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, pre-loved clothing we sell in our charity shops that stocks are running low, particularly in womenswear. If you have any items that no longer fit or aren’t quite your style anymore, please reach into your wardrobe and then donate to our charity shops at Plympton or Western Approach in Plymouth City Centre so that, in turn, we can reach more families who need us at the toughest time of their lives.
Every time you donate to our stores, you play a vital role in helping us fund the compassionate care for which we are renowned, making your community a kinder a place for people with terminal illness whose time is running short. You’re helping us to be there for them wherever they need us – at home, in hospital or at Turnchapel – for as long as they need us, bringing light at what can feel to them like a very dark time.
We know the cost of living crisis means everyone is feeling the pinch, and the rising cost of providing our services – which we give free of charge to anyone who needs us – is impacting St Luke’s, too.
Not only is recycling your (or your partner’s or kids’!) unwanted clothes by donating them to our charity good for both purse and planet, it’s one of the kindest things you can ever do for our patients and their families. Of course, it also means there’s way more choice of items in our shops for everyone searching out a bargain!
Our charity shops open seven days a week atPlympton (near Chaplin’s) and Western Approach in Plymouth City Centre (the former Toys R Us building), are ready to welcome you and your donations as fast as you can get there. They’re geared up with plenty of space for storage before putting your pre-loved items on display.
From all of us at St Luke’s – our staff and volunteers and, of course, our patients and their loved ones – thank you so much for turning your closet clear-out into vital compassionate care!
https://www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Ladieswear-Campaign-2022-Blog-Header.png7731030Robert Maltbyhttps://www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/st-lukes-hospice-plymouth.svgRobert Maltby2022-10-21 13:59:522022-10-21 13:59:52BLOG: Turn your closet clear-out into compassionate care
Embrace Make a Will Week and look after your loved ones.
Many of us put off making a will. Even though we want to protect our family and friends after we die and know that our property and possessions will be dealt with in the way we choose, it’s a task that’s often avoided or neglected.
But recording your wishes is actually a very straightforward process, as well as an act of kindness for those you leave behind. With that in mind, St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is inviting people to take advantage of their Make a Will Week, which runs from 7 – 13 November 2022.
Community-spirited local solicitors are giving their time free of charge to create wills during that week, in return for a donation to the much-loved charity, with an option to also leave a legacy for St Luke’s. The funds this raises will help the hospice continue its valuable end of life care and support services for families in Plymouth and surrounding areas for years to come.
Having a will in place can bring you peace of mind, safe in the knowledge that your wishes will be followed through after your death. For your loved ones, having an official record of what you want to happen will make an already distressing time a little bit easier for them. A will spells out exactly how you want your estate to be distributed, rather than everything you own being shared in the standard way specified by law, which might not match up with what you would prefer.
It’s especially important to make a will if you have children or other family members who depend on you financially, or if you want to leave a gift to people or organisations you care about. It’s also crucial to update your will when personal circumstances change, for example, if you get married or divorced, purchase a property, have children or grandchildren, or if a partner or other family member dies.
The generous companies taking part in St Luke’s Make a Will Week include Roper James Solicitors,SWLaw and Woollcombe Yonge Solicitors and they are available for face-to-face pre-booked appointments during the week of 7 – 13 November 2022. The charity has also teamed up with the online will writing service Farewill, which will suit anyone who would prefer to use a web-based option during the same period.
St Luke’s Head of Fundraising Penny Hannah said:“People often forget that it is not always about sorting out the financial aspects. A will ensures your final wishes are clear. Your possessions and property are going to the right place, and the family and children you leave behind will be looked after.
“Our Make a Will Week is an ideal opportunity to make or update your will, especially if your marital status has changed, you have bought a house or recently added to your family.”
Creating or updating your will is also a time when you can choose to leave a legacy to a cause close to your heart. For St Luke’s, it is the funds the charity receives through legacies that help the hospice make plans for its future so that no-one in the local area who has a terminal illness will have to miss out on high-quality care at the end of their lives.
Penny Hannah said: “Leaving a legacy to St Luke’s is a compassionate gesture that helps future generations and makes more of a difference to our patients and their families than you will ever know.”
To create or update your will, simply contact one of the solicitors taking part to make an appointment between 7 and 13 November, quoting ‘St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth Make a Will Week’.
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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’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.
“It was an incredibly difficultsituation 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.
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, includingsome 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.
“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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Cyclists’ support that helps keep the wheels of local hospice care turning
It was big, it was bold and it turned Dartmoor blue, raising vital funds for our compassionate care.
