Tag Archive for: midnight walk

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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.”

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BLOG: Ella’s Midnight miles for Grandma Doffy

A little girl has set her sights on fundraising in memory of her Great Grandma, so that other families can have the same support she did during such a difficult time.

Ella Honey Casey, 6, from Leigham, will be walking the three-mile route at our Midnight Walk on Friday in memory of her Great Grandma, Dorothy Honeychurch – or as she knew her – Grandma Doffy, who died earlier this year.

Ella Honey’s mum Emily, said: “After being diagnosed with terminal cancer in March this year, Doffy took the brave decision to be looked after by St Luke’s in April. Doffy was there for two weeks over Easter and the staff couldn’t do enough for myself, Ella and my youngest daughter Daisy. Doffy was treated with so much dignity and respect and we were given so much support and comfort from everyone, from the volunteers and support workers to the nursing staff. It is hard to put into words how kind and compassionate St Luke’s were in our time of need.

“Whilst we were at Turnchapel we talked to the nurses about the Midnight Walk. Ella was so excited that she could help other families to have the same amazing care we had at such a challenging time.”

Ella Honey will be walking alongside her mum and Nana (Clare Honeychurch) on the night, bringing together three generations in memory of a fourth.

The determined six-year-old has been hard at work fundraising and has already surpassed her £100 fundraising goal on JustGiving.

Emily added: “She is very excited and has been asking friends and family who knew and loved Doffy to help with fundraising. In preparation for the walk, she has been doing lots of extra long walks around Wembury and Saltram ready for her big adventure!”

Like Ella Honey, many of our Midnight Walkers are walking in memory of those special people who are no longer with us, while striding forward to secure the future of our hospice services at home, in hospital and in our specialist unit.

Registration closes for our Midnight Walk, sponsored by Michael Spiers and Marchand Petit, on Tuesday at 5pm, so it’s your last chance to sign up. Already signed up? If like Ella Honey, you can raise at least £100 in sponsorship we can achieve collectively our goal of delivering enough for our St Luke’s hospice teams to care for 100 families at home. Wouldn’t that be amazing?

Sign up and set up your JustGiving page here.

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BLOG: Holly Heroines – A beautiful light in everyone’s life

This year’s Midnight Walk will be a poignant one for so many. Especially for a group of women walking in memory of a special friend described as ‘a beautiful light in everyone’s life’.

Holly Hacker from Ivybridge, was diagnosed with cancer six years ago. Sadly, in January this year, at the age of 40, Holly passed away after bravely fighting for so long.

In Holly’s honour, a group of her friends decided to get a team together to take on our Midnight Walk on Friday 7 July to keep their memories of such a beautiful friend, daughter, sister and auntie alive.

Holly Heroines7 is made up of seven women including Holly’s two sisters-in-law and her close friends. The teammates are: Laura Hacker, Maggie Hacker, Tracey Keslake, Natalie Potter, Molly Joslin, Laura Reed and Kelly Thomson.

Holly’s close friend, Kelly Thomson has described the special memories they have of Holly. She said: “Holly was a kind soul, her smile could light up a room. Her brother Aaron has commented that the picture on our JustGiving page stops him in his tracks when he sees it on the news feed. That’s how I remember her…smiley.

“She was a good friend, sister, daughter. She would see her Mum every Saturday for a fry up and then go off shopping together. She had a good sense of adventure but drew the line if it involved water or heights. Although we did get her on a river cruise when visiting Scotland!

“She was very generous, caring and truly a great friend. She was always there if you needed her any time of day. She would stand her ground if needed and could be firm. She had a special look that you knew if she looked at you this way she wasn’t amused, something I saw quite often being the joker of the trio!

“She really was a beautiful light in everyone’s life.”

Having taken part in our flagship event previously Kelly and teammate Tracey jumped at the opportunity to take part. “Having done the Midnight Walk before, as soon as we knew it was happening I already knew we would be doing it. Although I was hoping Holly would still be with us to do it too.”

The walk itself, kindly sponsored this year by Michael Spiers and Marchand Petit includes three different routes of 3 miles, 6 miles, and 13.1 miles. The women, like so many others, see it as an opportunity share precious memories and make new ones.

“I think we are all looking forward to spending time with each other on the walk and sharing stories and memories”, said Kelly. “We haven’t seen each other since the funeral, so it will be good to catch up with them. The girls are all wonderful individuals, and they are all like old friends already.

“The Midnight Walk has such an amazing ambience as you know that people there are doing it in memory of someone. So the support you get from strangers is amazing. It means a lot to us to raise money for St Luke’s as they do such an amazing job. They supported Holly and made her comfortable in her last couple of weeks and they showed great compassion to her family and friends. It can’t be an easy job for them, but we are so grateful to them for caring for our beautiful friend.”

