Tag Archive for: events

,

BLOG: Pink parade makes memories and miles matter for hospice care

A vibrant parade of a thousand warm-hearted walkers strode through the city on Friday night (7 July), sharing cherished memories of much-missed friends and family members, and raising vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

Midnight Walk entrants of all ages and abilities gathered at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium as twilight fell, ready to pound the pavements along the charity’s choice of three-mile, six-mile, and 13.1-mile routes.

On the backs of their official bright pink T-shirts, walkers had written the names of lost loved ones they would be thinking about during the evening, many of whom had received care from St Luke’s teams at the end of their lives.

Many jazzed up their outfits with glow in the dark make-up, colourful net skirts, flashing bunny ears, boas, garlands and headdresses, and a lively musical warm-up led by Plymouth based fitness class Cheezifit adding a fun festival atmosphere to the tender, uplifting annual event, sponsored this year by Michael Spiers and Marchand Petit.

All walkers marched up Outland Road on the first leg to Manadon roundabout, passing walkers’ poignant memories on this year’s new Reflection Mile. Some turned around here, retracing their steps to complete the shortest, most family-friendly route, while others continued up to Derriford before doubling back to complete the six-mile challenge.

With a circular route, equivalent to half marathon distance, added to the mix for the first time, this most demanding route saw the hardiest of Midnight Walkers continue via Eggbuckland to Marsh Mills, along the Embankment and through the city centre, before returning triumphant to Home Park.

For some it was a family affair with two or three generations journeying together. Alex Baggott from Plymouth was walking with daughters Hannah Baggott and Charlotte Bennett, in memory of her husband Ian. A former police officer with Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and super fit marathon runner, Ian developed a rare and incurable lung disease and sadly died in April this year.

His wife and daughters wanted to show their appreciation for the care he received from St Luke’s at home team by taking part in Midnight Walk. Before setting off on the 13.1-mile route, Alex and her girls were delighted to meet up with Debbie Hutchinson, the St Luke’s specialist nurse who was there for Ian and the family when they needed it most.

“It isn’t until you actually need St Luke’s and use their services, that you understand how vital and special they are. With Debbie’s help we were able to look after Ian at home after his last stay in hospital,” said Alex, a nurse herself.

“She really couldn’t do enough for us. It was the most awful time of our lives, but we didn’t have to concern ourselves with anything other than caring for Ian.”

Lynne Shell, whose husband Pip was cared for at St Luke’s specialist unit at Turnchapel, before his death last year, was walking three miles with daughters Nicola and Helen, and granddaughters, Rosie, five, and Molly, eight, and on Friday had already raised £400 in sponsorship.

It was little Molly who spurred the family to take part. “Children at school were talking about fundraising for other charities. She came home and asked how she could raise money for St Luke’s. It’s fantastic for the girls to be part of this. They have been so excited seeing the amount on our Just giving page go up.”

Accepting their medals at the end of the three-mile walk were St Luke’s clinical nurse specialist Alex Chapman, her six-year-old daughter, Olivia, and her mum Jen Gibson, who used to be a community staff nurse at Torpoint, with a special interest in palliative care.

Jen said: “There is hardly a local family that hasn’t been touched by St Luke’s. It is such a fabulous resource for the area. Many times I have referred patients for advice. My special reason for taking part is that six weeks ago I discovered I had a leaky heart valve and couldn’t even walk 25 yards, but I’ve done all right tonight!”

Alex, who joined the hospice 18 months ago, and walked with colleagues last year, added: “It’s Mum’s most proud appointment for me, working for St Luke’s.”

Meanwhile, Olivia was enjoying her late night out, fuelled by popcorn and chocolate treats, and looking forward to telling her classmates at Cornwood School all about her Midnight Walk adventure with Mum and Nanna.

Chrome Alexander and his wife, Dee, Navy personnel from HMS Drake and HMS Raleigh, were remembering his father, Montgomery, who died from cancer 18 months ago at home on the Caribbean island of St Vincent, where palliative care is limited.

