Spring 2017
St Luke’s News
Buckets of Love for St Luke’s
Christmas at the Hospice p3 | Love St Luke’s p10 | Dates for your diary p17
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St Luke’s News / Spring 2017
Welcome to our Spring Newsletter
T
he beginning of a new year at St Luke’s is always an opportunity for us to reflect on the previous 12 months and to look forward to what the coming year will bring and prepare for the challenges we may face.
Contents p3 Christmas at St Luke’s p4 A stay on our ward helped Janet with her symptoms
Together, we achieved great things in 2016 and I would like to thank all of our loyal volunteers and supporters who are at the heart of our Hospice; the fundraising work and the time people dedicate continues to be invaluable and the stories we hear about the great lengths people go to for St Luke’s are heart-warming.
p5 Cancer Survivorship
As we move into our 29th year, hospices nationally are facing a very challenging time and St Luke’s is no different. Significant funding cuts from the Government will result in the need for us to tighten budgets within our service and the current situation undoubtedly poses a threat to the sector. Your continued support remains vital to the future of St Luke’s and our goal is to minimise the impact on patient care so we can continue to offer our services, free of charge, to everyone who needs it.
p10 We love local, we love St Luke’s
This February sees the launch of our ‘Love St Luke’s’ campaign which you can read more about in the newsletter; we all hope this will spearhead our fundraising and give us a much needed financial boost for the new year.
p17 Dates for your diary
p6 Bubble Rush sponsored by Cliff Dickenson and Son p8 Helping children cope with loss p9 Smigger Challenge
p12 Walking on Air! p13 Befriending service supports local carer Pete p14 Helping Hands p15 16 years and counting for incredible fundraiser, Val p16 Burland Hall p18 Charity couture
My very best wishes to you for 2017.
Andrea Ladeira, Chief Executive Officer
How to contact us
St Luke’s Hospice, Grosvenor House, Queensway, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1BH T 01606 551246 E enquiries@stlukes-hospice.co.uk www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk 2
www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk
Christmas at St Luke’s J ust like any other day, our patients were at the heart of Christmas Day at the Hospice. As families and friends came to visit their relatives and spend Christmas at their bedsides, we were able to recognise the importance of these relationships. For a number of patients on our in-care unit, this was sadly their last Christmas so staff wanted to make it as special as possible. The facilities and catering team were on hand to make sure the quality of food was as good as ever and put all their efforts into cooking breakfast, Christmas dinner and decorating the dining room for patients and families. Some of the patients enjoyed their Christmas gifts with a bath using their new bubble bath and received massages from the nurses with their lovely new moisturisers to create a sensory experience.
Rick, our Hospice Chaplain, came in to chat to patients and held a service too. Karen, a volunteer at St Luke’s, gave up her time to give some of the patients a bit of pampering by doing their hair and nails for them. A couple of patients even went home for a few hours to spend some time in their normal environment. For those who were too poorly to go home, they enjoyed Christmas dinner and watched the Queen’s speech on television. Our staff are always inundated with gifts from relatives of patients that were cared for at St Luke’s. It means a lot to everyone here to be remembered for the care we have provided. The end of a person’s life is a family experience and, over time is often remembered with fondness and gratitude.
Please give a regular donation so we can continue to provide patient care for our community. Call 01606 555684 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/regulargiving
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St Luke’s News / Spring 2017
A stay with us helped Janet with her symptoms
P
erhaps one of the main things St Luke’s is known for is the care we provide on our ward; since we opened many years ago we have cared for people around the clock when their illness has begun to take control. However, a stay on our ward is not always the end. Just before Christmas we cared for a lady called Janet; being independent she was passionate about caring for herself, and managing on her own without relying on her daughter too much. But when she reached crisis point in November, we were able to help. Symptom control is one of the many ways we can support people at the Hospice. When Janet came to us she was unstable, not eating properly, she was exhausted and her cancer was beginning to take a real hold. So when her daughter contacted the Hospice, neither
expected what happened next. “When I came round and realised I was in the Hospice I was shocked, I don’t really remember how I had got to that stage. But over the past three weeks I have improved every day; the nurses have ensured I am eating well and they have given me the rest I needed. They have helped my daughter set up a care plan for me, so when I go home this week there are things in place to make sure I am looked after, and now I am feeling better I have the motivation to look after myself. I don’t think people realise what hospices do. It’s not all about death; I am going home in a much better condition than when I came in. I am so thankful to everyone at St Luke’s for helping me to get back on my feet.”
