Giles Peeters will be swapping runways for an ultra big challenge this weekend in aid of St Luke’s, having already raised a staggering £14,500 so far!
They came, they ran, they did us proud. A record number of runners gave it everything they’ve got for St Luke’s in the Run Plymouth Half marathon, 10k and 5k on Sunday morning, raising more than £40,000 for our specialist care.
A young family will be walking in the footsteps of their inspirational grandad to raise much-needed funds for St Luke’s.
Grace Morley’s grandad Owen Masters spent 24 hours at our specialist unit at Turnchapel last October, before he sadly died.
“His stay was only a short one,” she says, “but during those 24 hours our entire family were blown away by the quality of the care he received.”
Big-hearted march backs care that goes the extra mile A mass of big-hearted men will be marching through Plymouth on Saturday 6 April next year to support the compassionate end of life care St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth provides for local families at the toughest times in their lives.
Registration opens on 1 December for the hugely popular Men’s Day Out, an unmissable mix of miles, mates, memories and merrymaking that not only raises funds and awareness, but also opens the door to conversations about grief and bereavement.
This flagship annual event is one of the most popular and memorable happenings on the city’s calendar, with around 2,000 entrants signing up each year to march a 12km circular route, finishing with a pasty, a beverage, and a seat at the rugby.
Walkers and their generous sponsors bring in thousands of pounds each year to help fund St Luke’s invaluable hospice services for patients at home, in hospital and at the charity’s specialist unit at Turnchapel, 365 days a year.
Striding the streets together offers a unique camaraderie for those who have lost loved ones or are facing up to a terminal diagnosis in the family, while doing something positive and uplifting to support people in the local community.
Many take part to remember a friend or family member who was cared for by St Luke’s, and writing their loved one’s name on their official Men’s Day Out T-shirts helps to spur them on as they join the huge throng of men on the move.
Starting and finishing at Plymouth Albion RFC at Devonport, the event will kick off at 10am and follow a marked route through the city centre and along the waterfront, taking in Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican. Back at the rugby ground, walkers can enjoy a well-earned pasty and a beverage before witnessing our local boys in a clash with the Rams from Reading.
St Luke’s Head of Fundraising Penny Hannah said: “We’re thrilled to announce that Men’s Day Out will be striding ahead again in 2024, and so grateful for the loyal support of our sponsors JEM Scaffolding, and to so many of you who come back year after year to join in the fun, open your hearts and raise funds for St Luke’s.”
Registration for Men’s Day Out costs just £35, but that only covers the official T-shirt, refreshments, rugby ticket and event costs. It’s individual sponsorships and donations that really make a difference, and many entrants set themselves a fundraising target to tot up their total as they mark the miles.
Places are limited so it’s advised to register early for this well-loved event to avoid disappointment and to start rallying sponsors. Click here to find out more.
A vibrant parade of a thousand warm-hearted walkers strode through the city on Friday night (7 July), sharing cherished memories of much-missed friends and family members, and raising vital funds for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.
Midnight Walk entrants of all ages and abilities gathered at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park stadium as twilight fell, ready to pound the pavements along the charity’s choice of three-mile, six-mile, and 13.1-mile routes.
On the backs of their official bright pink T-shirts, walkers had written the names of lost loved ones they would be thinking about during the evening, many of whom had received care from St Luke’s teams at the end of their lives.
Many jazzed up their outfits with glow in the dark make-up, colourful net skirts, flashing bunny ears, boas, garlands and headdresses, and a lively musical warm-up led by Plymouth based fitness class Cheezifit adding a fun festival atmosphere to the tender, uplifting annual event, sponsored this year by Michael Spiers and Marchand Petit.
All walkers marched up Outland Road on the first leg to Manadon roundabout, passing walkers’ poignant memories on this year’s new Reflection Mile. Some turned around here, retracing their steps to complete the shortest, most family-friendly route, while others continued up to Derriford before doubling back to complete the six-mile challenge.
