Tag Archive for: palliative care

Birthday off work
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Fancy having your birthday off work?

Birthday off workFancy having your birthday off work?

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.

birthday day off

“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.

Birthday day off Highland swimming

“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.

birthday day off

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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Lisa Fran St Luke's
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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.”

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Sally Kate career
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Follow your heart to find a life-enhancing career

Sally Kate career

Follow your heart to find a life-enhancing career

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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Tour de Moor
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Tour de Moor, the South West’s boldest charity cycling challenge returns for 2022

Tour de Moor

Get on your bike in St Luke’s 40th anniversary year, for an exciting challenge in aid of compassionate care and support that positively impacts families affected by terminal illness. 

Our popular Tour de Moor biking challenge returns to the rugged wilderness of Dartmoor on Sunday 9 October. Sponsored by Print Copy Scan, a local supplier of printers and copiers, we will be offering cyclists an adrenalin-packed adventure: a hill-filled, 52km mixed terrain route of mud, sweat and gears all in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. Cycling at its fiercest for those aged 12 and above!

Alternatively, participants of 9 years or older can take it down a gear and saddle up for 30km of tough riding over hills and through woods, and there’s also the ‘mini moor’, a gentle 11km ride along the tarmac paths of Drake’s Trail that’s suitable for all the family.

Tour de Moor

Not only does Tour de Moor cater for all cycling abilities, it also raises vital funds for the specialist care we provide for patients and ensures they can make precious memories with loved ones in their final months, weeks and days. Funds raised will also help us to continue to provide essential bereavement support for patients’ family and friends.

Having welcomed our first patients to Syrena House in Plymstock in 1982, today we care for patients in their own homes, at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel. Our critical service runs 365 days a year, covering Plymouth, South West Devon and East Cornwall.

Penny Hannah, Head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, said: “If ever there was a time to get on your bike to help keep the wheels of our specialist service turning, it’s this one – our charity’s 40th anniversary year.

“Over the four decades since St Luke’s began, it has been our privilege to have made a difference to many hundreds of local families. So, if someone special to you was looked after by our team, taking on the challenge of Tour de Moor is a fantastic way to pay tribute to them.

“Regardless of your motivation for participating though, our epic event is a great combination of fitness and muddy fun. With three classic routes to choose from, it’s ideal for families as well as more experienced cyclists who really want to push themselves.

“Every hill climb will be worth the extra effort because the sponsorship money Tour de Moor raises is needed more than ever to help St Luke’s meet the rising demand on our service. We want to be here for the next 40 years – and beyond – to ensure that no-one in the local area misses out on the high-quality care they need, and deserve, at the end of their lives.”

Tour de Moor

Director of Print Copy Scan, Karl Welburn, said, “St Luke’s has given four decades of superb service, helping local families who rely on the team’s care and support at the toughest time of their lives, but as a community we must never take what the charity provides for granted.

“We’re proud to sponsor Tour de Moor again, especially with this year being the 40th anniversary of the hospice. All the money raised by those taking part goes directly to bespoke care for terminally ill people living in the local area.”

The Tour de Moor challenge departs from 8.30am at Harrowbeer Airfield, near Yelverton, and finishes there.

Sign up for the challenge here. Registration costs £35 for the 52km or 30km route, and £15 for the 11km route.

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laughter in a hospice
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“I did not expect to hear laughter in a hospice.”

laughter in a hospice

“I did not expect to hear laughter in a hospice.”

“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.

Learn more about our volunteering opportunities.

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royal celebration
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A royal celebration to mark 34 years

A royal celebration to mark 34 years

When you have two tickets to the Platinum Party at the Palace who do you choose to give them to? Our longest serving member of staff of course!

Today marks an amazing 34 years of our Support Officer Andy Campbell’s dedication to St Luke’s and when we were kindly gifted two party tickets to our frontline workers, we knew exactly who they should go to.

“It was a real honour and privilege to have the opportunity to go,” Andy said. “I feel very lucky to work at St Luke’s and am honoured to be able to look after the patients, families and staff in the way I do.”

When Andy Campbell first joined St Luke’s 34 years ago it was as a Healthcare Assistant, a role he later combined with his job as Support Officer, until five years ago when he decided to focus on the latter, securing the building after the ‘day’ staff have gone home and doing much more besides.