“We have a friend who works as a nurse for St Luke’s so we know it is a fantastic organisation and that’s why we decided to sign up for Midnight Walk. It is not just the people who are ill who are looked after, but their families too,” said Dee.

Chrome added: “I would have liked my dad to have had that support because it takes a lot of pressure off the family, but there was nothing like that available there.”

Emma Harrison walked 13.1 miles as one of a team from R T Fitness, a closeknit group of women inspired to support the important services St Luke’s provides. She was paying tribute to her late mum who was cared for at home by St Luke’s before her death from cancer aged just 58.

“When you are going through that with a family member you don’t know where to turn. You really need someone there who can understand and not judge. St Luke’s gave me comfort and I knew that in her last hours she was not suffering.

“She had worked for the NHS for the majority of her life and she didn’t want to die in hospital. She wanted to be at home in the house she was born in, with her family and friends.”

Head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, Penny Hannah, said: “It was incredibly humbling and heart-warming to see so many walkers out there on the streets of Plymouth, remembering their loved ones and feeling proud to be part of such a magical and bonding evening.

“I would like to thank every single walker for their compassion and kindness. We are also hugely grateful to our wonderful sponsors Michael Spiers and Marchand Petit, and to Plymouth Argyle as hosts of our event village. We couldn’t run Midnight Walk without their support.

“The money and awareness raised is so important for the future of St Luke’s as we continue to offer our specialist care and support, free of charge, to those who need us most, at home, in Derriford and in our specialist unit at Turnchapel. Thank you again to everyone involved.”

,

BLOG: How experience of St Luke’s care inspired Midnight Walk co-sponsor

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 experience of St Luke’s services inspired Gordon, company chairman of Marchand Petit estate agents, to make the business proud co-sponsors of this year’s Midnight Walk.

Gordon describes his mother as “small, dark and dangerous”, and a lover of playing bridge and gardening. She had been receiving treatment for ovarian cancer before learning that her illness was terminal. A dear grandmother and great grandmother, she died in February 2022 aged 88.

“She was only 5ft but no pushover! The one thing she didn’t want was to go into hospital to die,” said Gordon. “It was massively important to Mum to be in her own home at Wembury that she absolutely loved.

“She knew she had reached that point of no return… it was one of those terrible moments. My sisters and I were absolutely at our wit’s end, not knowing what to do and how to help Mum. When the ladies from St Luke’s came through the door it was like the Ghostbusters had arrived.

“They took control and everything they did was efficient and carried out with compassion. Mum was immediately made to feel comfortable. She was a mad keen gardener, and the dining room was made into a bedroom for her so she could see her garden out of the window.

“For all our sakes we were immensely grateful. We knew which stage of the journey we were at, and we felt less stressed by the fact that she was out of pain and less stressed herself. We took it in turns to constantly be with her, and my father, Graham, who now lives with us.

“St Luke’s provides a fabulous service. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are, they are there for you.”

Gordon will be at the Midnight Walk start line at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park this Friday night to cheer on his wife, Penny, 14-year-old daughter, Hettie, and a team of Marchand Petit colleagues, including Sarah Baines, Sarah Douglas and Helen Harris, as they set off on the six-mile route.

Helen will be striding the streets in memory of her Dad, who received care from St Luke’s at home before his death eight years ago.

“Dad had a brain tumour and St Luke’s was wonderful for our family at the time and helped him remain at home,” said Helen, Associate Director of Marchand Petit’s Modbury office. “I’m walking to support the hospice and to raise awareness to help others. I don’t think you really understand what St Luke’s does, and that it’s not just an inpatient unit, until it touches you personally.

“It’s a charity that is close to my heart and it’s nice to get involved in something like this and raise money for such a great cause. St Luke’s is a huge resource for people in their time of need, when they don’t really know what’s available. They were invaluable for us, and very supportive for friends who have also lost their parents.”