On Sunday 9 October, over 1,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities proudly donned their branded blue tee-shirts and took to the saddle for our annual cycling challenge, Tour de Moor, in support of the vital care we provide for local families affected by terminal illness.
Located on the rugged wilds of Dartmoor, participants pitted themselves against the toughest, hill-filled terrain for 52km, taking it down a gear for the 30km route or opting for the more gentle, 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail.
Sponsored by local company Print Copy Scan Ltd, Tour de Moor helps support the specialist services we provide free of charge to our patients, reaching across Plymouth and into rural areas, including Tavistock, Dartmoor and the South Hams.
Among the sea of cyclists were many taking part in tribute to a loved one looked after by St Luke’s at the end of their life.
Taking on the 52km for his second year was Steve from Tavistock “There’s downhills, a lot of uphill’s, the climbs are horrible but when you get to the top at Princetown the views are amazing and it is so rewarding when you get to the finish. This year I am taking in part in memory of my Grandad who died a few weeks ago of cancer. St Luke’s were there from the start of the diagnosis, to treatment and until his passing. I must say St Luke’s were with the family step by step and provided an unbelievable service, you couldn’t ask for a better charity. It was unbelievable”.
Joining him was Steve Hodge from Plymouth “I’m cycling today for a good friend of mine, Matthew Reynolds who had his 50th birthday in late August and died the week after. He had such great care in St Luke’s, they made it more comfortable for him and extended that support to the whole family. It is such a great local charity, getting involved in an event like this is just nice to give something back”.
But it is not all mud, sweat and hills, Tour de Moor also has a more gentle 11km family route along Drakes Trail. Making it a family day out was English folk singer, songwriter Seth Lakeman and his son Morley. Seth cycling in memory of a good friend, said: “It is so important to support a charity like this, St Luke’s have touched people in so many different ways. I can’t imagine a Devon without St Luke’s, the end of life care and what they achieve is almost hard to fathom. I think these sort of moments when you are pushing yourself physically I felt quite emotional crossing the line and thought of those people who aren’t around anymore and how St Luke’s have helped them”.
And, with 2022 marking 40 years since we welcomed our first patients, in 1982, for each and every Tour de Moor participant there was the pride of receiving a special commemorative medal on their completion of the challenge.
St Luke’s Head of Fundraising, Penny Hannah, said: “It was incredibly moving to see so many cyclists turn out in support of our charity’s compassionate care for families going through the toughest of times.
“All our Tour de Moorers should feel incredibly proud because it is their support – and that of everyone who fundraises and volunteers for us – that will help us keep doing what we do for the next 40 years and beyond. Huge thanks to everyone who took part in this year’s challenge, our volunteers, Dartmoor National Park, Maristow Estate, David May Motor Service’s, The Hire Shop, Appleby Westward and Rapid Relief Plymouth all for whom we could not put on an event of this scale. You have done your community proud!”
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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, all staff members received a day off for their birthday.
Every member of St Luke’s works tirelessly to provide a dedicated service to the local community, whether one of our nurses or behind the scenes as one of our maintenance team, everyone has a key part to play.
To say thank you for their dedication and hard work, staff were able to take their birthday off and spend it however they choose. We asked some staff members to share how they spent their birthday day off.
“I had my birthday day off in January and got the train to Totnes with a friend. We went to China Blue and painted giant pasta bowls. Then we had a late pub lunch on the main street and eventually got the train home in time for one of my favourite dinners with my family, fajitas!”People Services Administrator Nancy Bennett.
“I use most of my annual leave covering school holidays so having a day that was purely for me was amazing, and felt very decadent. I popped into town, and didn’t have to rush back to the kids, or have them there asking to go to the toy shop. No big exciting event, but it meant so much to me.”HR Manager Caroline Bellamy.
“My birthday fell on the early spring bank holiday Monday in May this year, so I could take another day in place of this. The week before my birthday I went to Centre Parcs at Longleat with my daughter, my sister and her family and my mum. Whilst we were in Longleat it was also my sister’s birthday and my nephew’s birthday two days after mine so we were triple birthday celebrating!”Assistant Accountant Sarah-Jayne Hayne.
“My birthday was in March and I went swimming in the Cromarty Firth (in the Scottish Highlands) with my sister.”Moving and Handling/Ergonomics Adviser Dr Valerie Noble.
“I took the opportunity to spend a long weekend with my best friend in London, watching ‘Back to the Future’ the musical (awesome and incredibly funny), enjoying a high tea at the Claremont hotel at Charing Cross, enjoying delicious Tapas, getting in some retail therapy in Covent Garden and at the outlet shopping mall in O2, rediscovering Camden, commuting on the Thames Clipper (now Uber Boat) and generally enjoying chilling on rooftops and by the river. Thanks St Luke’s, I loved it and it was just what I needed.”Head of Facilities and Maintenance, Louisa Duggan-Smith.