Not only does Andy cover reception duties at Turnchapel during his regular evening shift, taking calls and greeting visitors, he ensures that both individuals and entire families spending time with their loved ones are comfortable, recognising that it’s often the ‘small’ things that can make a big difference to them at such a sad time.

“The key thing I appreciate about working at St Luke’s is having the time to do a job properly,” said Andy. “I can often be with a patient for a whole shift if they need me and give them the time they deserve, which I know would be very different in another healthcare setting.

“Things have changed a lot over the past 34 years, but what has never changed is the approach to the patients. Being thoughtful and kind doesn’t cost us anything, but it can be priceless to the families we help. There’s not many people that can say they love coming to work each day, but I do.”

It was this constant thoughtfulness that made it an easy decision to send Andy up to London to enjoy a night off and celebrate in style at the much sought-after Platinum Party at the Palace.

royal celebration Andy

The event, which took place at Buckingham Palace, featured performances from a wide variety of musicians including Queen and Adam Lambert, Andrea Bocelli, Duran Duran, Diana Ross and George Ezra all performing their biggest hits in a star-studded tribute to Her Majesty’s unprecedented anniversary.

The evening pivoted around global themes that have been born, or evolved, during the breadth of Her Majesty’s reign due to British and Commonwealth contributions including Fashion, Sport, The Environment, 70 Years of Pop Music and Musicals.

Highlights of the momentous evening for Andy were the vocal talents of Andrea Bocelli and Diana Ross.

Steve Statham, Chief Executive of St Luke’s, said: “Andy has given so much to St Luke’s these last 34 years and for that we are truly grateful.

“He has been a constant for so many over the past three decades, especially family members visiting our specialist unit. He goes above and beyond to ensure they are looked after during what can be an extremely emotional time.

“This was the perfect opportunity to thank Andy for all he has done over the years. It is people like him who enable us to continue to support patients and families that need us, helping to make such a difficult time that little bit easier.”

If you are interested in joining the St Luke’s team then check out our current vacancies.

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Head Teacher
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Meet the former Head Teacher blossoming as part of our team

Head Teacher

Meet the former Head Teacher blossoming as part of our team

Until recently, Dave Cantin was a teacher in a large Plymouth primary school, where he focussed on creating the right conditions for students to achieve their potential. His 33-year teaching career also includes Deputy Headships and Headships of two Cornish primary schools. Now, he’s two months into his new role working more outside than indoors, and in a completely different sector where our team all go the extra mile to help ensure people at the end of their life get the most out of each day.

So, what was it that motivated Dave to resign from his teaching job and make the leap to become one of our Maintenance Assistants, caring for our beautiful gardens at Turnchapel and contributing to the smooth-running of all St Luke’s facilities, from our specialist unit to our charity shops?

Dave, who is 55 and lives on the Plymouth side of the Saltash Passage, explains: “While I enjoyed my career in teaching and school management, after 33 years I knew it was time for a change otherwise I might always be left thinking, ”What if?”. I’ve always loved being outdoors and have a real passion for gardening, so when my wife saw the job with St Luke’s advertised she just knew she had to show it to me. I’d reached a time in my life where I was able to re-evaluate and choose a new direction if I so wished.

head Teacher

“I wasn’t put off by the idea of working for a hospice. It’s not depressing or distressing – in fact, the opposite is true. I already knew this because when my mum received hospice care in another part of the country, I witnessed not only great warmth and sensitivity in the way she was looked after but the uplifting atmosphere and camaraderie between the people working there. The same is absolutely true of St Luke’s – you only have to read all the heart-warming stories local families share about the precious memories the team helped them and their loved one create.

“It’s natural to feel a bit apprehensive when starting any new job, never mind one so far removed from what you’re used to, but I can honestly say I’ve felt at ease from day one. Everyone is so friendly, and there’s no ‘them and us’ feeling between the staff and volunteers – it’s one team made up of people with different skills, strengths and experience, where each person is valued for who they are and what they bring.

