Tag Archive for: support

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.

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.

 

 

 

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.

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.

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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Payroll Giving

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Run for St Luke’s and go the distance in our 40th anniversary year

Run for St Luke's Header

Run for St Luke’s and go the distance in our 40th anniversary year

If ever there was a year to run in aid St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth, this is it!

Whether you’re an experienced runner or fairly new to the sport, we’re asking you to put your best foot forward for our patients in our 40th anniversary year by signing up to take part in Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival on Sunday 19 June or the London Marathon on Sunday 2 October.

With 40 – and hopefully, many more! – big-hearted people like you running the 5k, 10k or half marathon to raise much-needed funds for St Luke’s, we’ll be able to reach more of the local families who rely on our compassionate care and support at the toughest time of their lives.

Perhaps you’ve run in support of our charity before, or maybe this will be the first time – either way, it shows great kindness for your community.

Whichever race you sign up to, we couldn’t be more grateful. You’ll help us keep going that extra mile for our patients and their loved ones so they can make precious memories together when time is running short.

Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival

Right here in our great city on 19 June 2022, there’s the opportunity to take on a 5k, 10k or even a half marathon to fundraise for our charity, so we’re seeking 40 (or more!) runners who are up for the challenge.

Sign up to support St Luke’s and run a route widely respected as one of the most challenging in the UK as well as full of local landmarks.

 

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