St Luke’s offers an attractive employment package for employees, including seven weeks’ annual leave, pension and membership of a cashback scheme to help towards healthcare costs.
This is just one of the reasons why St Luke’s is an employer of choice. Take a look at our current vacancies and sign up to job alerts to find your next role.
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Whenever you need us, we’ve got you covered. And not just you but the loved ones around you, too.
For Fran, the multicoloured blanket crocheted especially for her beautiful wife Lisa by St Luke’s Specialist Nurse Ali is so much more than just an attractive throw. It perfectly symbolises the warmth and compassion with which Ali and her colleagues looked after Lisa at home in North Prospect before sadly, she died last month. It also encapsulates the loving kindness our team has been wrapping around Fran and the couple’s wider family, too.
When, last July, Lisa received the devastating news that her cancer had returned and the diagnosis was terminal, it was crushing for her, Fran and everyone who loved this brave, caring and spirited lady, including sons Lee and Tony and Lisa’s sister Kerry.
Fran said: “It felt like a scary time, full of uncertainty about how and where Lisa would get the care she so desperately needed, but then St Luke’s got involved. From day one, the team was so friendly and reassuring. They became just like family to us, visiting every day and at the end of the phone whenever they were needed. Ali always answered our questions honestly – just as we wanted – but always with such kindness.
“I knew from its reputation that St Luke’s care would be really good, but their attention to detail is simply phenomenal. They put in a hospital bed so Lisa could be looked after at home, which is what she wanted, and even gave her a pamper day. It meant the absolute world to her to get glammed up with hair, nails and make-up done, feeling more like herself again.
“You only have to see the blanket Ali made for Lisa to know the level of kindness we’re talking about, not only for Lisa but for me, too. I can’t say enough good things about St Luke’s – I just don’t know what we would have done without them.”
When a much-loved person dies, they leave a huge gap in the lives of everyone to whom they meant so much. In the midst of the heartbreak of losing Lisa, Fran is finding comfort in treasured memories of the wife she adored and all the wonderful times they shared over 18 years together.
Fran said: “Lisa and I worked together at Plymouth Community Homes, and we did everything else together, too – gardening, walking, meals out and holidays. Lisa brought me such happiness. I called her my Mary Poppins because she was practically perfect in every way.”
In the week before Lisa died, she and Fran took the courageous step of telling their story in our video, which Lisa’s family has kindly given us permission to share. We are so grateful to them for doing this to shine a light on hospice care and the vital difference it makes to families going through the toughest of times.
Lisa passed away on 6 July knowing Fran and family would be stepping out at our Midnight Walk on 22 July, raising funds to help our team be there for other families at their time of greatest need.
The final word goes to this special lady, whose memory will live on in the hearts of everyone who was privileged to call her family or friend. Before she died, Lisa said: “I couldn’t have got through this without Fran – she is my everything. From my sons to my sister Kerry, my family has been amazing, too.
“I can never say enough thank-yous to St Luke’s for everything they’ve done for us. They showed me it isn’t about dying but about living til the end.”
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If you’re thinking of a midlife career change, there’s a lot to weigh up. But as Sally Hutchings and Kate Hillman – both in their 50s – have shown, it’s never too late to follow your heart!
Having both enjoyed long, fulfilling careers in the police, these inspirational women made the choice re-train rather than retire. Now, they’re part of our dedicated team, where each member is valued as a person and not only for what’s on their CV.
Sally’s story
At 18, it was a strong desire to serve her community that led Sally, now 54, to join Devon and Cornwall Police as a uniformed officer. A successful 30-year career saw her rise through the ranks to Neighbourhood Inspector for Plymouth City Centre and Stonehouse and provide cover for the Chief Inspector for Plymouth.
Sally, who is married with four children and lives in Saltash, said: “I really enjoyed the variety of my police career, but – as I approached 50 – I started to feel it was ‘now or never’ if I was ever going to make the leap into nursing. I’d gained interest in the idea over the years, partly due to the many hospital visits I made with my daughter Jo, who has cystic fibrosis.
“My lightbulb moment came one night when, looking across into another ward, I saw a nurse sitting at the bedside of an elderly man I sensed was dying. I had such a powerful feeling that working in end of life care was where I was meant to be. I could carry on making a difference in my community, but in different way – helping people at the most vulnerable time of all, when what they most need is the reassurance they are not alone and to be treated with sensitivity, kindness and respect.”
