Plymouth hospice gets Cornwall & West Devon region donation

St Luke’s Hospice Plymouth is the latest winner of a local developer’s Community Champions scheme.

Persimmon Homes Cornwall & West Devon handed over the £1,000 cheque to the charity that provides specialist advice and support to people with progressive life-limiting illnesses, alongside local councillors Rebecca Smith and Kathy Watkin.

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, hospital 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.

Cornwall & West Devon region is currently constructing the Saltram Meadow development in Plymstock and 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.

Persimmon’s Community Champions scheme sees £700,000 donated to good causes and much-valued organisations across Britain each year. Recent local recipients include St Matthew's Derriford Summer Fair and Plymouth Night Patrol.

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

“Through our Community Champions scheme, Persimmon Homes proudly supports organisations like St Luke’s, recognising their invaluable role in providing specialised care to our community.

“As we continue to build communities like Saltram Meadow, we are committed to not only constructing homes but also fostering a culture of giving back as part of our mission to leave a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which we build.

“Together, we hope to help St Luke’s make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing life-limiting illnesses, ensuring they receive the support and care they deserve."

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

“We were thrilled that our application was successful and Persimmon chose us as worthy recipients of its Community Champions grant.

“We believe that everyone deserves quality end of life care, no matter where, which is why we work with our community, in partnership with others, to achieve dignity, comfort and choice for people affected by life-limiting illnesses through delivering and influencing exceptional care.

“This donation further helps us to deliver on those goals and we are grateful to Persimmon for their help.”

Cllr Rebecca Smith commented:

“It is important for developers to demonstrate how they can help local communities beyond the provision of homes, so I was very pleased to hear about Persimmon’s support for St Luke’s.

“The Hospice undertakes very difficult and very important work, so I am sure that this donation will go a long way with the staff here as well as its patients and their families.”

Cllr Kathy Watkin also said:

“It is really welcome to see a major developer like Persimmon donate to cherished local charities like St Luke’s Hospice as part of their commitment to Plymstock.

“I was really heartened to hear about the Hospice’s work during our visit and congratulate St Luke’s on their successful application to this worthwhile funding stream.”