,

BLOG: Meaningful midnight miles will benefit local hospice care

Meaningful midnight miles will benefit local hospice care

St Luke’s iconic Midnight Walk is back for 2023, shining a light on precious memories of lost loved ones while supporting our compassionate care.

Hundreds of generous and caring walkers will be taking to the streets of the city wearing distinctive pink T-shirts on Friday 7 July in a poignant and colourful celebration remembering those family members and friends who are no longer with us.

Funds raised will help us continue our vital work providing specialist care for terminally ill people at home, in hospital and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel, as well as emotional support for their families.

Route options for 2023 – three miles, six miles, or 13.1 miles (the equivalent of a half marathon) – open up the walk to the whole family, from young children, teenagers and occasional strollers through to seasoned long-distance striders of all ages.

Entrants will leave from and return to Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s Home Park stadium, gathering as evening falls and setting off towards Derriford and beyond between 8pm and 9pm, depending on the distance you’re walking. This year a Reflection Mile at the beginning of the route will feature entrants’ words of remembrance about friends or family members who have died, and there’s also an option to sign up to be a Midnight Walk VIP, with lots of extra benefits.

Penny Hannah, Head of Fundraising, said: “While Midnight Walk is a poignant occasion, it’s ultimately a celebration in honour of those we have lost, and it always has a lovely, positive atmosphere. I’m delighted that we’ve made some exciting changes and additions this year that will make it more special and inclusive than ever, and we’re very grateful to our new sponsors Michael Spiers, along with Marchand Petit.

“Whether you have taken part in our event before or are participating for the first time, we can’t wait to see all our supporters striding out in their pink T-shirts. What really makes the night for everybody though, is that they’re doing what they can to help local families.”

Regular registration costs £24 for ages 11 and over, and £12 for ages 10 and over. You can sign up at www.stlukesmidnightwalk.co.uk.

,

BLOG: 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.

,

BLOG: Open Gardens 2023

Stunning gardens open their gates to raise funds for hospice care

A sensational selection of beautiful gardens in West Devon, the South Hams and East Cornwall are once again throwing open their gates to raise funds for our compassionate end of life care for local people.

Our Open Gardens scheme is an annual favourite for horticulture fans who revel in the chance to explore amazing private plots, large and small, many not usually open to the public, while supporting our care at the same time. Cash raised from ticket sales plays a vital part in helping us to meet the rising cost of our dedicated care teams offering free specialist hospice care, when and where it is needed.

Launching the 2023 season on Mother’s Day – Sunday 19 March – is the grand Gnaton Hall, near Yealmpton, which boasts a spectacular five acres, packed with daffodils and grand Magnolia trees, plus walled gardens, terraced lawns and woodland walks. With plenty of time to explore this amazing plot between 2pm and 5pm, visitors can try to spot the elusive Elmer the Patchwork Elephant in the grounds, enjoy cakes and refreshments and purchase a wide selection of homegrown plants.

This year’s programme, running through to September and kindly sponsored by NFU Mutual Plymouth, promises plenty of inspiration for keen gardeners, as well as a proper treat for anyone who enjoys a fresh air outing in a beautiful environment.

The list features many perennially popular gardens, plus several exciting new additions to the roster, stretching from the outskirts of Plymouth right across our catchment area in the South Hams, Dartmoor, West Devon and just over the border into Cornwall – from Kingsbridge to Lewdown.

The magnificent landscaped grounds of the Grade One listed Flete House, near Ermington, opening on Sunday 30 July, are always a glowing highlight of the season. Fresh for 2023, there’s also a new Hidden Village trail around a series of private gardens in Mary Tavy, a moorland village north of Tavistock, opening between 11am and 4pm on Sunday 4 June, where taking time to chat with the garden owners will be part of the fun.

There’s no need to book in advance for any of the gardens – just turn up on the allotted date and time and follow the orange St Luke’s signs to car parking and the gardens themselves and pay on the gate with cash or contactless card; under-16s have free entry.