Later, a conversation with Ali Griffiths – now Community Nurse Specialist (CNS) at St Luke’s but at that time manager of the ward where Sally’s daughter Jo was receiving her treatment – spurred Sally on to study full time to be a nurse. Sally said: “Ali looked me right in the eyes and said: “It’s not too late – just do it!”.”
Sally first joined St Luke’s at Turnchapel, where we look after our most vulnerable patients. She then went to work at Derriford’s Emergency Department to gain more nursing experience before joining our Hospital team. Soon, she’ll be moving across to our Community team, where – in a wonderful twist of ‘fate’ – her manager will be CNS Ali, who helped inspire her big career change!
Sally said: “Working in the police, I was used to listening to people and having sensitive conversations, and what’s so great about St Luke’s is that they recognise these transferable skills. It isn’t just my nursing degree but my life experience they see as an asset.”
“The greatest gift we can give those in our care is to remember they are people, not simply patients. It’s the little extras, too, like the wedding I helped organise at short notice for a terminally ill lady at the hospital. Seeing what it meant to her and her family felt incredibly special. When time is running short for someone, it is such a privilege to help them feel more comfortable and in control, and to ensure their families have beautiful memories they can treasure for years to come.”
Kate’s story
For former Detective Inspector Kate, who is in her 50s and joined our Urgent Care team as a Healthcare Assistant (HCA) team in May, being in a healthcare environment is in many ways familiar territory. She said: “In the police, I had safeguarding responsibilities for children so often spent time in hospitals, and when my husband became ill and needed to be cared for at Derriford, being there with him really developed my interest in taking up a career in health.”
It was later though, when her father Mark was being looked after at Turnchapel in the last hours of his life, that Kate’s desire to work in hospice care was sparked. She said: “The team was wonderful with my dad, helping him die peacefully and supporting us as a family. It had a really big impact on me. I knew I wanted to help people in the same way.”
Having reached the stage where she could retire from the police, Kate’s journey to follow her dream began when she embarked on a six-month development programme to qualify as an HCA. Happily, she then spotted the job advert for the part-time position she now has with us. She said: “I won’t deny it felt daunting at first, being ‘the new girl’ with so much to learn, but everyone is so friendly and supportive, and I can really feel my confidence growing.
“What I love is that we can spend unhurried time with the people we look after in their own homes, doing whatever is needed to make them comfortable. While ultimately, we can’t change the outcome, there’s a lot we can do to make sure they get back to feeling more like themselves again. I find it incredibly rewarding.
“Though I left the police, all my experience of working with families through such sensitive times came with me to St Luke’s. There’s scope to develop with the hospice, too, so I’m looking forward to spending some time working with the in-patient team soon. That’s the really great thing about stepping outside your comfort zone – the opportunity to keep learning and growing. I’d recommend it to anyone!”
Find out more about working with our dedicated team – directly with patients or more behind the scenes – and check out our latest job vacancies here.
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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.
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.
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.
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Hundreds of ladies tickled Plymouth pink on Friday night, as they walked across the city to raise vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.
Setting off from Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium, women and children of all ages joined together to celebrate the charity’s 40th anniversary year by taking part in the hotly anticipated mass participation fundraising event, Midnight Walk.
This year’s event saw all ages join together to walk in memory of their loved ones, with the introduction of a brand new QR code trail adding an interactive element to the shorter 2.5 and 5 mile family friendly routes.
Born in the 80’s, celebrate in the 80’s
The theme of the night was 1982, the year the hospice first opened its doors to patients. Four decades later and St Luke’s is still providing compassionate care and support to the terminally ill and their families. For the last 40 years, the charity has held a prominent place in the hearts of many Plymouth families, with Midnight Walk being the perfect occasion to unite in sharing cherished memories.
The 1982 theme proved popular with participants, Kelly Allmett, from Saltash, works at Derriford Hospital in the haematology department. She said:“Born in the 80’s, celebrate in the 80’s. You can see how much loss there is around us, but it is such a supportive, fun environment to celebrate people that we have lost. I lost my sister in December and wanted to do something in her memory for a local charity that does so much for our community.
“St Luke’s plays a massive part at Derriford, they’re not just a place for family and patients, they support everyone around them, providing somewhere for patients to go and be looked after, not only in the last days of their lives but in support of treatment too.”
Samantha Hetherington, from Widewell, said: “It’s nice to get together as a community and support a good charity, cancer touches a lot of people’s hearts, it affects so many of us in different ways. I’d just like to do my bit. I lost my friend Kate 8 years ago, she was only 32, but she died of bowel cancer and last year my dad died from an aggressive form of lung cancer. To be able to walk and remember our loved ones and help those ones that are currently living with it and trying to fight it, means a lot.
