When 74‑year‑old Patricia “Pat” Davies arrived at St Luke’s one month ago, she was in unbearable pain, unable to eat or drink, and had all but lost hope.

Today, she describes herself as “a changed woman”, and is preparing to return home at the end of the week.

Patricia, who lives in High Green and is living with terminal anal cancer, credits the specialist care she received from our In Patient Centre with giving her a new lease of life.

“Anything I can do to promote this place I will, because St Luke’s saved my life,” she said. “I feel like a completely different person to the woman who came through those doors.”

Patricia was admitted to St Luke’s after weeks of escalating pain that she could no longer manage at home. Independent by nature and living alone, asking for help did not come easily - but reaching out proved to be life‑changing.

When Patricia was first diagnosed with terminal anal cancer, her symptoms began with a painful growth that she initially believed was a haemorrhoid. She underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the treatment left her feeling extremely unwell and unable to continue.

Following this, Patricia’s GP referred her to St Luke’s, where she began receiving community support at home for several weeks before her condition deteriorated and she was admitted to the In Patient Centre.

“I reached the point where I just couldn’t cope anymore,” she said. “I phoned St Luke’s and asked for help - and that was the turning point.”

Over the following weeks, our specialist team worked closely with Patricia to stabilise her symptoms. This included careful changes to her medication, symptom management, physiotherapy to rebuild strength, and support to help her regain comfort and dignity.

“The pain was unbearable before I came here. Now it’s under control. That alone has given me my life back,” she explains.

Our staff who have been caring for Patricia say the transformation has been remarkable. “They tell me I’m unrecognisable from when I arrived,” she said. “And I believe them - because I feel it.”

Patricia has been working with St Luke’s Physiotherapists to rebuild her strength and confidence, and is now well enough to be discharged home with ongoing support from the St Luke’s Community Team.

“I never thought I’d be able to go home again,” she said. “Now I am - and that’s down to this place.”

Each year, 29% of patients admitted to St Luke’s In Patient Centre are able to return home after specialist intervention treatment, something Patricia says more people need to know.

“People think hospice means you come here to die. That’s not always true. You can come here, be cared for, and go home again.”

Known affectionately by staff as “Cheeky Pat”, Patricia’s humour and warmth have become part of daily life on the In Patient Centre. She has also formed friendships with other patients - including Joan, who recently shared her own St Luke’s story.

“There’s kindness here - real kindness. And laughter. That matters more than people realise. I've learned a lot from how kind and selfless people can be towards people like myself.”

She also praises the everyday details of hospice life. “The food here is incredible - like a five‑star hotel,” she laughed. “But it’s the people who make it what it is.”

Patricia says she wants to share her experience as a way to show her gratitude, and to raise awareness about the need for hospices.

“We need more funding for places like this, without a doubt,” she says. “If anybody in need is offered help or advice from St Luke’s I would say to take it, because we are very lucky to have this here in Sheffield.”

Looking ahead, Patricia will continue to receive support from St Luke’s Community Team once she is home, including regular check‑ins and practical support including food deliveries. And she already knows she’ll be back.

“I’ve fallen in love with this place. Even when I’m home, I’ll come back once a week just to say hello,” she said. “That’s my way of saying thank you.”

Originally from Dublin, Patricia moved to England in 1973 at the age of 22, keen to explore life beyond Ireland. After living in several places across the country, she eventually settled in Yorkshire for retirement. She now lives in High Green, Sheffield.

As she prepares to celebrate her 75th birthday at the end of May, Patricia says she is simply celebrating life.

“I don’t know what the future holds - but I have today. And St Luke’s gave me that.”