An added bonus this year is the chance to buy a series of four striking, limited-edition nature-inspired linocut prints, specially created for our Open Gardens by acclaimed Calstock artist Peter Ursem – one of which features on this year’s brochure cover.  The gorgeous colour-soaked prints are available from his website at www.peterursem.co.uk and Peter will generously be donating 50 per cent of sales proceeds to St Luke’s. The artist will also be holding an open studio day to coincide with the Gunnislake Village Open Gardens on Sunday 25 June.

Wayne Marshall, St Luke’s Open Gardens Co-ordinator, said: “It’s exciting to be back with another diverse selection of beautiful gardens to inspire and delight visitors. Many of our featured gardens are hidden gems not normally open to the public, so visiting is a rare chance for you to get an insight into garden planning and planting schemes.

“As a charity, we couldn’t survive without the kindness of all our supporters. This includes everyone who attends our Open Gardens, the big-hearted garden owners who welcome them, and not forgetting our proud sponsors NFU Mutual Plymouth.”

You can pick up a copy of our Open Gardens 2023 brochure at any of our charity shops, at local garden centres and supporting businesses, or you can download it online here.

,

BLOG: 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.

mens day out
,

BLOG: Men’s Day Out 2023 makes mindful miles matter

mens day out

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 Plymouth to support the compassionate care St Luke’s provides for hundreds of local families at the toughest times in their lives.

This special day is so much more than a fun, banter-fuelled, outing to revel in with your friends – it’s also about being mindful of our mental health. Many of us walk in memory of loved ones but, let’s face it, men can be masters at masking how we really feel, even when we’ve lost someone we care deeply about.

Voicing how we feel and sharing our precious memories 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.

mens day out

Discover a special bond with friends old and new as you stride a scenic 12km (7.5 mile) route through the city and waterfront from 10am. 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.

Places for Men’s Day Out – kindly sponsored by Jem Scaffolding Ltd – always go fast. So, dodge the scrum, sign up now and start getting friends, family and colleagues to sponsor you.

mens day out

Registration costs just £35, but that only covers your T-shirt, refreshments, rugby ticket and event costs. It’s your additional sponsorship and donations that really make the difference to the patients who need our vital service at home, in hospital and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel, 365 days a year.

Sign up now.

Tour de Moor
,

BLOG: Tour de Moor: Cyclists’ support that helps keep the wheels of local hospice care turning

Tour de MoorCyclists’ 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!”

Midnight Walk
, ,

BLOG: Plymouth tickled pink for hospice care | Midnight Walk

Midnight WalkPlymouth tickled pink for hospice care

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.

Midnight Walk Kelly Allmett from Saltash with friend Faye Judic from Peverell landscape

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.”

Midnight Walk Kelly Allmett from Saltash with friend Faye Judic from Peverell landscape

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.

Midnight Walk Michelle Homeyard and 10 year old Iyla form Thornbury landscape

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.”

Midnight Walk

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.

Midnight Walk Shelley Martin and 12 year old daughter Shania from Weston Mill landscape

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.”

Register your interest now for Midnight Walk 2023 here.

Midnight Walk Copthorne Hotel competition
,

BLOG: Win a stay at the Copthorne Hotel, Plymouth!

Midnight Walk Copthorne Hotel competition

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 days after the walk or enjoy a meal and a night out with friends without the need for a taxi home. Whatever you would do, you’ve got to be in it to win it!

All you have to do to be in with a chance is to register for our Midnight Walk by 30 June and you will be automatically entered into the draw!

The prize will include dinner and a one night stay in a Standard Double or Twin room followed by breakfast the next morning.

Sponsored by local company Drakes Jewellers, Midnight Walk is a fantastic opportunity for you to join forces with your mates and other local ladies for a night of fun, making new memories as you walk together and celebrate the lives of the special people you want to remember. Not only that, the sponsorship you raise will help us to reach more families who desperately need our specialist service.

Register now to be in with a chance of winning! Terms and Conditions apply.

Our Care

Support us

Courses

Information