Tag Archive for: plymouth

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BLOG: Taking on an epic challenge in aid of local hospice care

Taking on an epic challenge in aid of local hospice care

Six big-hearted adventurers from Devon and Cornwall are going further than the extra mile to raise money for St Luke’s by taking on a challenge like no other – they’re going over 5,000 miles!

On Friday 1 July, Jackie Giles and Lewis Philips from Plymouth, Claire Lemasurier from Tavistock, Sophia Wilson from Torpoint, and sisters Chloe Reeves and Holly Fulford from Looe set off on the trip of a lifetime to Malawi in eastern Africa, having already raised more than £28,000 between them for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, thanks to sponsorship from family, friends and colleagues.

The group – all of whom are covering the cost of their trip themselves – are determined to raise even more money to help St Luke’s continue its specialist service for local families affected by terminal illness. Pushing themselves mentally and physically, they are doing this by taking on the epic challenge of climbing Malawi’s highest peak, 10,000ft (3,000m) Mount Mulanje, in just three days.

While in Malawi, one of poorest countries in the world, the group will learn about its culture and use their skills to help make a difference by volunteering with local communities, including in schools, children’s centres and hospices.

For Holly Fulford and Chloe Reeves from Looe, taking on the Malawi Challenge for St Luke’s is their way of saying thank-you to us for looking after their mother Beverly with such compassion before sadly, she died in December 2018, aged 59.

Holly said: “Our mum was such a special person, who meant the world to us. She spent the last 11 days of her life at Turnchapel, where not only was she given amazing care, the team made sure we always felt welcome as a family, even letting us stay over with mum.

“St Luke’s helped us all at an unbelievably difficult time so when Chloe and I heard about the Malawi Challenge in aid of the hospice, we leapt at the chance! Doing something epic is our way of giving back to St Luke’s and helping families like our own.”

To raise sponsorship, the sisters organised a dance-a-thon, a jazz day and a collection on the Torpoint Ferry. Chloe said: “I don’t think there’s anything more important than end of life care, and we don’t talk enough about how amazing hospices are.

“Thank you to everyone who has sponsored us. When we reach the top of Mount Mulanje, we’ll be thinking of our wonderful mum.” Sponsor Holly and Chloe

For Sophia Wilson from Torpoint, the Malawi Challenge appeals to her sense of adventure and desire to support a really worthwhile local cause.

Sophia, 33, said: “I’ve always been passionate about Africa, and the opportunity to raise money for St Luke’s by taking on a tough mountain climb was too good to miss!
“As a dietician at University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, I work alongside the St Luke’s team that ensures patients with terminal illness receive the bespoke care they need at the end of their lives. It’s given me insight into the vital work of the hospice.

“I’ve put lots into training for the Malawi Challenge, so a huge thank you to everyone who’s got behind me. Every penny of sponsorship raised will help keep St Luke’s doing what they do so well for families across the community.” Sponsor Sophia.

Our thanks to Sophia, Holly, Chloe, Claire, Lewis and Jackie for taking on such an epic challenge, and to every person who has sponsored them. Your kindness counts more than you may ever know!

Sponsor our incredible adventurers:

Claire Lemasurier, Tavistock

Sophia Wilson, Torpoint

Holly Fulford, Looe

Chloe Reeves, Looe

Lewis Phillips, Plymouth

Jackie Giles, Plymouth

Tour de Moor
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BLOG: 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.

royal celebration
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BLOG: 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.

Mike Trustee Coastal Path
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BLOG: 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.

 

 

 

Platinum Champion Award
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BLOG: 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.

laughter in a hospice
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BLOG: “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.

Head Teacher
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BLOG: 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.

Volunteers week 2022
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BLOG: 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

Wing Walk Fundraising Thank you
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BLOG: Two brave ladies take fundraising to new heights!

Wing Walk Fundraising Thank you
Two brave ladies take fundraising to new heights!

The community-spirited people who are often fundraising for St Luke’s; run, walk or take to the water to do sponsored challenges – with our exciting skydive and wing walk challenges, they can take to the air, too!

Claire Behennah and Jane Burt both took on the challenge of a wing walk last weekend, with each raising well over £3,000 for our compassionate care along the way.

Claire, from Callington, took part in memory of her beloved daughter Chloe, who was looked after by our team before heartbreakingly, she died aged just 22.

Claire said: “Standing on top of the plane at 500ft, moving at a speed of up to 130mph, was exhilarating and also very emotional for me, thinking about everything Chloe went through with her illness.

“Beautiful, brave and so caring, Chloe will always be a true inspiration to everyone who knew her and that’s why I continue her legacy by raising money for St Luke’s. I am so incredibly grateful to the team for all their help and support.”

Wing Walk Fundraising Thank you

For Jane, from South Brent, the challenge was about remembering Lee Friend, a great mate to her and her husband Andy who was just 39 when sadly, he died.

She said: “Quite simply, Lee was the best of the best and always one for having a laugh. I’m an adrenalin junkie anyway, so when I heard about the opportunity to take on the wing walk challenge, I wanted to do it in tribute to him and also to Gary, the friend he made while they were both being cared for at Turnchapel.

“The vital work of St Luke’s must never be taken for granted.”

Huge thanks to Claire and Jane and the many in their communities who so generously sponsored them – such fantastic fundraising helps us continue looking after local families at the most difficult time of their lives.

You can find out more about their stories and sponsor the ladies at their JustGiving pages Claire and Jane.

Are you inspired by Claire and Jane and feeling up for the challenge? Find out more about how you can wing walk for St Luke’s.

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BLOG: Plymouth Military Wives Choir performs in aid of St Luke’s

Military Wives Choir Plymouth

Military Wives Plymouth
Plymouth Military Wives Choir performs in aid of St Luke’s

A fabulous concert in aid of our compassionate care? That hits all the right notes with us!

We couldn’t be happier to announce the Plymouth Military Wives Choir ‘Celebrate and Reflect’ concert on Friday 10 June in aid of St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth. Join us at Plymouth Guildhall as we come together for an evening of song, music, celebration and reflection marking 40 years of our specialist service and the 11th anniversary of the talented Plymouth based choir.

With 72 choirs and nearly 2,000 members in British military bases across the UK and overseas, the Military Wives Choirs is a charity that brings all women in the military community closer together and empowers them through singing. The choirs contain wives of serving personnel, but also those currently serving, veterans, mothers, sisters and daughters, and others with a military connection.

Hosted by BBC Radio Devon presenter David Fitzgerald, the anniversary concert will also feature the Newton Abbot Orchestra and treble Jaimie Page. COVID-safety measures will be in place.

Tickets (£12 each) are on sale in St Luke’s charity shops at Western Approach, Tavistock and Modbury, or book online.

If you would like to support St Luke’s and help us to continue to provide vital end of life care to the local community, visit our fundraising page to find out all the ways you can help.

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