DENISE Wright has seen four closest members of her family, including husband Gary, spend their final days receiving our care.
That was why she was determined to raise money for us in our 50th anniversary year, giving something back in recognition of all the support her family has received.
And when friends at Sheffield’s BXF Gym in Penistone Road joined her for a series of eight high impact fitness sessions in just six days, they raised £1,000.
“My husband Gary was only 58 when he died at St Luke’s and so were my sister Jackie and my brothers-in-law Joe and David,” Denise explained.
“I know it might sound strange but we call it the 58 Club because that’s the age they all were they passed away as a result of cancer.
“Gary was suffering from Stage 4 cancer which had spread through most of his body and the last 15 days of his life were in St Luke’s - and all I can say is that the support we received was excellent.
“It wasn’t only Gary they cared for - they allowed me to move in and stay with him and our children Daniel and Lauren were able to be with us for two night when we got near the end.
“We had the most beautiful 15 days, knowing there was somebody there to care for him all the time - it took away all the pressure of knowing I was eventually going to walk out of there without him.
“The most wonderful memory for me is that, because of the St Luke’s team, Gary was able to pass away in my arms.
“It is absolutely priceless what they did for Gary and for the rest of my family and that is something I will never forget.”