Some interesting facts about our ward • We have 10 patient beds • We dedicate one bed to respite care • We have a private relatives room which has a sofa bed and a TV • A third of our patients return home after their stay • We serve afternoon tea every day at 2.30pm!
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• Each patient meets our Head Chef to discuss their symptoms and he creates a personalised menu to ensure they are eating the food they want and need • Families can visit at any time of the day and are most welcome to bring pets. Our strangest visitor was a donkey!
If you think someone you care for would benefit from our support, please speak to their GP or healthcare professional who will advise you further.
www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk
Research project looks at cancer survivorship
C
urrent statistics show that 1 in 2 people born after 1960 will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. New treatments are being developed all the time and survivorship is increasing. When treatment is finished we believe that people still need support getting back to a new kind of normal, and coping with everything that has happened. At St Luke’s we can help with this type of care, and we also help contribute to research so our care is always the best it can be.
Head of St Luke’s Family Support and Counselling Team, Kathleen Vandenberghe, is working with Bournemouth University to expand our understanding of what cancer means to people who are at different stages after their treatment. We are looking for volunteers who have finished treatment for bowel cancer to take part in this research. For more information please call Kathleen on 01606 555693 or visit www.stlukeshospice.co.uk/cancersurvivorship
Emma’s story In February 2016, Emma Guy was given the life-altering diagnosis of early breast cancer and had a mastectomy and reconstruction of her right breast. As the Acupuncturist at St Luke’s, Emma was already familiar with the services we offer and following the procedure she asked for a referral to Day Hospice where Tripudio, the application of movement that focuses on the fluid systems of the body, played a significant role in her recovery. Emma recognised just how vital the care and support she had received was and wanted to give something back. Just six weeks after her mastectomy, Emma and 27 of her friends ran the Race for Life raising over £4,500 which showed incredible passion and strength. Feeling as though she could still do more, Emma then went on to organise a Denim and Diamonds evening for St Luke’s in November, and raised more than £1,500.
Many people find that fundraising and raising awareness helps them through their journey, enabling other people to receive similar support. Emma said: “If I can help just one person who’s going through what I’ve been through, that’s what it’s all about.” Emma has vowed to continue to support St Luke’s and we are thrilled to welcome her as a Hospice Hero; a volunteer role which will see her sharing her passion and drive to inspire future fundraisers in our community.
If you would like to fundraise for St Luke’s we would love to hear from you. Please call our community team on 01606 555697 or email community@stlukes-hospice.co.uk
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St Luke’s News / Spring 2017
Bubble Rush returns to Oulton Park
B
ubble Rush is the famous familyfriendly 5km fun-run, and it is returning to the iconic Oulton Park Race Circuit on Saturday 13th May. The event is hugely significant to St Luke’s; last year’s event raised over £100,000 and with your support, we’re hoping to beat that this year. The event is a fun way to support patient care at St Luke’s and we’d love for you to join us! We have waves setting off at different times, so when you book make sure that you’re in the same wave as your friends.
Get involved and make a difference £20 gives a patient a relaxing 30 minute Complementary Therapy session, helping to soothe, calm, relax and relieve symptoms. £50 pays for 3 hours of specialist nursing care, helping patients achieve the best possible quality of life. £763 provides 24 hours of one to one end of life care, providing specialist care and pain relief to ensure patients are as comfortable as possible.