The inspiring team are currently at the top of our team’s fundraising leaderboard, having already raised a fantastic £1,195 for our patient care. If every single Midnight Walker commits to raising £100 like this fabulous seven, the event will bring in enough for our St Luke’s hospice teams to care for 100 families at home, just like Holly’s.

Kelly added: “We are so overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity so far, and I know Holly would too be so proud. She is so missed daily but her memory will go on.”

If the Holly Heroines have inspired you, then why not sign up your team today for our Midnight Walk and make Midnight miles matter. Click here to sign up.

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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.

Lisa Fran St Luke's
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BLOG: St Luke’s covering of kindness for Lisa and Fran

Lisa Fran St Luke's

St Luke’s covering of kindness for Lisa and Fran

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.

Lisa Fran St Luke's

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.

Lisa Fran St Luke's

“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.”  

Lisa Fran St Luke's

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.”

Midnight Walk
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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
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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.

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PR: Community unites in support of local hospice care

Community unites for Midnight Walk in support of local hospice care

Midnight Walk turned Plymouth bright pink as a thousand women and girls came together wearing tee-shirts of that hue to walk across the city, raising vital funds to help ensure local people with terminal illness get high-calibre care that helps them live well to the end of their lives.

On Friday 20 August, saw much-loved local charity St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth welcome faces both familiar and new to its hotly anticipated mass participation fundraising event, Midnight Walk, following the sponsored walk’s cancellation last year because of the pandemic. So popular was the event in aid of the compassionate care the hospice provides across Plymouth and surrounding areas that it was a complete sell-out.

Setting off from Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium, the ladies followed 5, 10 or 15-mile route taking in many Plymouth landmarks, including Smeaton’s Tower and the Barbican. And when the challenge got tough, moral support came in abundance from the spectators who cheered them on from their front gardens and the passing motorists who tooted their horns in solidarity.

The event, sponsored by GA Solicitors, saw many participants walking 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.

Among those taking on the full 15 miles were Caroline Mercer from Salcombe, her daughters Cerys and Tegan and friends Debbie, Emma and Alice. The group was walking in memory of Lyndsey (Lynds) Fisher-Khoury, Caroline’s best friend and godmother to Cerys and Tegan, who was looked after by St Luke’s at Turnchapel before sadly, she died in May 2019.

Caroline said: “Lynds was such a special person – she loved life and was so kind and caring. She was always beautifully dressed and shone in any room yet was so down to earth. She was a lovely godmother, too, and we all miss her so much.

St Luke's Midnight Walk Caroline Mercer

“When Lynds needed St Luke’s care at Turnchapel, they looked after her wonderfully in a beautiful room looking onto the gardens. It helped her husband Mark, and all of us, to see that she was comfortable and at ease in such a peaceful place where nothing was ever too much trouble. Whenever we visited Lynds, we were always made to feel so welcome by the staff and I will never forget their kindness at such heart-breaking time.”

Also walking 15 miles were sisters Tracey Brannan from Crownhill and Suzanne Clough from Brixton, walking in memory of their much-loved grandfather Peter Clough. St Luke’s cared for Peter at home and later at its specialist unit at Turnchapel.

Tracey said: “Doing Midnight Walk this year feels extra special because it’s coming up to ten years since granddad died and it’s our way of paying tribute to him. What stood out to me about St Luke’s was the way their care helped him not just physically but mentally, too. They gave him – and us as a family – the ultimate support throughout. It’s really important to us to show our gratitude because there’s an endless need for what the charity provides.”

St Luke's Midnight Walk Tracey and Suzanne

Suzanne said: “I would have been marrying my fiancé Ashley today, but we postponed because of the pandemic. So, it was wonderful to be in an atmosphere of celebration at Midnight Walk, remembering our amazing granddad and doing our bit for such a vital service for our community.”

Head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, Penny Hannah, said: “What an electric atmosphere! A huge, heartfelt thank you to all the ladies who came out to support St Luke’s – you are all incredible and we loved seeing you!

“From the dedications on the backs of all the tee-shirts it was clear to see the positive impact St Luke’s has had on so many local families in need at a time of crisis.

“After the disappointment of having to cancel last year’s Midnight Walk due to COVID-19 safety measures, this year’s event felt even more special. For some of the ladies taking part, it was the first opportunity they have had to reunite with family and friends since losing a loved one during the past 18 months, which have been so incredibly tough for people going through bereavement.

“We are so grateful to everyone who took part. Sponsorship money raised helps keep our 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 – all of which helps make our community a kinder place for people living and dying with terminal illness and for those close to them, too.

“I also want to thank all the other big-hearted people who make an event of this magnitude possible. That includes our army of amazing volunteers, our sponsors GA Solicitors, Plymouth Argyle, Cheezifit for the fantastic warm-up routine, Devon and Cornwall 4×4 Response Team, Devon and Cornwall Cycle Marshalls, PL1 Events and all the businesses and other organisations who’ve donated products and services. We simply couldn’t have done it without them and we are so grateful.”

