Heartfelt praise and gratitude for Sheffield hospice where beloved city mum spent final months
A grateful Sheffield family has expressed gratitude to a city hospice where their loved one spent her final days.
Charmaine Elliott was just 40 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 Sheffield in October 2024, where she spent the final six months of her life.
When Charmaine first arrived at St Luke's, she was extremely frail, weighed just three stone, and the severity of her condition meant that she didn't have long left to live.
But when St Luke's stepped in, that's when her sister Danielle said everything changed.
"The hospice care my sister received was truly exceptional and had a profound impact," Danielle said. "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 explained 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."
Danielle said 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.
"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," said Danielle.
Those memories include an early family Christmas together with a party, buffet, and Christmas light switch-on.
"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," Danielle added.
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 Ultra White-Collar Boxing challenge.
"If anyone were to ask me about St Luke's, I would wholeheartedly recommend them without hesitation,” said 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."