When three friends from Plymouth set off from Dover today, they’ll be carrying far more than their bikes and kit. They’ll be kicking off one of many challenges in their year long mission to raise £15,000 to help St Luke’s care for families across our community.
The streets of Plymouth were buzzing with warmth and togetherness as a record 2,750 big‑hearted men pounded the pavements for Men’s Day Out 2026, raising much‑needed funds for St Luke’s. After an icy start to the day, brilliant sunshine greeted the crowds as they gathered at Plymouth Albion’s Devonport rugby ground before setting out on a compassion-fuelled 12km hike through the city.
Glamorous singing star, TV character actress, inspirational and loving mother, vivacious and supportive grandmother and great grandmother, Jean Dike lived her extraordinarily full life with dignity, elegance and grace until the very end.
One of Plymouth’s best-loved entertainers and matriarch of a large, unconventional, artistic family, she embraced several identities during her lifetime.
One man is going the extra mile – literally – at our Men’s Day Out next week, to honour Plymouth Albion’s beloved ‘Queen’ – Anne Prue.
Sam Lever, from Plymouth, is the Vice-chairman and interim secretary for Plymouth Albion 200club. On Saturday 14 March he will be walking our Men’s Day Out for the second year running in memory of Anne, who was an avid supporter of St Luke’s and secretary of the 200club.
As His Majesty reached out to grasp my hand, the significance of the momentous occasion suddenly hit me. There, in the historic hallows of St George’s Hall, as the sun set behind Windsor Castle, not only was I meeting King Charles face-to-face, but I was bestowed with a right royal opportunity to sing St Luke’s praises to the gothic-beamed rafters in the most illustrious company possible…
Sometimes, life is not as long as we expect, or hope it will be. Receiving a terminal diagnosis can feel shattering on every level. Yet with tenderness, the utmost sensitivity – and kindness that never wavers – the right care and support can bring peace to an anxious mind and soothe a frightened heart.
At Turnchapel, where talented artist Josie is a patient, she is surrounded by those who matter most to her: husband Laith – her ‘rock’ – and their two bright, beautiful girls, Becca, aged 10, and Sophie, 6…
This Apprenticeship Week, we’re celebrating the people at St Luke’s who are growing their skills, building their confidence and taking the next step in their careers – all while continuing to make a difference every day.
We now have nine members of staff undertaking apprenticeships across the organisation – from our clinical and care teams to retail, admin, finance, IT and HR.
This week we wanted to shine a light on the nurses who have been leading the way for career development.
Plymouth’s business community is charting a course for hope, coming together to support St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s Guiding Lights, a major public art trail and auction set to illuminate the city this summer.
Recently, representatives from local businesses and other organisations gathered at the National Marine Aquarium to select their favourite lighthouse designs from over 90 submitted by talented artists from Plymouth and further afield. Together, they cast their votes for the designs they most want to see the artists bring to life as full-scale sculptures. Their choices will help shape a trail of striking lighthouses that will shine across Plymouth and beyond this summer, attracting visitors, boosting the local economy, and symbolising the comfort, guidance and compassion for which St Luke’s is renowned.
At 102, retired nurse Rhoda Till is living proof that age is no barrier when it comes to volunteering for St Luke’s.
Giving back to her community is still hugely important for the former night ward sister, mother of three and great, great, grandmother who was inspired to join our charity shop team around 30 years ago when she saw how much her daughter, Rosemary, loved her weekly volunteering sessions.
“I didn’t think I would still be volunteering at 102 but I thoroughly enjoy every minute of it. It makes me feel useful and lets me enjoy a little bit of social life,” said Rhoda, who had the privilege of being introduced to the King when he paid a visit to St Luke’s in the 1990s. Then a couple of years’ ago he sent her a card for her 100th birthday.
If you ever visit our specialist unit at Turnchapel one of the first things you will notice are the carefully cultivated gardens surrounding the hospice building.
Every Wednesday a group of 6 volunteers have been giving up their time to dedicate some care and love to our gardens, keeping them pruned, de-weeded and full of life. Their hard work creates a peaceful, welcoming space for patients, families and staff to enjoy – a place where nature offers comfort and calm during difficult times.
