Read Julie’s Story:

Braving icy waters, Julie is taking on a series of cold-water swims to say thank you and give back to the incredible hospital teams that cared for her.

We’ve recently received an update from the Organ Donation team at University Hospitals Plymouth, who told us how valuable the ICU Secret Garden has been for their work.

On Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September, more than 120 abseiling superheroes took on the Derriford Abseil, raising over £40,000 for Plymouth hospitals.

NOW Saturday 21st March 2026

Join us at Derriford Hospital for a truly unforgettable challenge. Step barefoot across a bed of glowing coals — reaching temperatures of around 1,200°F — or tiptoe across a path of pointy Lego bricks!

Meet the Willmott Dixon team, brave enough to conquer this year’s Plymouth Hospitals Charity’s Derriford Abseil for Plymouth’s hospitals!

Meet Team PWS!

The wonderful Paul, Jemile, Aleysha, Jordan and Elly from Protective Wear Supplies in Plymouth have signed up for this year’s Derriford Abseil. So far, they have already raised over £600 for Plymouth Hospitals Charity to support patients, their families and the dedicated staff at our hospitals.

Will return in 2026

Perched on the rooftop of Derriford Hospital, you’ll face the breathtaking height and adrenaline-pumping challenge of abseiling down the main hospital building — a moment that will stay with you forever.

Read Jack’s story:

Just days before his 25th birthday, Jack discovered a lump on his neck. What followed was a life-changing diagnosis of Stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, which had spread to his neck, chest and underarms. The news was a devastating shock for him and his family. “Our lives were completely spun,” they shared.

Read Joseph’s Story:

On 25th August 2025, Joseph has chosen to support our Keep Me Close appeal by cycling an incredible 45 miles along the Exe Estuary Trail with his dad, Tony.

Read Dan’s Story:

In celebration of 30 years, Dan will be stepping off the top of Derriford Hospital and abseiling down the front of the building as part of Plymouth Hospitals Charity’s fundraising abseil.

In 2022, our charity awarded a grant to support a special project with the Infant Feeding team focused on helping mothers' hand express colostrum, the first drops of nutrient-rich milk, often called “magic drops.”

Read Jake’s Story:

In 2023, Jake Bristowe was living a full life as a husband, dad of two young children, and a passionate football fan with big plans for the future. Then, out of the blue, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Your Support Has Made This Beautiful Tribute Possible. On the 23rd of June 2025, a memory tree was installed in the Snowdrop Suite at Derriford Hospital, thanks to kind donations from local families.

We were delighted to welcome the Partnerships and Philanthropy team from NHS Charities Together to Derriford Hospital, where they experienced first-hand the lasting impact of their support on our patients, staff and community.

We’re excited to announce that our brand-new Charity Hub at Derriford Hospital has been officially opened today — a vibrant and welcoming space where we can connect with patients, visitors, and staff, and share the difference your support makes every single day.

We recently celebrated the first NHS Blue Wave on 11 May 2025 at the Plymouth Half Marathon. UHP staff ran alongside their colleagues and families, as well as thankful patients and supporters, to celebrate our local NHS.  

Your generous donations have helped us enhance maternity spaces at University Hospitals Plymouth, transforming women’s experiences of childbirth. 

What a pleasure it was to meet Joe Barr from Cornwall Breathers and Jim Shaylor from Devon Breathers with their fuzzy mascot, Joe Bear, this week. The Breathers team was proud to present a generous donation of £2,500 to Honeyford staff, which was raised to upgrade the family room for patients and their families.

In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, the Mayflower Crew has successfully completed their transatlantic rowing challenge, arriving in Antigua after weeks at sea.

Plymouth Hospital Charity is thrilled to announce that University Hospitals Plymouth's Derriford ICU Secret Garden has won the coveted Patient Experience Network National Award (PENNA) for 2024.