Charmaine Elliott was just forty years old when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019. As her illness progressed and the cancer spread to her lymph nodes and bones, Charmaine was admitted to St Luke's In Patient Centre in October 2024, where she spent the final six months of her life surrounded by love and care.

When Charmaine first arrived at St Luke's, she was extremely frail. She weighed just three stone, and the severity of her condition meant that she didn't have long left to live. However, when we stepped in, that's when sister Danielle says everything changed.

"The hospice care my sister received was truly exceptional and had a profound impact," Danielle says. "It restored her confidence, renewed her sense of self-worth and gave her the strength and determination to continue fighting her illness."

"Every member of the team showed her genuine compassion, dignity, and warmth, making her final months as comfortable and peaceful as possible. They never judged her circumstances; instead, they took the time to listen, support and care for her, even during the most difficult time of her life."

Danielle explains that when Charmaine first arrived at St Luke's, she was unable to walk, but through the unwavering patience, encouragement and dedicated support of the team caring for her, she gradually began taking steps again, regained strength and put on weight.

"Over time, she started to look more like the Charmaine we all knew and loved," said Danielle. "Seeing the pride and determination on her face as she achieved this was a moment our family will never forget."

Image 1: Charmaine building her strength, thanks to the support of St Luke's; Image 2: Charmaine with sons Mason & Bailey, and grandchildren Isla & Carson; Image 3: Charmaine with granddaughter, Isla; Image 4: Charmaine with son, Connor; Image 5: Charmaine with daughter, Jessica.

Danielle says what meant even more was how the St Luke's team supported their whole family – offering support, guidance and kindness at every step, often before they even knew they needed it.

"Our family will always be grateful to the incredible team who supported us. Their dedication brought comfort during one of the hardest times of our lives, and we will never forget the love and care they gave to us all," she said.

"The additional six months that St Luke's gave us with Charmaine were an incredible gift. They gave us precious time to laugh, celebrate, and create cherished memories together."

Those memories include an unforgettable early family Christmas together with a party, buffet, and Christmas light switch-on. They also include the meals and milkshakes lovingly prepared by our Catering and Hospitality Teams - something which Charmaine spoke fondly of.

"Charmaine felt valued, cared for and often said she felt like 'royalty'. The staff consistently went above and beyond in everything they did, and the standard of care they deliver is truly second to none."

Precious Christmas memories with sisters Danielle & Laura, grandchildren Carson & Isla, and the St Luke's Team.

To give back for that care, the family are committed to supporting St Luke’s through fundraising so others can receive the same support they did.

Charmaine’s brother-in-law, Steven Richardson, organised fundraising initiatives while Charmaine was being cared for, and after her death, stepped into the ring to host an unforgettable Ultra White-Collar Boxing challenge all in support of St Luke’s.

"If anyone were to ask me about St Luke's, I would wholeheartedly recommend them without hesitation,” continues Danielle. “There is no need to be afraid or uncertain. From the moment Charmaine arrived, she was treated with dignity, compassion and respect, and our whole family felt supported every step of the way."

"St Luke's gave a daughter and sons more time with their mum, grandchildren more time with their Nannan, sisters more time together and nieces and a nephew more time with their auntie. For that, we will be forever grateful."