthday card for her this week. Although the two women had never met before, they quickly recognised in each other the same unwavering compassion for families affected by terminal illness.

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