The children of a much‑loved Sheffield father have spoken out about how St Luke’s helped them make the most of their final days together - turning an unimaginably difficult time into one filled with warmth, dignity and precious memories.

Gary Cosgrove was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021, shortly after his 60th birthday. A devoted family man, Gary was known for bringing relatives together, organising twice‑yearly family gatherings. He was, as his daughters Laura and Kelly and son Gareth describe him, “the glue” that held their family together.

“When Dad was diagnosed, he didn’t let cancer define him,” said Kelly. “He carried on going out with friends, going to Sheffield United matches and, if anything, he just made even more time for family. He wanted memories, not sadness.”

Initially told his cancer was operable, Gary later learned it had spread and surgery was no longer possible. He began chemotherapy, approaching every setback with the same calm determination his family had always known. He used that time to make the most of his life, and make some amazing memories. As Laura puts it: “He never wanted us to see how frightened he must have been. He always protected us.”

He was a man of determination. When told he wouldn’t make Christmas 2024, he insisted he would - and when doctors later said he wouldn’t see Christmas 2025, he refused to accept that too. He set himself small goals instead, staying alive for grandchildren’s birthdays and moments that mattered. Even when treatment options were running out, he kept asking what else could be tried. Giving up was never an option.

St Luke’s was recommended to the family by a cousin, and although Gary - and his daughters - admitted they held stereotypes about hospices, their first visit quickly changed everything.

“We thought it would be very clinical and depressing,” Laura said. “But it wasn’t like that at all. It felt homely, calm and welcoming. Dad felt comfortable straight away.”

Gary began attending St Luke’s for wellbeing support and ‘social prescribing’ activities at the hospice’s Ecclesall Road South site, where he went for over 18 months - discovering therapies he never expected to enjoy.

“He loved Reiki and massages - he was always on the waiting list,” Kelly laughed. “He wasn’t one for group activities, but St Luke’s gave him space to just be himself, whether that was sitting in the gardens or chatting in the café. It felt like his new home.”

When Gary became unwell with an infection and was admitted to hospital in January 2026, his wish was clear: he didn’t want to be at home or in hospital - he wanted to be at St Luke’s.

“The relief was overwhelming,” Kelly said. “From the moment we arrived, everything changed. Staff knew Dad - not just medically, but as a person. They knew our names, his story, his family.”

“Every single person has a smile on their face, and no one is more important than anyone else. Everyone has time for you, and they make you feel part of their family. You won’t get that anywhere else.”

“I left that first day knowing he was safe, cared for and respected,” Kelly said. “That takes an enormous weight off your shoulders.”

Gary’s room had a patio looking out into the gardens - something that mattered deeply to a man who loved being outdoors.

“At one point he genuinely thought it was his new flat,” Laura said. “That brought us so much comfort. His home meant everything to him, and St Luke’s felt like home.”

The family’s time at St Luke’s is filled with precious memories to last a lifetime, but one moment stands out above all others.

A lifelong Sheffield United fan, Gary was surprised when the St Luke’s team arranged for former club legend, Tony Currie, to visit him at his bedside at St Luke’s.

“Dad had been very quiet and sleepy that day,” Kelly recalled. “But when we said, ‘Dad, Tony Currie is here to see you,’ he lit up up instantly and spoke clear as anything for the first time all day.”

Tony stayed far longer than expected, chatting about football, bringing gifts and creating a moment the family will treasure forever. Tony later attended Gary’s funeral, something the family say meant more to them than words can express.

Gary died at St Luke’s in February 2026, surrounded by those he loved. But for his family, the support did not end there. St Luke’s specialist bereavement and family services continue to support Gary’s grandchildren, including art therapy and group sessions that have helped them process their grief.

“It’s not just about end of life care,” Kelly said. “St Luke’s has supported us before, during and after.”

Reflecting on their experience, the family say St Luke’s transformed one of the hardest chapters of their lives.

“The outcome was always going to be the same,” Laura said. “But how we lived those final days - that’s what St Luke’s gave us. Time together and memories we’ll hold onto forever.”

Gary Cosgrove and family