How your support makes a difference

Amum from Crewe says she “can’t praise or thank St Luke’s enough” for the care and support she has received from our Day Hospice during her recovery from breast cancer.

43-year-old Helen Longworth was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2021 on the day her youngest son started school. Helen said: “Nobody asks to be diagnosed with cancer, it’s a club that you never want to be a member of and it turns your whole life upside down. I always assumed St Luke’s was a hospice, I didn’t realise all of the other services they offer.

“I am really lucky that I have amazing family and friends who have supported me through my treatment, but St Luke’s gave me space away from home, a safe place, where there was somebody else I could talk to about everything.”

Helen accessed reflexology and hypnotherapy sessions through Day Hospice. She said: “It became something to look forward to each week. You don’t want to burden your family and friends all the time so to be able to chat with a nurse made such a difference, I could unload without fear of causing upset.”

Last summer Helen developed swelling in her hand and was referred to our Lymphoedema Team for support. She also attends the Christie Clinic based at the Hospice for blood tests every two weeks and says having these services available close to home is such a benefit.

“It just makes life so much easier, especially when I’m working and juggling picking the children up from school. Treatment is just the start of the journey, and that’s where St Luke’s has come in, helping me to move forward with my life.

“I know that times are hard for everyone but if you can spare just a few pounds to support St Luke’s it will really make a difference and help other people like me.”

You can help support more patients like Helen by entering our Summer Superdraw – and you might even win £3,500 in time for the summer!