2026 marks our 55th year of providing specialist, compassionate end of life and palliative care for patients and families across the city.

As we celebrate this milestone, we're calling on the Sheffield community to come together and help ensure hospice care remains a vital part of our city’s future.

For 55 years, St Luke’s has been part of Sheffield’s story. We’ve supported thousands of people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, offering expert care that brings comfort, dignity and choice when it matters most.

This anniversary isn’t just about reflection, but about ensuring this care is still here for the next generation.

St Luke’s Chief Executive and Chief Nurse, Jo Lenton, spoke about why this year matters.

“Our 50th year fell during the pandemic. We couldn’t celebrate, couldn’t gather, couldn’t share our story in the way we hoped. Five years on, the pressures facing hospice care have only grown,” she said.

“Our 55th anniversary marks a shift for St Luke’s - a moment to be clearer and braver about the reality of end of life care and the difference it makes.”

“Across the country, hospices are under significant pressure. Some are reducing services, while others are closing beds. The NHS is facing similar challenges, and families are feeling the impact long before they reach us.”

“Even today, 1 in 3 people who need end of life care still don't receive it.* That's something we're determined to change.”

“Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, St Luke’s has not had to reduce its clinical services or the number of people we support – something which we are incredibly proud of. We’re still here, still providing the same level of expert care, because Sheffield has always stood with us.”

There are many ways for people to get involved and be part of St Luke’s anniversary year.

Supporters can take on a “Challenge 55” fundraiser by getting creative with a challenge inspired by the number 55, or enter the birthday raffle for a chance to win up to £2,500 (tickets must be purchased by Tuesday 14 July).

People can also host their own birthday celebrations, visit the new shop and Information Hub in Darnall, sign up to volunteer, or support a St Luke’s nurse through a regular monthly donation.

Updates, celebrations and archive photography from the past 55 years are also being shared across our social media channels throughout the year.

“We’re using our 55th year to strengthen the services people rely on today, while building the care Sheffield will need tomorrow,” said St Luke’s Executive Lead for Fundraising, Joasia Lesniak.

“Only a small part of our funding comes from the NHS. To keep our nurses on the road, our helpline open through the night, and our support available when people need it most, we must raise more than £11 million every year - over £200,000 every week.”

“As we continue to celebrate our 55th year, we want to take a moment to say thank you to everyone who has supported St Luke’s so far.”

“Whether you’ve fundraised, volunteered, donated, shopped with us, or supported us in countless other ways, it truly makes a difference. Because of you, we are there for patients and families when it matters most.”

To learn more about how to support us during our 55th year, click here.

*Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee, January 2026