Sue Cameron has been a dedicated supporter of St Luke’s for many years, ever since witnessing the profound difference the hospice made to her dad, and to her whole family, during the final stage of his life following a long diagnosis with lung cancer.
Now a long-term supporter and volunteer, Sue has taken another meaningful step by choosing to leave a gift in her Will to St Luke’s, to ensure other families in Sheffield can receive the same compassionate care.
Sue is passionate about sharing her story. She hopes it will highlight the transformative impact hospice care can have, offering comfort, dignity and moments of hope during life’s final stages. She also wants to encourage others to consider leaving a gift in their Will, so that St Luke’s can continue its vital work long into the future.
When her dad first came to St Luke’s, Sue didn’t know what hospice care really meant.
“I was quite sceptical,” she admits. “When dad was in hospital I felt helpless, but the difference St Luke’s made to him, and to all of us, was incredible.”
“At St Luke’s, my dad wasn’t just a patient. He wasn’t a number or a nuisance. He was treated like a person, with dignity and respect, and that meant everything to us.”
“They didn’t just care for him - they took the time to know him. When they discovered he had always loved reading but was no longer able to, they came back within minutes with a selection of audiobooks and cassettes. That level of thought just doesn’t exist anywhere else.”
The care extended far beyond medical support. “It wasn’t just my dad they cared for – they cared for us all. The fear and worry we were carrying was just lifted off our shoulders.”
Sue watched her dad rediscover moments of joy and peace during his time at St Luke’s. “St Luke’s changed our world. From the depth of despair to a glimmer of hope, and then a smile. I watched my dad live again, right up until the day it was his time.”
For her, St Luke’s became “a comfort blanket - wrapped around my dad, and our whole family, when we needed it most.”
Now a long-term supporter and volunteer, Sue has taken one step further to ensure St Luke’s can be there for future families too.
“I want the people of Sheffield to always have access to St Luke’s, and to have what we had. That’s why I’ve chosen to leave a gift in my Will – because I couldn’t bear the thought of St Luke’s not being there when people need it most.”
Sue’s gift is one motivated by love, care and the wish for others to feel the same support her family once relied on.
If, like Sue, you want to help secure hospice care in Sheffield for future generations, you can consider leaving a gift in your Will to St Luke’s.
Gifts in Wills are a crucial part of St Luke’s charitable funding. Without them, the hospice simply could not continue to exist as they do.
A gift in your Will costs nothing today, but it can help make sure everyone in Sheffield has the end‑of‑life care they deserve.
Throughout April, as part of St Luke’s annual Will Month, local solicitors are offering their Will‑writing services in return for a suggested donation – giving you the opportunity to put your wishes in place while supporting hospice care for the future.
To find out how you can leave a gift to St Luke’s in your Will, visit www.stlukeshospice.org.uk/wills
This year’s Gift in Will campaign is proudly supported by Coates Solicitors.