With a circular route, equivalent to half marathon distance, added to the mix for the first time, this most demanding route saw the hardiest of Midnight Walkers continue via Eggbuckland to Marsh Mills, along the Embankment and through the city centre, before returning triumphant to Home Park.
For some it was a family affair with two or three generations journeying together. Alex Baggott from Plymouth was walking with daughters Hannah Baggott and Charlotte Bennett, in memory of her husband Ian. A former police officer with Devon and Cornwall Constabulary and super fit marathon runner, Ian developed a rare and incurable lung disease and sadly died in April this year.
His wife and daughters wanted to show their appreciation for the care he received from St Luke’s at home team by taking part in Midnight Walk. Before setting off on the 13.1-mile route, Alex and her girls were delighted to meet up with Debbie Hutchinson, the St Luke’s specialist nurse who was there for Ian and the family when they needed it most.
“It isn’t until you actually need St Luke’s and use their services, that you understand how vital and special they are. With Debbie’s help we were able to look after Ian at home after his last stay in hospital,” said Alex, a nurse herself.
“She really couldn’t do enough for us. It was the most awful time of our lives, but we didn’t have to concern ourselves with anything other than caring for Ian.”
Lynne Shell, whose husband Pip was cared for at St Luke’s specialist unit at Turnchapel, before his death last year, was walking three miles with daughters Nicola and Helen, and granddaughters, Rosie, five, and Molly, eight, and on Friday had already raised £400 in sponsorship.
It was little Molly who spurred the family to take part. “Children at school were talking about fundraising for other charities. She came home and asked how she could raise money for St Luke’s. It’s fantastic for the girls to be part of this. They have been so excited seeing the amount on our Just giving page go up.”
Accepting their medals at the end of the three-mile walk were St Luke’s clinical nurse specialist Alex Chapman, her six-year-old daughter, Olivia, and her mum Jen Gibson, who used to be a community staff nurse at Torpoint, with a special interest in palliative care.
Jen said: “There is hardly a local family that hasn’t been touched by St Luke’s. It is such a fabulous resource for the area. Many times I have referred patients for advice. My special reason for taking part is that six weeks ago I discovered I had a leaky heart valve and couldn’t even walk 25 yards, but I’ve done all right tonight!”
Alex, who joined the hospice 18 months ago, and walked with colleagues last year, added: “It’s Mum’s most proud appointment for me, working for St Luke’s.”
Meanwhile, Olivia was enjoying her late night out, fuelled by popcorn and chocolate treats, and looking forward to telling her classmates at Cornwood School all about her Midnight Walk adventure with Mum and Nanna.
Chrome Alexander and his wife, Dee, Navy personnel from HMS Drake and HMS Raleigh, were remembering his father, Montgomery, who died from cancer 18 months ago at home on the Caribbean island of St Vincent, where palliative care is limited.
“We have a friend who works as a nurse for St Luke’s so we know it is a fantastic organisation and that’s why we decided to sign up for Midnight Walk. It is not just the people who are ill who are looked after, but their families too,” said Dee.
Chrome added: “I would have liked my dad to have had that support because it takes a lot of pressure off the family, but there was nothing like that available there.”
Emma Harrison walked 13.1 miles as one of a team from R T Fitness, a closeknit group of women inspired to support the important services St Luke’s provides. She was paying tribute to her late mum who was cared for at home by St Luke’s before her death from cancer aged just 58.
“When you are going through that with a family member you don’t know where to turn. You really need someone there who can understand and not judge. St Luke’s gave me comfort and I knew that in her last hours she was not suffering.
“She had worked for the NHS for the majority of her life and she didn’t want to die in hospital. She wanted to be at home in the house she was born in, with her family and friends.”
Head of Fundraising at St Luke’s, Penny Hannah, said: “It was incredibly humbling and heart-warming to see so many walkers out there on the streets of Plymouth, remembering their loved ones and feeling proud to be part of such a magical and bonding evening.