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What you can expect Entry into the run includes a t-shirt, medal and live entertainment, as well as access to our Charity Village where, at a small extra cost, you can purchase colourful merchandise and face‑painting to get you set for the bubbles. Refreshment outlets will be serving ice‑cream, frothy coffee and plenty of food to tickle your taste buds! Places are still remaining but hurry, they’re filling up fast! To register visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/ bubblerush or call 01606 555688.
www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk
Thank you to our Bubble Rush
sponsor, Cliff Dickenson and Son
W
e are delighted that local Ford dealership Cliff Dickenson and Son is sponsoring Bubble Rush this year. They are a long-term partner of St Luke’s and are passionate about supporting the Hospice. As a stockist of both new and used Ford vehicles we are absolutely thrilled that they have also donated a brand new Ford Ka+ 1.2 Zetec 5 door. This incredible car is up for grabs in our summer raffle and the lucky winner will receive this in the colour of their choice with a September 2017 plate! Look out for tickets when the raffle opens in March.
We’re delighted to be working with St Luke’s in our 90th year and we look forward to a successful and rewarding partnership which will enhance the links within the local community.” Chris Winward, Director at Cliff Dickenson and Son
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St Luke’s News / Spring 2017
Helping children cope with loss
W
hen someone is diagnosed with a life-limiting illness it is not just the patient who needs our care and support, we recognise that those around them may need our help too. Our counselling services are available to both adults and children, providing a safe and secure place where they can talk about their loss and receive guidance through their difficult journey. Our team of trained counsellors offer an individual approach ensuring each person who comes through our door has the opportunity to open up and discuss the things they perhaps struggle to talk about at home.
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Coping with the death of a parent or close relative is difficult for any child; they can struggle to find the words to explain their feelings, they don’t understand what has happened and can be worried about the future, and to their friends they become ‘different’ so often withdraw socially. At St Luke’s we support children through this painful process with both one to one counselling and peer support at the Phoenix Group. This Group enables the children to talk and express themselves in a safe environment, and it is only through fundraising like the ‘Smigger Challenge’ and generous donations we receive which enables us to provide this and other services free of charge.
For more information about these and other services we offer in our family support team call 01606 551246 or email fsc@stlukes-hospice.co.uk
www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk
Smigger Challenge W hen 37 year old Mark Smith, known to most people as ‘Smigger’, passed away suddenly in November 2015, his partner Ashlea was left to bring up her 5 year old son Joshua on her own and heartbreakingly, she was also 8 months pregnant.
Mark and Joshua were as good as father and son; they did everything together so Mark’s passing affected Joshua enormously. Ashlea, Mark’s partner
As a thank you to St Luke’s and to commemorate the first anniversary of Mark’s death, his best friend Jonathan Bownes organised the 30 day Smigger Challenge where Mark’s friends ran, walked or cycled 1k, 5k or 10k every day throughout November. They also organised some larger events including a cocktails and canapés evening and a golf day. “We chose St Luke’s as it is close to many people’s hearts and they helped Joshua when he needed it; their work is truly life changing.” So far the Smigger Challenge has raised an incredible £5,120 for St Luke’s, with ongoing fundraising activities planned for 2017. Jonathan and Ashlea are hoping to raise a total of £8,614 in memory of Mark, this will be enough money to Pay for a Day at St Luke’s.
After Mark died, Ashlea was worried about the impact this might have on Joshua, so when she contacted St Luke’s to enquire about him joining the Phoenix Group, we were honoured to help. “I was a little hesitant to contact St Luke’s at first as I thought it was just a place for end of life care, but that perception quickly changed as soon as I got in touch with Sally Kerr in the counselling team. She invited Joshua and I in and the support he received was fantastic.” If you would like to raise money in memory of a loved one or Pay for a Day at the Hospice please speak to Angela on 01606 555697 or email community@stlukes-hospice.co.uk
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St Luke’s News / Spring 2017
We love local, we love St Luke’s
F
ebruary is the month of love, and we’re hoping to spread a little with our exciting Love St Luke’s fundraising campaign. From bucket collections in local towns, to the labels of love you can donate to our charity shops, to going red for a bed, there are lots of ways you can show St Luke’s a little love!
Buckets of Love
Love having a punt? Love supporting a local cause? Then the St Luke’s lottery is for you! Show us a Lotto Love this Valentine’s and join our lottery; for just £1 a week you’ll be in with a chance of winning £1,500 every week! Call 01606 553553 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/ lottery
Go Red for a Bed
Each year our local charity shops raise thousands of pounds for the Hospice; we see so many beautiful items donated and then sold on to be loved again by someone new, and it got us thinking, what if we had a label of love which enabled our customers to learn a little bit of history about their lovely new dress? Labels are free to collect from St Luke’s and all of our local shops. Call 01606 555891 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/love to find out more.
