Ian’s Story

Ian Ronson from Davenham’s life was turned upside down by a throat cancer diagnosis in November 2023. After an endless “conveyor belt” of surgeries and treatments, he found St Luke’s – a place that filled a void he didn’t realise was there.

Ian’s journey with St Luke’s began the following June, he said: “By June, everything had finished. Then suddenly, you are left to your own devices. It was then that I was put in touch with this wonderful place. They gave me a purpose again.”

Ian’s first experiences at the Hospice opened his eyes to services like counselling. “You don’t know you need counselling until somebody talks to you. I’ve been very fortunate with Steve (Counsellor), he’s been brilliant. He takes me to places I didn’t realise I needed to go.”

Through his experiences with St Luke’s, Ian has come to terms with the person he is today. “I’ve stopped comparing new me to old me. This is me now. St Luke’s has taught me to accept who I am. I wouldn’t be the person I am now without this place.

“I don’t know what I’d do without this facility, because you wouldn’t know to ask for it. I would never have thought about counselling. You can say things safely here that you wouldn’t want to burden your family with.”

Thanks to regular supporters, St Luke’s can continue providing vital care to people like Ian, who encourages everyone to support their local Hospice:
“It’s eye-watering seeing the costs this place needs to function, and that money must come from somewhere. There are things closer to home that matter and this facility matters.”

Your regular gift can make a lasting difference. Every donation helps St Luke’s provide life-changing support for local people and their families. By giving regularly, you help ensure that Ian and many others like him can continue to feel purpose, connection, and hope. To make a regular donation to St Luke’s please click here.

To watch an interview in which Ian describes his experiences with St Luke’s, please click here.