“I would like to thank every single walker for their compassion and kindness. We are also hugely grateful to our wonderful sponsors Michael Spiers and Marchand Petit, and to Plymouth Argyle as hosts of our event village. We couldn’t run Midnight Walk without their support.
“The money and awareness raised is so important for the future of St Luke’s as we continue to offer our specialist care and support, free of charge, to those who need us most, at home, in Derriford and in our specialist unit at Turnchapel. Thank you again to everyone involved.”
When Gordon Maunder’s mother, Christine, was approaching the end of her life, St Luke’s was there by the family’s side, enabling her to spend her last days, comfortably and without pain, in her own home.
This memorable first-hand experience of St Luke’s services inspired Gordon, company chairman of Marchand Petit estate agents, to make the business proud co-sponsors of this year’s Midnight Walk.
Gordon describes his mother as “small, dark and dangerous”, and a lover of playing bridge and gardening. She had been receiving treatment for ovarian cancer before learning that her illness was terminal. A dear grandmother and great grandmother, she died in February 2022 aged 88.
“She was only 5ft but no pushover! The one thing she didn’t want was to go into hospital to die,” said Gordon. “It was massively important to Mum to be in her own home at Wembury that she absolutely loved.
“She knew she had reached that point of no return… it was one of those terrible moments. My sisters and I were absolutely at our wit’s end, not knowing what to do and how to help Mum. When the ladies from St Luke’s came through the door it was like the Ghostbusters had arrived.
“They took control and everything they did was efficient and carried out with compassion. Mum was immediately made to feel comfortable. She was a mad keen gardener, and the dining room was made into a bedroom for her so she could see her garden out of the window.
“For all our sakes we were immensely grateful. We knew which stage of the journey we were at, and we felt less stressed by the fact that she was out of pain and less stressed herself. We took it in turns to constantly be with her, and my father, Graham, who now lives with us.
“St Luke’s provides a fabulous service. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are, they are there for you.”
Gordon will be at the Midnight Walk start line at Plymouth Argyle’s Home Park this Friday night to cheer on his wife, Penny, 14-year-old daughter, Hettie, and a team of Marchand Petit colleagues, including Sarah Baines, Sarah Douglas and Helen Harris, as they set off on the six-mile route.
Helen will be striding the streets in memory of her Dad, who received care from St Luke’s at home before his death eight years ago.
“Dad had a brain tumour and St Luke’s was wonderful for our family at the time and helped him remain at home,” said Helen, Associate Director of Marchand Petit’s Modbury office. “I’m walking to support the hospice and to raise awareness to help others. I don’t think you really understand what St Luke’s does, and that it’s not just an inpatient unit, until it touches you personally.
“It’s a charity that is close to my heart and it’s nice to get involved in something like this and raise money for such a great cause. St Luke’s is a huge resource for people in their time of need, when they don’t really know what’s available. They were invaluable for us, and very supportive for friends who have also lost their parents.”
A little girl has set her sights on fundraising in memory of her Great Grandma, so that other families can have the same support she did during such a difficult time.
Ella Honey Casey, 6, from Leigham, will be walking the three-mile route at our Midnight Walk on Friday in memory of her Great Grandma, Dorothy Honeychurch – or as she knew her – Grandma Doffy, who died earlier this year.
Ella Honey’s mum Emily, said: “After being diagnosed with terminal cancer in March this year, Doffy took the brave decision to be looked after by St Luke’s in April. Doffy was there for two weeks over Easter and the staff couldn’t do enough for myself, Ella and my youngest daughter Daisy. Doffy was treated with so much dignity and respect and we were given so much support and comfort from everyone, from the volunteers and support workers to the nursing staff. It is hard to put into words how kind and compassionate St Luke’s were in our time of need.
“Whilst we were at Turnchapel we talked to the nurses about the Midnight Walk. Ella was so excited that she could help other families to have the same amazing care we had at such a challenging time.”
Ella Honey will be walking alongside her mum and Nana (Clare Honeychurch) on the night, bringing together three generations in memory of a fourth.
The determined six-year-old has been hard at work fundraising and has already surpassed her £100 fundraising goal on JustGiving.
Emily added: “She is very excited and has been asking friends and family who knew and loved Doffy to help with fundraising. In preparation for the walk, she has been doing lots of extra long walks around Wembury and Saltram ready for her big adventure!”
Like Ella Honey, many of our Midnight Walkers are walking in memory of those special people who are no longer with us, while striding forward to secure the future of our hospice services at home, in hospital and in our specialist unit.
Registration closes for our Midnight Walk, sponsored by Michael Spiers and Marchand Petit, on Tuesday at 5pm, so it’s your last chance to sign up. Already signed up? If like Ella Honey, you can raise at least £100 in sponsorship we can achieve collectively our goal of delivering enough for our St Luke’s hospice teams to care for 100 families at home. Wouldn’t that be amazing?
Sign up and set up your JustGiving page here.
This year’s Midnight Walk will be a poignant one for so many. Especially for a group of women walking in memory of a special friend described as ‘a beautiful light in everyone’s life’.
Holly Hacker from Ivybridge, was diagnosed with cancer six years ago. Sadly, in January this year, at the age of 40, Holly passed away after bravely fighting for so long.
In Holly’s honour, a group of her friends decided to get a team together to take on our Midnight Walk on Friday 7 July to keep their memories of such a beautiful friend, daughter, sister and auntie alive.
Holly Heroines7 is made up of seven women including Holly’s two sisters-in-law and her close friends. The teammates are: Laura Hacker, Maggie Hacker, Tracey Keslake, Natalie Potter, Molly Joslin, Laura Reed and Kelly Thomson.
Holly’s close friend, Kelly Thomson has described the special memories they have of Holly. She said: “Holly was a kind soul, her smile could light up a room. Her brother Aaron has commented that the picture on our JustGiving page stops him in his tracks when he sees it on the news feed. That’s how I remember her…smiley.
“She was a good friend, sister, daughter. She would see her Mum every Saturday for a fry up and then go off shopping together. She had a good sense of adventure but drew the line if it involved water or heights. Although we did get her on a river cruise when visiting Scotland!
“She was very generous, caring and truly a great friend. She was always there if you needed her any time of day. She would stand her ground if needed and could be firm. She had a special look that you knew if she looked at you this way she wasn’t amused, something I saw quite often being the joker of the trio!
“She really was a beautiful light in everyone’s life.”
Having taken part in our flagship event previously Kelly and teammate Tracey jumped at the opportunity to take part. “Having done the Midnight Walk before, as soon as we knew it was happening I already knew we would be doing it. Although I was hoping Holly would still be with us to do it too.”
The walk itself, kindly sponsored this year by Michael Spiers and Marchand Petit includes three different routes of 3 miles, 6 miles, and 13.1 miles. The women, like so many others, see it as an opportunity share precious memories and make new ones.
“I think we are all looking forward to spending time with each other on the walk and sharing stories and memories”, said Kelly. “We haven’t seen each other since the funeral, so it will be good to catch up with them. The girls are all wonderful individuals, and they are all like old friends already.
“The Midnight Walk has such an amazing ambience as you know that people there are doing it in memory of someone. So the support you get from strangers is amazing. It means a lot to us to raise money for St Luke’s as they do such an amazing job. They supported Holly and made her comfortable in her last couple of weeks and they showed great compassion to her family and friends. It can’t be an easy job for them, but we are so grateful to them for caring for our beautiful friend.”
The inspiring team are currently at the top of our team’s fundraising leaderboard, having already raised a fantastic £1,195 for our patient care. If every single Midnight Walker commits to raising £100 like this fabulous seven, the event will bring in enough for our St Luke’s hospice teams to care for 100 families at home, just like Holly’s.
Kelly added: “We are so overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity so far, and I know Holly would too be so proud. She is so missed daily but her memory will go on.”
If the Holly Heroines have inspired you, then why not sign up your team today for our Midnight Walk and make Midnight miles matter. Click here to sign up.
Meaningful midnight miles will benefit local hospice careSt Luke’s iconic Midnight Walk is back for 2023, shining a light on precious memories of lost loved ones while supporting our compassionate care.
Hundreds of generous and caring walkers will be taking to the streets of the city wearing distinctive pink T-shirts on Friday 7 July in a poignant and colourful celebration remembering those family members and friends who are no longer with us.
Funds raised will help us continue our vital work providing specialist care for terminally ill people at home, in hospital and at our specialist unit at Turnchapel, as well as emotional support for their families.
Route options for 2023 – three miles, six miles, or 13.1 miles (the equivalent of a half marathon) – open up the walk to the whole family, from young children, teenagers and occasional strollers through to seasoned long-distance striders of all ages.
Entrants will leave from and return to Plymouth Argyle Football Club’s Home Park stadium, gathering as evening falls and setting off towards Derriford and beyond between 8pm and 9pm, depending on the distance you’re walking. This year a Reflection Mile at the beginning of the route will feature entrants’ words of remembrance about friends or family members who have died, and there’s also an option to sign up to be a Midnight Walk VIP, with lots of extra benefits.
Penny Hannah, Head of Fundraising, said: “While Midnight Walk is a poignant occasion, it’s ultimately a celebration in honour of those we have lost, and it always has a lovely, positive atmosphere. I’m delighted that we’ve made some exciting changes and additions this year that will make it more special and inclusive than ever, and we’re very grateful to our new sponsors Michael Spiers, along with Marchand Petit.
“Whether you have taken part in our event before or are participating for the first time, we can’t wait to see all our supporters striding out in their pink T-shirts. What really makes the night for everybody though, is that they’re doing what they can to help local families.”
Regular registration costs £24 for ages 11 and over, and £12 for ages 10 and over. You can sign up at www.stlukesmidnightwalk.co.uk.
A mass gathering of kind-hearted men strode through the streets of Plymouth at the weekend, paying tribute to lost loved ones, enjoying a unique camaraderie and showing their support for the charity that provides specialist end of life care for local families.
More than 2,000 men of all ages braved chilly temperatures and a persistent drizzle to turn out for St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth’s 2023 Men’s Day Out on Saturday (11 March). With most sporting distinctive event T-shirts, and some wearing eye-catching fancy-dress, they set off to walk a 12km (7.5 mile) route through the heart of the city, beginning and ending at the Plymouth Albion rugby ground at Devonport.
The thousands of pounds raised by the sold-out event will help St Luke’s continue its compassionate care, free of charge, for local people with terminal illness in their last months, weeks and days of life. As well as expert medical care, at home, at Derriford Hospital and at the charity’s own specialist inpatient unit at Turnchapel, the hospice teams provide valuable emotional and practical support for patients and their relatives and friends when they need it most.
St Luke’s patron Mark Ormrod, Royal Marines veteran, Invictus Games athlete and motivational speaker, was at the start line at Albion with his daughter to cheer the crowds on their way. “If I had my legs I would be out there with them,” said Mark, a triple amputee.
Amid all the fun, banter and companionship of the day, participants had the chance not only to share precious memories of friends and family members who have died, but also to talk frankly about the pain of losing a loved one to terminal illness and the realities of bereavement. It’s well recognised that men struggle to reach out for support and being together on the move offered a rare opportunity to speak freely with others who really understand.