It costs £763 to give a patient on our ward all the care they need. Go red at school or at work and show our patients some love; host a dress down day, organise a tuck shop or bake sale, any way you ‘go red’ will help look after a bed. Call 01606 555811, email community@ stlukes-hospice.co.uk or visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/love to download a pack.
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Lotto Love
On Saturday 11th, Tuesday 14th and Saturday 18th February we are collecting in towns and villages across the area and we would love you, your family, friends and even pets to help! Please volunteer to hold a bucket or help make our buckets jingle with a donation. Call 01606 555811 or email community@stlukeshospice.co.uk
Label of Love
www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk
Helping Hands Got some spare time? We’re always looking for friendly people to volunteer for St Luke’s. Whether it’s in one of our charity shops, at an event or around the Hospice, any amount of time you can spare us would be of huge benefit. Call 01606 555690 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/ volunteer to see how you can help.
Bags of Love Thinking of giving your wardrobe a spring clean? Please think of St Luke’s! We are in urgent need of resalable donations to restock our shelves. Fill a bag with good quality clothes, accessories and shoes and your donations can help to raise money for the Hospice. Please bring your donations into any of our shops. Call 01606 555891 or visit www.stlukeshospice.co.uk/shopping for details about our shops.
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s your local Hospice it is our privilege to care for local people, it puts us right at the heart of our community. We are proud to have extra presence in our community with our ‘local’ shops where we get to meet so many of our supporters who kindly donate and shop. We also have a wonderful team of volunteers without whom our shops couldn’t operate. So together we become more than local, we become a community! When we venture into a town centre and shop on the local high street, we visit independent shops to spend some of our hard earned money. And supporting local feels great because the people we buy from are just trying to earn a living too, so it helps build a stronger community and sustain our local economy. Supporting a local St Luke’s shop has an extra bonus, as it helps our charity too! We love local people and like you, we love where we live. Shopping local with St Luke’s helps raise money so we can care for local people. Think shopping, think St Luke’s.
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St Luke’s News / Spring 2017
Walking on Air!
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e’re delighted to announce that the Midnight Walk will be returning on Saturday 1st July with the incredible support of our headline sponsors, Air Products. Based in Crewe, Air Products is a large industrial gas company who, amongst many things, supply medical gases to hospitals. The company are passionate about community involvement and have a long history of supporting innovative programmes and projects. The Hospice is extremely grateful to Air Products for their support. Due to high demand and popularity, the Midnight Walk will be going neon once again with a fantastic choice of brand new neon t-shirts to choose from! Reaseheath College will again host the start and finish line with incredible UV tunnels that will be bigger and better than ever. Ladies from around Cheshire can opt for the half-moon 6 mile walk or the
We’ve had a longstanding relationship with St Luke’s; they do such great work and we’re delighted to be able to help by sponsoring the Midnight Walk.” Tim Hulbert, UK and Ireland Vice President at Air Products
full moon 13.1 mile challenge around the streets of Crewe and Nantwich to fundraise for St Luke’s. Whether you walk the walk every year or are thinking about taking part for the first time, it’s a unique and inspiring way to remember those we love who are no longer with us or to support the wonderful care at St Luke’s all whilst having fun! Our amazing army of ladies raise hundreds in sponsorship which altogether helps to raise around £175,000 for St Luke’s each year. Registration opens on our website on Wednesday 1st February: www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/ midnightwalk
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www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk
Befriending service supports local carer Pete
L
oneliness is a hard thing to talk about. And while no one wants to think of themselves as being lonely, it can be hard for people to admit that they need someone to talk to and break the monotony of their day. St Luke’s Befriending service tackles the problem of loneliness by engaging with and organising volunteers to regularly visit isolated members of the community, providing them with emotional support, companionship and a link to the wider community. Trained volunteer befrienders are matched with people based on similar interests, hobbies and passions. The befriender visits on a regular basis, usually once a week, to have a chat and simply be a friendly face and someone to talk to.
