St Luke’s Hospice has launched a new free community transport service, made possible thanks to the extraordinary generosity of long-standing supporter and volunteer, Gilly Edwards.
Earlier this summer, St Luke’s announced a new transport partnership with Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC). Thanks to Gilly’s kind donation, which covered the full cost of the vehicle, St Luke’s now has its own fully accessible minibus to transport patients and family members to clinic appointments at Little Common Lane, and to social prescribing sessions at the Ecclesall Road South site.
All round St Luke’s supporter Gilly volunteers her time weekly on Reception at the Ecclesall Road South site, and also regularly supports the Fundraising team by volunteering at bucket collections, and the Festival of Light event each December.
Launched in September, the service is already proving a success, offering a door-to-door transport option that makes it easier for people to access St Luke’s care, enjoy day trips and reduce reliance on NHS transport or taxis, as well as speeding up admissions and discharges for the hospice.
Crucially, it removes transport as a barrier for people across Sheffield who would otherwise struggle to attend, allowing the charity to reach further into the city for those who need support – making care accessible for all.
The minibus received its official ribbon-cutting at St Luke’s Patient and Family Support Summer Fair and has already seen regular use since its launch in late August.
Commenting on the success of the new transport service, St Luke’s Head of Fundraising, Joasia Lesniak said: “We are absolutely delighted and deeply grateful for the incredible support from Gilly, whose kindness has made it possible for us to purchase this new minibus for our patients and families.
“This vehicle will make a real difference to the lives of those we work with, allowing them to stay connected and independent. We simply couldn’t have achieved this without Gilly’s commitment and generosity.”
The free service operates Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm, collecting patients, carers and family members from home and returning them after their visit.
Those accessing St Luke’s services who cannot travel independently are encouraged to contact the Ecclesall Road South Reception team on 0114 235 7650 to check eligibility and apply for the community transport service.