Cornwall & West Devon supports hospice once more

Cornwall & West Devon has donated £2,500 to St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth.

Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon presented the cheque to St Luke’s in the presence of the city’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Kathy Watkin, and Cllr Daniel Steel. The councillors represent the ward in which the specialist unit is situated. It follows a £1,000 donation made in 2024 and a further £1,000 boost to a runner’s fundraising challenge from the housebuilder made last year.

For over 40 years, St Luke’s has been providing specialist end of life care and support to people from across Plymouth, South West Devon, and East Cornwall, whether in the home or at their specialist unit at Turnchapel.

The hospice cares for people with serious illnesses such as cancer, motor neurone disease, heart failure, multiple sclerosis and chronic lung disease, treating any adult over the age of 18.

Its teams of specialist doctors, nurses, occupational therapists and social workers work alongside other healthcare professionals including at Derriford Hospital and Livewell Southwest as part of integrated care in Devon.

The region is currently constructing the Saltram Meadow development in Plymstock where the housebuilder has recently secured planning permission for the next two stages of the development, which will comprise of up to 1,684 homes once completed.

All of the properties will be equipped with air-source heat pumps and all those with parking will have electric vehicle charging points, while they will have storage for over 300 bikes between them, which can be used on the on-site segregated cycling lanes.

The phases will be the first built to the east of the already-constructed on-site primary school and the soon-to-be-delivered Main Square, which is currently going through the planning process, and will include parking, open space, play areas, and community and retail space. Aldi are currently awaiting a decision on their application to open a branch on-site.

Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme sees £700,000 donated to good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain each year. Recent local recipients include Plymouth Hospitals Charity, Mutley Detachment Devon ACF, Elburton Villa FC, PEM Disability Childrens Club, the Municipal Charities of Plymouth, and The Box Museum.

Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon Sales Director Jane Cartwright said:

“Persimmon is pleased to continue supporting St Luke’s, whether through fundraising, backing this summer’s Guiding Lights art trail and auction, or opening our show homes for photoshoots with their nurses to help raise awareness that most hospice care takes place in people’s homes.

“As a proud Plymouth housebuilder – with sites in Plymstock and Derriford – we strongly believe in supporting the work of this valued local charity.”

Sarah Wallis, Partnership Lead at St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth – added:

“Persimmon’s continued support means a great deal to us. Their kindness, shown not just once but over time, helps ensure more families in our community receive the care and support they need at the most difficult moments in their lives. We are truly grateful for their commitment to St Luke’s and to the people we provide care for”.

Cllr Kathy Watkin commented:

“St Lukes is based in Plymstock but does wonderful work all over the city and is one of the charities supported by me as Lord Mayor.

“It is great that Persimmon who are building the Saltram Meadow Estate Plymstock are supporting such a worthy charity. The gift will be much appreciated and well used.”

Cllr Daniel Steel also said:

“St Luke’s provides incredible care for people and families across Plymouth. It’s fantastic to see Persimmon continuing to back such an important local service, and I’d like to thank them for their ongoing generosity. Contributions like this make a real difference to the care the hospice can provide to our community.”