“At the moment, I’m mostly working in the gardens, which I feel is a privilege because they aren’t just ‘any’ gardens, they’re a haven for Turnchapel patients and a special place bereaved families often return to because they find such comfort there. With the remodelling of the workspaces that’s under way inside the building, I’m also looking forward to getting stuck into some of the decorating that will need doing there.”

“I hope my story shows that it’s never too late to change direction and embrace a new challenge, especially if – like me – there’s a job you have always wanted to try. Being a Maintenance Assistant at St Luke’s has highlighted to me that it takes a multi-skilled team to provide such great hospice care, with dedicated people behind the scenes as well colleagues working directly with our patients.”

Learn more about our current job opportunities.

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Mike Trustee Coastal Path
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From boardroom to coastal path

Mike Trustee Coastal Path

From boardroom to coastal path

Drawing on their professional and life experience to help St Luke’s by kindly giving their time and skills free of charge, our trustees are community-spirited volunteers who ensure our charity is governed prudently and with great integrity.

Such generosity to our organisation and the people we look after is in itself a big contribution, so when we learned trustee Mike Risdon was going a step further – well, several thousands of steps! – by taking on a sponsored trek along part of the South West Coast Path to fundraise for us, we were blown away!

Mike, who spent more than 35 years in senior financial management for large industrial companies, joined our Board of Trustees in 2017. His roles there include Treasurer, Chair’s Governance, Finance and Audit, Risk Management Committees, and Director of SLH Ventures Ltd.

With 2022 being St Luke’s 40th anniversary year, Mike was inspired to pull on his walking boots and get training for his trek. He then completed it over four days in May, hiking 63 miles from Looe in Cornwall to Salcombe in Devon, which roughly represents the coastal catchment area covered by our hospice team looking after people at home, in hospital and at Turnchapel.

Mike Trustee Coastal Path

While Mike’s trek was an opportunity to take in beautiful scenery, his focus was firmly on raising as much sponsorship as possible. And, thanks to the generosity of his family, friends and colleagues, he’s achieved a terrific result: more than £2,000 towards the compassionate care we provide at no cost to our patients.

Mike said: “When my wife Jan needed end of life care, Rowcroft Hospice in Torbay was there to help, and I have never forgotten the difference their kindness made to us both.

“Since becoming a trustee of St Luke’s, I’ve gained insight into just what it takes for hospices to keep on providing such high-calibre specialist care and support. As charities facing rising demand on their services, they need our support more than ever and I’m pleased to be doing my bit.

“Thank you to everyone who sponsored me – my hope is that I’ll have helped inspire other people to follow in my footsteps by fundraising for St Luke’s, however they choose to do it.”

Our thanks to Mike and his fellow trustees for everything they do for our charity – it is so appreciated!

If you’d like to take on a challenge to support us, there are so many ways to choose from. Click here to find out more.

 

 

 

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Platinum Champion Award
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Royal recognition for volunteer Adrian

Platinum Champion Award Volunteer Adrian

Royal recognition for volunteer Adrian

You couldn’t meet a more modest man, but our long-serving volunteer Adrian Frost so deserves the royal recognition he’s received for his outstanding contribution to our community!

From many thousands of nominees across the UK, Adrian is one of 490 volunteers selected as Platinum Champions by the Royal Voluntary Service, whose President, the Duchess of Cornwall, signed the certificate he’s received along with his specially designed pin badge. The prestigious awards launched to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee are shining a light on Adrian and others like him who go above and beyond to make life better for others by giving their time and skills to help them for free.

Over his 24 years with us, Adrian’s volunteered as a driver and as part of our events team as well as doing lots of fundraising, but his greatest gift is the time he dedicates to supporting our terminally ill patients and their family members, too.

Volunteer Adrian

Adrian, who lives in St Budeaux, said: “Initially, I assumed befriending and bereavement support would be way beyond my comfort zone, but instead it became my calling. It’s a privilege that people let you into their lives when they’re going through such a difficult time, and by listening with compassion you’re reminding them they don’t have to face it alone.

“At St Luke’s we’re a close-knit team of staff and volunteers all supporting each another to do our very best to help people live out their last weeks and days as peacefully, comfortably and joyfully as possible. That the hospice does all it can to be there for patients’ families, too, means it is even more deserving of every bit of support our community can give.