As well as the Befriending service, Pete and Linda have also welcomed one year old Cavapoo, Holly into their lives. “Holly gives me a reason to leave the house; it’s amazing how many people I meet when I take her for a walk, she has given me purpose again.” St Luke’s Befriending Co-ordinator in Alsager is Lauren Godfrey, she said: “Pete’s a real advocate of befriending. Jacquie does it because she wants to and she has a lovely bond with him. It’s lovely to watch the friendship flourish; it has gone from being instigated by St Luke’s to a natural friendship and that’s the whole point. I am certain that they will remain friends for a long time.”
For Pete November from Alsager, the impact the service has had on his life is huge. He cares for his wife, Linda, who has MS and is sadly bed-bound the majority of the time. “The Befriending service is a branch for me and an important part of my week, and my befriender Jacquie has become part of the family! There are times when it’s great to hear news and have conversations with someone different; it is a big help to me and something I always look forward to.” For more information about our Befriending service, to access services or to become a befriender, please call Lauren on 07496 076347
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St Luke’s News / Spring 2017
Helping Hands
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nce again Christmas has been and gone with a few too many mince pies and second helpings enjoyed. New Year’s resolutions are formed to drink less, exercise more, eat healthily, but let’s face it; in just a few weeks most of us are back to our old ways. Wouldn’t it give you motivation to stick to your New Year’s resolution if this year’s not only benefitted your own wellbeing but also made a difference to the lives of others? As luck would have it, we have the perfect solution to your resolution, as research suggests that volunteering can boost happiness, decrease depression and help you live longer.
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At St Luke’s we need volunteers in our shops and warehouse. Your time is as valuable to us as donations, so whether it’s just a morning or a few days a week, we’d love to welcome you to our amazing team who all share the same goal - to keep St Luke’s caring and supporting our patients and their families. With a variety of roles to fill, you’re bound to find one that suits you and your schedule perfectly. So you can feel great in 2017 volunteering for St Luke’s while continuing to enjoy the occasional chocolate or two. Here’s to a new year’s resolution worth sticking to!
To find out more about volunteering, please call 01606 555690 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/volunteer
www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk
16 years and counting for
incredible fundraiser, Val
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hen Val Wright’s sister was cared for and sadly passed away at St Luke’s in 2000, she was keen to give something back to the Hospice and started on her incredible fundraising journey. Over the past 16 years Val’s contributions have been enormous; together with her good friend Carol Barley, they have raised over £160,000 for St Luke’s by organising
The Hospice truly means everything to me; the staff went above and beyond in their level of care for my sister, Doreen - it’s an incredible place where you’re a person, not just a number.”
various fundraising activities in their local community including their famous Bingo evenings at the Captain Webb pub in Crewe. With the extraordinary amount raised, Val’s money has enabled us to provide vital refurbishments across areas of the Hospice including the relatives room which provides a comfortable environment for people staying with loved ones. Thank you so much Val and Carol, you have saved the Hospice huge amounts of money over the years, your support is incredible and makes a difference to the comfort of our patients and their families every single day.
Val, Fundraiser
If you would like to raise money for St Luke’s we would love to hear from you, please call Angela on 01606 555697 or email community@stlukes-hospice.co.uk
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St Luke’s News / Spring 2017
Burland Hall M any of you will remember with fondness our wonderful Burland Hall weekend. When the Corfield family left, our Picnic Ball and Country Fair had to cease to be. However the proud new owners of Burland Hall, near Nantwich, Phil and Johanne Thomas, have very kindly offered us the opportunity to recreate this wonderful weekend at their beautifully renovated home. On Friday 9th June we will host a Summer Ball with a difference; featuring a great live band and dancefloor in a stunning marquee within the grounds of Burland Hall. The difference is you own your table; decorate it just the way you like and bring along your favourite foods and drinks for your posh picnic! Sunday 11th June will be our Country Fair; the loveliest garden party imaginable featuring vintage and traditional food and drink, stands and games, set in the most beautiful gardens edged by a lake. We will have a tranquillity garden of Complementary Therapies, artists painting in the grounds, vintage cars and a gun dog show, foot tapping music plus cream teas on the stunning patio. To find out more about this fabulous event, please call us on 01606 555688 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/ burlandhall 16
We areand Mark extremely Joshua were excited to our Burland as announce good as father and Hall which left son; weekend they did everything a huge gap in our together so Mark’ssocial calendar and wasJoshua greatly passing affected missed by many!” enormously Jane Thompson, Ashlea, partner Head ofMark’s Event Management at St Luke’s
This fabulous watercolour was painted by local artist Sarah Williams at a previous Burland Hall Country Fair event. This year we will once again have local artists creating work of the event as it unfolds throughout the day. Come along and see them paint.