It was a particularly poignant day for Martin Jones from Plymstock as he walked in memory of his wife, who died just five days earlier. Jen, 76, was a nurse who worked at St Luke’s from its very early days at Syrena House. The couple actually met at St Luke’s 35 years ago when Martin was a volunteer and Jen was working in the specialist unit at Turnchapel. In her final days she was cared for at home by the St Luke’s Urgent Care Service team.
“I can’t praise the girls from the hospice enough. I call them all angels in every respect,” said Martin, a retained firefighter, who is also a regular volunteer at the St Luke’s Plymstock Broadway shop. “I was Jen’s full-time carer and not only did they look after her, they looked after me as well. They brought me back from the brink.”
Martin has been taking part in Men’s Day Out since it started, on previous occasions in fancy dress costumes ranging from a crocodile to a Power Ranger, although that didn’t seem appropriate this time.
“Before my Jen died we talked about it and she was adamant that I should still do it this time no matter what happened. This morning I thought about not coming but I got myself up and out the door. It really is a brilliant day out,” said Martin, who was finding it comforting to talk to others along the route who had been in his situation. “I have spoken to a couple of men today who have told me to stick with it and the pain will get better over time.”
Four generations from one family were on the move to remember Shirley Roberts from Derriford, who died at St Luke’s Turnchapel specialist inpatient unit in January 2017. Her husband, Andy Roberts, her father Dave France from Saltash, and from Crownhill, her son Mark Green and his 13-year-old son Oliver were walking together in her honour, as well as in memory of John, Shirley’s stepdad.
“St Luke’s was a massive help to me when I lost my wife. Death is a taboo subject – it shouldn’t be, but it is and Men’s Day Out opens up conversations. Taking part you get to chat to people,” said Andy.
Sam Moore, 24, from Stoke was taking part in Men’s Day Out in memory of his Nanny Ann and Auntie Jackie, walking alongside his dad, his uncle and his brother. Acknowledging the power of togetherness during the event, he said: “The struggles you got through, everything is better as a team. It’s like a sigh of relief and such a weight off your shoulders to get it all out. And the fact St Luke’s is out there for everyone is brilliant.”
Martin Warran from Ford was taking part in memory of his wife, Lesley, walking with his grandson Jason Gee and a group of friends and family, all wearing bright striped umbrella hats. Lesley died last November, surrounded by her loved ones.
Martin said: “My wife wanted to pass away at home and we had St Luke’s coming in for about eight days.” “She was very comfortable with all of us around her,” added Jason, who appreciated the chance to walk and talk with others who have lost a loved one, while having a great day out. It’s a right good laugh, a bunch of lads getting together, and you know you are not the only person feeling it.”
Amid a host of volunteers helping to make the event possible, nurse Tracy Edwards from St Luke’s Urgent Care Service was out and about selling raffle tickets to boost the charity’s funds.
She said: “Men’s Day Out is about blokes coming together who are perhaps facing recent loss. There are a lot of men grieving and sometimes they don’t know how to deal with those emotions or express how they are hurting. While they are walking they feel they are doing something to represent the person who has died. “They get to be with other men and have that support. I feel proud to see them walking around the city in their St Luke’s T-shirts.”
Credit BBC Spotlight – 11 March 2023
Penny Hannah, St Luke’s Head of Fundraising, hailed the event a huge success. She said: “It’s incredibly heart-warming to see so many men put their best feet forward to support St Luke’s, especially in such cold and drizzly weather. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took part, to our sponsors Jem Scaffolding Ltd for their generous support, and to all the wonderful volunteers who gave their time to make sure the day ran smoothly.
“In previous years Men’s Day Out has raised enough to provide 160 families with a full package of care and support at home. This time it looks like we’re going to exceed that target, which is especially welcome at a time when we’re facing fast-rising costs.
“The kindness of our community never ceases to amaze me. It’s what has kept us going for more than 40 years, helping people with terminal illness make the most of every precious day, with the people who matter most to them. We couldn’t do it without you.”
Register your interest for Men’s Day Out 2024 here.