“It was witnessing the kindness of St Julia’s Hospice in Cornwall when they looked after my brother Roger that inspired me to start volunteering with St Luke’s, and when my niece said it was the one good thing that came out of the heartbreak of losing her dad, it meant more to me than I can say.

“To be recognised as a Platinum Champion for volunteering is a terrific honour, and one I did not expect. I think of it as being not just for me, though, but for all of us who proudly serve our community as part of such a dedicated and respected team.”

Steve Statham, Chief Executive of St Luke’s, said: “Adrian is a modest man, who does not give to our charity expecting recognition, yet is so deserving of the title Platinum Champion. A huge thank-you to him for 24 years of loyal service, during which time his kindness has touched countless lives.

“All our valued volunteers are the reason our charity’s limited resources can stretch further to reach more families who need us, and we never take their generosity for granted.”

Could you spare a few hours to volunteer as part of our friendly team? We have lots of different roles and would be delighted to help match you to the one that’s right for you. Learn more about volunteering at St Luke’s.

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Volunteers week 2022
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Volunteers’ Week, 1 – 7 June

Volunteers week 2022

Volunteers’ Week, 1 – 7 June

Three big cheers for our hospice volunteers!

What better time than national Volunteers’ Week to shine a light on the local heroes who so generously give our charity their time and skills for free? Together with our staff, our volunteers help make our community a kinder place for people with terminal illness or experiencing bereavement.

While we’re proud of them all year round, this week is a special celebration of these big-hearted individuals. After all, as a charity we simply couldn’t do as much as we do, as well as we do it, without the vital contribution they make.

Monkey Volunteers Week

Paul ‘Monkey’ Wade brims over with enthusiasm talking about volunteering as part of our Events team for the past eight years. A familiar face at Tour de Moor, Midnight Walk and Men’s Day Out, Paul loves being in the great outdoors, whether it’s marshalling or putting up the signs along the route, to help keeping everything running smoothly. Paul, from Kings Tamerton, said: “If I volunteered at every St Luke’s event for the rest of my life, I still couldn’t repay all the kindness given when the hospice cared for my beautiful mum, Caroline, before she died.”

For many of our charity shop customers – particularly those who’ve been bereaved or are feeling isolated – our stores are a place where they find compassion as well as quality bargains. Likewise, gaining a sense of connection appeals to our volunteers, too. It’s what inspired Eleanor Richardson to get involved, first on reception at Turnchapel and now a day a week at our Shabby Chic charity shop on the Barbican, where we sell vintage treasure.

Eleanor Volunteers Week

Eleanor, who lives in Oreston, arrived in Plymouth after spending most of her life in South Africa. She said: “Living alone and adapting to life in a new country felt daunting, so being welcomed into the St Luke’s family was just what I needed. Becoming a volunteer is such a great way of meeting people as well as contributing to something really worthwhile. I love serving our customers and can honestly say I get far more from volunteering than I give.”

For John Horwell of Down Thomas, helping to keep our Turnchapel grounds neat and tidy as part of our maintenance team is his way of thanking us for caring so well for his beloved wife Margaret before sadly, she died. John said: “It comforts me to be giving something back. When I see families arriving, my heart goes out to them because I relate to what they are going through, but I know that with St Luke’s they are in the very best of hands.”

John Volunteers Week

Kindness is powerful, especially for people who are terminally ill or grieving, so we are hugely grateful to our warm-hearted befrienders and bereavement support volunteers, too.

Mary Burroughs, who lives in Yelverton, spent all her working life in senior administrative roles in healthcare organisations, including Guy’s Hospital in London and University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust. As a volunteer with us, she gives an hour a week to listen to and support people whose loved one was looked after by St Luke’s.

Mary Volunteers Week

She said: “You might assume listening to people who are grieving is depressing, but I don’t see it like that at all. Of course, there’s sadness because someone they love has died, but I regard it as an honour that they share their story with me and can be open about how they’re feeling.

“It’s all part of them gradually coming to terms with their loss and adapting to a new way of being. When someone says I’ve made a difference to them, it really touches my heart.”

Volunteering with us could turn out to be the most rewarding role you’ve ever had! If you can spare a few hours a week as part of our friendly team, we’ll support you every step of the way.

Find out more  | Volunteer with St Luke’s

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