For more information about our events, please call our team on 01606 555688 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/event
www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk
Dates for your diary St Luke’s events
Shavington Support Group
5th February
16th February
Last Choir Standing
1st March An Audience with Tom Dascombe and Colin Gorman 11th March
Big Skydive
4th April Sandiway Golf Day TBC April An Audience with Terry Waite 28th April
Manor House Stables
13th May
Bubble Rush
20th May
Spring Gala Concert
Bingo
16th March Forever Living Aloe Vera with Liz George 12th April
Easter Quiz
20th April
Crewe Movie Makers
18th May
Spring Draw
To enquire about these events contact Shirley on 01270 665819 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/ supporter-events
27th-28th May Snowdon by Night
Holmes Chapel Support Group
8th June USWIM Open Water Challenge
4th February
9th June Picnic Ball Burland Hall 11th June Country Fair Burland Hall 1st July Midnight Walk To find out more visit www.stlukeshospice.co.uk/events or call 01606 555832.
Chocolate Morning
7th April Blues, Rock & Country evening with ‘5-Bar Blues’ To enquire about these events contact Dennis on 01477 532407 or visit www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/ supporter-events
If you are taking part in a sporting event, please consider doing it for St Luke’s. Contact us on 01606 555697 or email community@stlukes-hospice.co.uk
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St Luke’s News / Spring 2017
Charity couture
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e want to give you a sneak peek at the unique affordable fashion you could find on your next visit to one of St Luke’s charity shops. So we gathered a few members of staff at St Luke’s to model our favourite outfits. These lovely outfits include brands such as; Karen Millen, Ted Baker, Marks and Spencer, Fenn Wright Manson and Superdry! Whether you’re a regular visitor to your local St Luke’s shop or are yet to venture in, you can be sure to leave with a gorgeous pre-loved item in hand. You’ll look good and feel great knowing you’ve helped St Luke’s keep caring for local people with life-limiting illnesses.
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www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk
Our shops contain many hidden gems and because stock is unpredictable, with a few tricks up your sleeve, you’ll be able to reinvent your wardrobe! We can’t all afford to buy vintage, and certainly not designer – which means our charity shops are the best bet for the creative soul on a budget. And better still, with nine shops to choose from, you won’t have to travel too far to support Hospice care in your community.
I have visited a number of St Luke’s shops and I always find good quality garments at very reasonable prices. My latest find is a gorgeous Boden dress priced at only £17 - perfect addition to my new spring wardrobe!” Linda, Northwich
Find your local St Luke’s shop St Luke’s Furniture Warehouse and House Clearances 01606 555825 St Luke’s at Alsager 01270 879151 St Luke’s at Hartford 01606 555810 St Luke’s at Middlewich 01606 555830 St Luke’s at Swirly’s, Nantwich 01606 555870
St Luke’s at Northwich 01606 555840 St Luke’s at Winsford - Furnishings, Fashion & Food 01606 555820 St Luke’s at Sandbach 01606 555850 St Luke’s at Winsford 01606 555860
We are always looking for donations in our shops and have enclosed a leaflet which explains how to donate and gift aid your unwanted items, if you have any questions please call Rachael on 01606 555687
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St Luke’s News / Spring 2017
Your chance to win is our chance to care... live local, play local
Join online www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/lottery
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Grosvenor House, Queensway, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1BH
T 01606 551246 E enquiries@stlukes-hospice.co.uk www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk