St Luke's Hospice Plymouth

03/05/2026

Meet Pete Clayton, one of the artists behind the St Luke’s Guiding Lights Sculpture Trail and Auction - transforming blank white lighthouses into bold, imaginative beacons set to shine on Plymouth’s streets this summer in support of local hospice care.

Pete is a Graphic designer and illustrator based in Plymouth. His illustration work is distinguished by his sense of fun and joy, and he used that same approach when designing his Guiding Lights sculpture, while also keeping St Luke’s compassionate care for patients and their families firmly in mind.

“My lighthouse design is called A Guiding Light of Positivity and within it I’ve tried to depict all the really nice things that St Luke’s does. I wanted to make it a really positive piece because what they do for people in those important times is actually really positive,” said Dave.

“There has always got to be an idea behind what I create. I haven’t been to St Luke’s, but I spent a little time in a hospice a few years ago and the positive atmosphere and message has stayed with me. And what we, as artists, are going to put out on the streets is a positive thing.”

Like the early songs of the Beatles – played on repeat by Dave – there’s a lot of love and affirmation embedded in his design.

“It’s saying sing your song and be who you are, especially in the latter years of your life. If you know what is going to happen, hospice care can soften the blow, and it’s a perfect opportunity to be yourself.”

Pete usually works with ink and paper: “I’ve never painted anything like this lighthouse before – it’s a new and exciting thing to do.”

For a sneak peek of Pete's design, head to our blog: https://bit.ly/4mYKJ1A

Stlukesguidinglights

02/05/2026

Imagine doing something really kind for your community - and having the chance to win £2,000 at the same time!

By taking part in our Summer Raffle, you’ll help St Luke’s keep providing personalised, compassionate care to local people whose time is running short and supporting their families before and after the hardest goodbye.

All of this and the opportunity to add sizzle to your summer with extra cash in your pocket.

Splurge or save – the choice is yours!

Buy your tickets online now: https://www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/raffle/

02/05/2026

You've just been paid, so if you’ve been thinking about signing up to our Midnight Walk, today is a good day to do it!

One small decision now can mean so much later. You’ll walk through the night, side by side with others who understand, raising vital funds for compassionate care when it’s needed most.

Secure your place on Friday 10 July.

We have 4 routes to choose from - 2.5, 5, 7.5 or 13.5 miles - so there is a distance for all the family to get involved.

Sponsored by Michael Spiers Jewellers it is set to be a night to remember.

Sign up now and walk with us. https://www.stlukes-hospice.org.uk/midnight-walk/

01/05/2026

🧗‍♀️ Rise to the challenge, descend for the cause!

This July, we’re joining forces with Argyle Community Trust for something a little different – a charity abseil from the roof of Plymouth Argyle Football Club's Home Park Stadium.

On Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 July, thrill-seekers will be able to climb to the top of the St Luke’s Lyndhurst Road Stand, then abseil down to the hallowed turf below.

It’s bold. It’s unforgettable. It will help us be there for families across Plymouth when they need care most.

Funds raised will support St Luke’s alongside Argyle Community Trust’s & Ginsters Project 35, tackling poverty across our city.

🎽 Every participant gets:
• A professionally guided abseil
• A commemorative event t-shirt
• A once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity
• And the pride of making a real difference locally

Places are limited to just 160, and demand is high.

Will you rise to the challenge? Sign up now:
https://www.abler.io/shop/pafc/communityevent?program=Q2x1YlNlcnZpY2U6NTUzNTc=

30/04/2026

Life changes. Your will should too.

Marriage, children, grandchildren, separation - if things have changed, it may be time to update your will.

From 11-22 May 2026, our Make a Will Fortnight gives you the chance to do just that, with local solicitors offering their services for free to help you write or update your will when you make a small donation to St Luke’s.

Appointments are limited and are booked directly with the participating solicitors. The big-hearted solicitors taking part in the week are: Howard & Over Solicitors CWC Solicitors, Woollcombe Yonge Solicitors Gard & Co Solicitors GA Solicitors and Thompson & Jackson Solicitors LLP incorporating Roper James.

If you are unable to make an appointment during these two weeks, you can still write or update your will for free online or over the phone with at any time of the year.

One in four of our patients is cared for because someone chose to leave a gift in their will.

Hospice care is free at the point of use. But, unlike the NHS, it is not fully state funded. The truth is, with rising costs and growing demand for hospice services, these gifts are more important to us than ever. Your Gift ensures that when your neighbour gets that diagnosis, when a local family faces the unthinkable, when someone you know needs dignity and comfort, we’re here.

Not just today, but for generations to come.

Together, we can make sure that hospice care lives on for all, for now, forever.

Find out more about what it means to make a will and our Make a Will Fortnight on our blog: https://bit.ly/4263ExP

Contact one of the participating solicitors here: https://bit.ly/2EoH6Oh

30/04/2026

Celebrate the Bank Holiday weekend by visiting Horrabridge Village Gardens this Sunday 3 May for our exclusive Open Gardens event.

Join us to explore the delightful riverside and cottage gardens of this beautiful historic village located in the Dartmoor National Park. This fine selection of private gardens are opening exclusively for St Luke’s.

🗺️ Maps are available from St Luke’s stall in Weir Park, in the village centre
⏰ Open 11am to 4pm
🎟️ Tickets cost £6 (Children under 16 go free)
📍 Horrabridge, Devon, PL20 7SZ

Guide dogs only | Refreshments | Parking

To find out more about our Open Gardens, that are kindly sponsored by NFU Mutual Plymouth visit:

https://bit.ly/2FVApUY

29/04/2026

Meet Dave Smith, one of the artists behind the St Luke’s Guiding Lights Sculpture Trail and Auction - transforming blank white lighthouses into bold, imaginative beacons set to shine on Plymouth’s streets this summer in support of local hospice care.

A Plymouth-based illustrator, Dave painted an Elmer elephant sculpture for St Luke’s Elmer’s Big Parade back in 2019 and he was thrilled to be selected as one of the artists for the Guiding Lights trail and auction this summer.

“There’s a lot of love and respect for St Luke’s and the work they do and it’s a great privilege to be involved for a second time,” said Dave.

“For Guiding Lights I wanted to do something that was hopefully quite funny and whimsical to bring a smile to people’s faces and represent Plymouth and the elements you would see around Plymouth Sound.

“It features things you find on the water like paddleboarders, swimming pontoons, ferry boats and Princess Yachts. I think it will appeal to kids and adults, and you will find something different each time you look at it.

“Last time, when my sculpture was at the Royal William Yard, it was amazing being able to stand by and watch people’s reaction to something you’ve done. When my lighthouse is out in the city this summer, you’ll probably see me lurking in the shadows! As an illustrator you very rarely get to see anyone’s interaction with your work.

“All the lighthouses are all going to look fantastic; I’m looking forward to seeing all the different designs.”

For a sneak peek at Dave's lighthouse design, head to our blog: https://bit.ly/4mYKJ1A

Stlukesguidinglights

28/04/2026

Do you know your vinyl? Have you got a keen eye for fashion? Or maybe toys and games are your thing?

We are looking for volunteers to help us out with our E-commerce team.

Our team work hard to sort through donations, photographing them and prepping them to sell online on our eBay store.

If you haven’t yet discovered our eBay store, it is filled with vintage finds and unique collectibles. From coin collections to branded fashion goods, our team are always discovering interesting pieces and specialist items.

If you feel your skills or knowledge would help our team, we would love to hear from you.

📧 Drop us an email outlining your interests and skills and availability and we will be in touch: volunteer@stlukes-hospice.org.uk

To find out more about volunteering with St Luke’s visit: https://bit.ly/2I9Orom

28/04/2026

28/04/2026

It isn't just our London runners who have been clocking up the miles for St Luke's.

Henry Warrender is a Training Management Officer in the Royal Navy. 20 years ago, when Henry was just 7 years old, his grandfather Gerry Conway died after a battle with Bowel Cancer. He was cared for by St Luke's during his final weeks and so, to mark the 20th anniversary of his death, Henry completed the Manchester Marathon on 19 April in his honour.

He said: "During his last few weeks with us, my family and I became a part of the St Luke’s community ourselves and they did everything in their power to ensure my grandad received the exceptional care they continue to provide. On Tuesday 19 September 2006 at 8pm, my grandfather sadly passed away. Although this was an awfully tough period for my family, we were all comforted by the fact that he had spent his last few weeks at St Luke’s, surrounded by his loved ones and in an environment where most importantly to us, he was pain free. I cannot thank the staff enough for all they did for my grandad."

Henry has raised a fantastic £830 for our patient care, to help other families experience the comfort he and his family found with St Luke's.

You can support his fundraising on his Justgiving page: https://bit.ly/4sYuPFShttps://bit.ly/4sYuPFS

Thank you Henry and well done on a fantastic achievement!

27/04/2026

26.2 miles. One incredible team. £30,000 raised.

Yesterday, our TCS London Marathon runners showed what courage, care and compassion truly look like. Behind every mile was a story. A memory. A loved one. Together, our 10 runners crossed the finish line and raised over £30,000 to support patient care at St Luke’s.

From emotional first steps to medal‑winning finishes, this team carried their reasons with them all the way. We couldn’t be prouder of every single one.

Read their stories, hear their words, and see why every mile mattered so much on our blog: https://bit.ly/4cXMIie

Thank you to our runners, supporters and everyone who stood with them. 💙

27/04/2026