“The atmosphere tonight is uplifting, everyone sharing their experiences and being with other people who have shared that grief and maybe even going through it themselves.”
Samantha set herself the challenge of completing the 15 mile walk. She said:“To push through a bit of pain for what people go through is minimal. St Luke’s is iconic, everybody knows what good things St Luke’s does and hopefully we can keep raising money to help them make those people’s lives a little bit better.”
Sponsored by Drakes Jewellers, the annual flagship event saw participants walk either the 2.5, 5, 10 or 15 mile route in memory of lost loved ones, having fun and making new memories as they celebrated the lives of people special to them who will never be forgotten. This year, walkers were invited to bring a copy of a favourite photo of their lost loved one and add it to the charity’s Memory Wall on the night, so that their legacy could live on for all to see.
Michelle Homeyard and her 10-year-old daughter Iyla, from Thornbory, were walking the 2.5 mile route in memory of Iyla’s grandad, John Homeyard. Iyla, who added his photo onto the Memory Wall, said:“My grandad sadly died a couple of months ago from cancer and St Luke’s provided end of life care to him.”
Michelle added: “St Luke’s helped him feel very comfortable near the end and were very supportive of the family. He wanted to be at home, where he was comfortable and around his family, so they came to the house. They made the process, as hard as it is, a bit smoother and easier for him and the family as well, providing us with reassurance.
“A massive thank you to St Luke’s, they do so much. We have a lot of respect for them.”
The pink-clad participants were treated to a fun and energetic warm up by the Plymouth based fitness class Cheezifit before embarking on the walk, which took in landmarks including Smeaton’s Tower and the Barbican.
The money raised through sponsorship by participants helps keep the St Luke’s team on the road 365 days a year, giving their compassionate care to patients in the comfort of their own home and supporting their families. Walkers can pay in their sponsorship money online and see their times here or they can pay it in at one of the St Luke’s charity shops.
Shelley Martin from Weston Mill has been taking part in St Luke’s Midnight Walk for the past decade and this year brought her 12-year-old daughter Shania along.
Shelley said: “It is a humbling and emotional evening, hearing what others have experienced and how St Luke’s have been there for them. St Luke’s are an amazing charity. They were an amazing support to my husband’s family when he lost his uncle and to me when I was losing my god mum and auntie Barbara and just knowing that they were on the end of the phone, that no matter what, meant a lot. I’m in my 40’s and I have never known a Plymouth without St Luke’s.”
Head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, Penny Hannah, said: “We are delighted to bring our Midnight Walk 1982 in 2022 to celebrate 40 years of care for your local hospice. It is such a warm and loving event giving the city the chance to remember their loved ones and make many people proud.
“I would like to thank every single walker for your compassion and kindness. This year we opened the event to younger people, plus we added a wheelchair and push chair friendly route, of 2.5 miles, which has been a popular addition. Our kind sponsor, Drakes Jewellers have been complete diamond supporters, everyone involved from volunteers, to the event village venue Argyle, we could not run this event without their kindness, so thank you.
“The event means we can continue caring for future generations to come at home, in Derriford or our specialist unit at Turnchapel. Thank you again to everyone involved.”
https://www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/MNW22-POST-EVENT-BLOG-HEADER.jpg7731030Gabby Notthttps://www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/st-lukes-hospice-plymouth.svgGabby Nott2022-07-25 17:00:382022-07-26 18:56:21BLOG: Plymouth tickled pink for hospice care | Midnight Walk
“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 first joined us after relocating from South Africa to Plymouth, it was as part of our friendly reception team at Turnchapel. Being at our specialist unit, where we look after our most vulnerable patients and welcome their family and friends, gave her valuable insight into our compassionate care. So, every Monday when she volunteers in her new role at our Shabby Chic charity shop on the Barbican, she feels really inspired, knowing the vital difference our retail income makes for patients and their loved ones.
Eleanor, who lives in Oreston, said: “Being welcomed into the wonderful St Luke’s ‘family’ has helped me feel more at home in a city completely new to me. Best of all is the feeling I get meeting customers and knowing every vintage piece the shop sells supports such a vital service for local families.”
Like kind-hearted Eleanor, could you spare a few hours a week to volunteer at our Shabby Chic charity shop? Located in bustling Southside Street on the Barbican, it’s a treasure trove of quality items full of retro charm.
https://www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Laughter-Blog.png7731030Gabby Notthttps://www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/st-lukes-hospice-plymouth.svgGabby Nott2022-06-13 06:00:322022-06-01 22:38:07BLOG: “I did not expect to hear laughter in a hospice.”
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Plymouth tickled pink for hospice care
