14/06/2026
The children of a much‑loved Sheffield father have spoken out about how St Luke’s helped them make the most of their final days together - turning an unimaginably difficult time into one filled with warmth, dignity and precious memories.
Gary Cosgrove was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021, shortly after his 60th birthday. St Luke’s was recommended to the family by a cousin, and although Gary - and his daughters - admitted they held stereotypes about hospices, their first visit quickly changed everything. “We thought it would be very clinical and depressing,” Laura said. “But it wasn’t like that at all. It felt homely, calm and welcoming. Dad felt comfortable straight away.”
Gary began attending St Luke’s for wellbeing support and ‘social prescribing’ activities at the hospice’s Ecclesall Road South site, where he went for over 18 months - discovering therapies he never expected to enjoy. “He loved Reiki and massages - he was always on the waiting list,” Kelly said. “He wasn’t one for group activities, but St Luke’s gave him space to just be himself, whether that was sitting in the gardens or chatting in the café. It felt like his new home.”
When Gary became unwell with an infection and was admitted to hospital in January 2026, his wish was clear: he didn’t want to be at home or in hospital - he wanted to be at St Luke’s.
Gary died at St Luke’s in February 2026, surrounded by those he loved. But for his family, the support did not end there. St Luke’s specialist bereavement and family services continue to support Gary’s grandchildren, including art therapy and group sessions that have helped them process their grief. “It’s not just about end of life care,” Kelly said. “St Luke’s has supported us before, during and after.”
Reflecting on their experience, the family say St Luke’s transformed one of the hardest chapters of their lives.“The outcome was always going to be the same,” Laura said. “But how we lived those final days - that’s what St Luke’s gave us. Time together and memories we’ll hold onto forever.”
To read Gary's full story please click here https://stlukeshospice.org.uk/news/st-luke-s-gave-us-the-time-to-just-be-a-family/