St Luke's Midnight Walk Case Study Header. Images of the twins taking part in the Midnight Walk through the years.
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BLOG: Midnight Walk twin power!

St Luke's Midnight Walk Case Study Header. Images of the twins taking part in the Midnight Walk through the years.

Midnight Walk twin power!

When it comes to taking part in our much-loved Midnight Walk to raise vital funds for our charity, the more feet on the ground the better!

Not only are we excited to meet ladies participating in the challenge for the very first time, we love welcoming back the familiar faces once again stepping out to help us care for more people in their community. You can imagine, then, how delighted we are that twins Hazel Foster and Marcia Collins have registered to take part – not for their second, third or even fourth year, but their incredible 13th!

When the dynamic duo – who will celebrate their 60th birthdays just six days after this year’s event – heard that Midnight Walk is back on 20 August, they wasted no time in signing up.

The many thousands of steps taken by the twins in aid of St Luke’s are testament to the special place our charity holds in their hearts. Over the years, people close to them – including their beloved mother Joan Luckham, have been looked after by our team with such compassion that participating in Midnight Walk year on year is the sisters’ way of saying thank-you to us for going the extra mile.

Image of the sisters at a past Midnight Walk

Hazel, who lives in Woolwell, said: “Ever since we first took part in Midnight Walk in 2008, Marcia and I have been hooked! To us, there’s just no event like it so as soon as we’ve done one, we can’t wait to do another. The atmosphere is truly amazing – everybody is really friendly and we love the camaraderie, walking alongside hundreds of other ladies of all ages who are remembering their loved ones, too.

“When mum was in her last weeks of life, the care from St Luke’s was superb. Not only that, they supported us as a family. We felt listened to and understood. For Marcia and me, doing Midnight Walk is us giving something back for such kindness both then and more recently, with others dear to us also needing to be looked after by the hospice.

“Quite simply, I don’t know what families would do without St Luke’s in our city. It’s important we show our support so that the charity is here for years to come.”

Midnight Walk is on 20 August, starting and finishing at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium. For more information and to register, click here.

Midnight Walk is kindly sponsored by GA Solicitors.

BLOG: Family quartet set to go the distance in memory of much-loved Mary

Treasured memories of a big-hearted mum and grandmother are inspiring four females from the same Plymouth family to step out together in support of St Luke’s after we gave her such compassionate care at the end of her life.

Louise Pudner and her daughters Chloe, 25, Megan, 22, and Laura, 16, have all signed up to take part in this summer’s Midnight Walk, the annual mass-participation event raising vital funds for St Luke’s and the specialist service we provides for terminally ill people at home, in hospital and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel.

With the ladies’ walk making its comeback on Friday 20 August after it had to be cancelled last year because of the pandemic, the foursome is taking up the opportunity to stride the streets, paying tribute to Louise’s mother Mary Mannell, who was looked after at Turnchapel as she neared the end of her life.

Sadly, Mary died in 2011 but memories of the special person she was, and the huge love and affection she gave her four children, plus the 15 grandchildren born while she was alive, are cherished by her family.

Louise, who lives in Southway, said: “Mum was such a caring person and is sorely missed by us all. Growing up, she was always there for us and when her grandchildren came along she devoted herself to them, too.

“When she was ill it was a very difficult time, and our whole family is so grateful to St Luke’s for being there for her and us as well. It wasn’t just the excellent medical care they gave mum that made a difference, but the way they always accommodated our visits – day or night – making all of us, including the children, feel welcome and at ease.

“I’ll always remember spending precious time with mum in the gardens at Turnchapel, taking in the beautiful views over the water. That meant a lot to her because she and dad always loved the sea.”

Sponsored by GA Solicitors, Midnight Walk will see hundreds of women coming together to support St Luke’s. Just like Louise and her daughters, many will be going the distance in memory of lost loved ones, celebrating their lives while making new memories. All are welcome, regardless of whether we were involved in the care of your relative or friend.

The event starts and finishes at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park Stadium, with ladies completing a 5, 10 or 15-mile route across the city.

Louise, who along with Chloe, Megan and Laura is taking on the 15-mile route, said: “Walking together is something we are really looking forward to. We’ll be remembering both mum and my dad, who sadly also died from cancer.

“It’s our way of saying thank-you to St Luke’s, not only for care given in the past but right now, too, looking after people who are special to our family. It’s a charity that touches so many lives and we must never take it for granted.”

Registration for Midnight Walk costs £22, which includes the cost of your tee-shirt as well as a medal and goodie bag for all completers. Click here for more information and to sign up.

If you would like to sponsor the Pudner ladies, please visit their Just Giving page.

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