A local hospice has recorded a record surplus of £2.58 million for 2024–25, boosted by what it described as an “extraordinary year” of legacy income — including a single gift of £1.8 million left by one person in their will.
The rise in legacy gifts — just a year after St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice had reported a decline — helped the Winsford-based hospice post a group surplus of £2.6 million for the financial year ending 31st March, up from £488,183 the previous year.
The “exceptional result” was largely attributed to legacy income totalling just under £3 million, including the unexpected £1.8 million gift.
Prior to this, the largest individual legacy received had been £500,000, the annual report said.
Several other “significant legacies” brought the total to £2.9 million. The hospice expressed its “deep gratitude” to supporters who remembered it in their wills.
Excluding legacy income and investment revaluation losses, the hospice would have reported an operating deficit. The report noted that, according to Hospice UK, most hospices had budgeted for a deficit in 2024–25. St Luke’s was among them, remaining cautious about income projections due to the “unpredictable nature” of revenue streams.
Move
The report also raised the possibility of a future move from Winsford to Leighton Hospital.
It reiterated a point made in previous years: while the current building meets present needs, it may not suit future demands.
One option under consideration is co-location on the new Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust site, although land is “unlikely to be available for at least a decade”.
Trustees have designated reserves toward a future capital project but are also investing in current improvements, including a new drugs room, dining area, and a more welcoming reception.
A grant from Cheshire West and Chester Council funded the installation of 100 solar panels, expected to reduce energy bills by over £10,000 a year.
The hospice has also been awarded approximately £340,000 from a national £100 million capital grant announced by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.
Plans under consideration include a new inpatient lounge, courtyard garden, ambulance bay, and redesigned entrances.
St Luke’s operates several shops, including in Alsager and Sandbach.
Its trading arm reported income of £1.2 million (2024: £1.1 million), though staffing challenges and a reduced volunteer base led to occasional shop closures. A £100,000 provision was made for essential dilapidation works, reducing disclosed profit.
Statutory profit for the year was £43,013 (2024: £57,418). Donated goods sales generated £439,060 (2024: £406,841), including £87,812 in Gift Aid credits. St Luke’s transacted £351,248 (2024: £332,890) in sales of donated goods under the Gift Aid Retail Scheme.
St Luke’s Promotions — the hospice lottery — donated £635,819 to the hospice (2024: £602,483), though the lottery “faced challenges due to attrition and an ageing supporter base”.
Fundraising activities delivered strong results throughout the year, with income generation closing well ahead of budget—similar to the previous year.
Community fundraising continued to grow, with the Elf Run remaining a standout event. In memoriam giving also exceeded expectations, and the third Twilight Walk cemented the strong performance of the events programme.
Challenging
The report noted: “Our fundraising and communications teams continue to face challenging times trying to encourage the public to join mass participation events and other fundraising initiatives.
“However, the fundraising challenge is not just specific to St Luke’s, but is being faced by many charities across the country and may have longer-lasting consequences for charitably funded organisations in the future.”
Statutory funding from the NHS Integrated Care Board accounted for 9.3% of income and 13.3% of group expenditure, meaning that 90.7% of funds had to be raised voluntarily.
Clinically, the hospice secured new NHS funding to recruit doctors and strengthen both hospice and community teams. It continues to offer 24/7 specialist palliative care advice. Its day hospice remains active, offering well-being days, creative therapies, occupational therapy, counselling, and benefits advice. The dementia carers group continued to be in high demand, with plans to recruit a Dementia Specialist Nurse in the coming year.
Chairman Mike Ridley praised the contribution of over 690 regular volunteers, who donated 59,575 hours — equivalent to £681,538 at the national living wage. Volunteers support every aspect of the hospice’s work, from patient care and reception to retail and events like the Twilight and Midnight Walks, he said.
Approximately 76% of total expenditure relates to pay. Staff costs totalled £3,338,726, and the hospice employs 170 people.
