It’s been a busy few months in our In-Patient Unit, with some very cute characters visiting to spend time with patients, their families and staff. First up, it was waggy tails aplenty and lots of smiles as the wonderful Ayrshire Dachshunds group popped in to say hello one weekend in April. They may usually meet on Mondays, but they certainly brightened our Sunday in the best possible way! Next, it was the turn of Gina from Bunny Luv – Mobile Petting Zoo, who visited the In-Patient Unit with her rabbits, ducks, chicks, guinea pigs and tortoises for everyone to enjoy. Gina’s mum was cared for by the Hospice and, as a thank you for the care and support she and her family received, Gina returns every year on American Mother’s Day. Joanna’s Chippy Van also kept everyone well fed with some delicious fish and chips, while Bbon’s Bakes provided tasty sweet treats. Then, in July, we welcomed Alpacas of Scotland Experiences to the In-Patient Unit, bringing along three of their furry friends to meet patients and staff. It’s been a little wild around here!
You’re never too old for a good story!
A very special new book by Ayrshire writer Lorraine Johnston has launched in support of the Ayrshire Hospice, bringing together a talented team of artists and supporters to help raise vital funds
Thanks to ‘Team Bear’:
A Bear Called AH! tells the story of Alex, who comes home from school to find a bear wearing a label with his initials on it. But isn’t he too old to have a bear? As the story unfolds, Alex discovers the many bears around him, the people who own and love them and the surprising story behind each one. Will he give his bear away, or discover that you’re never too old to have a bear? Created with the support of 12 professional artists, each bringing one of the book’s bears to life in their own distinctive style, the colourful gift book is designed to appeal to children and grown-ups alike. Lorraine said: “Last November I had an idea – not my usual-sized idea for a story, but a very BIG idea! “This beautiful gift book truly is one of a kind. Instead of being illustrated by one illustrator, it has been created with 12 professional artists, each painting one bear page. “I am truly grateful to the 12 artists who have become ‘Team Bear’, to my friend Ann Robin for her ‘Shelf of Bears’, and to Roddy Martine for writing such a wonderful foreword. I’d also like to express my huge
thanks to the ‘Village of Kindness’ that has surrounded and supported this project.” Ayrshire Hospice Senior Fundraising Manager Shalane Breen added: “It’s a charming story about Alex and we hope our supporters will love it as much as we do. The artists have created some wonderful little characters, and we can’t wait to find out who everyone’s favourite bear is.”
Jan Ferguson • Peter Foyle • Lynn Howarth • Margaret Johnston • Paul Kennedy • Vanessa Lawrence • Lewis Mackenzie • Madhumati Manda • Ewan McClure • Jacqueline Orr • Kath Pender • Yvonne Taylor
With special thanks to:
Richard Longmuir • Roddy Martine • Ann Robin
These special visits have brought plenty of smiles and given patients, families and staff another opportunity to spend time together and enjoy our beautiful Hospice gardens.
A Bear Called AH! is priced at £14.95, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Ayrshire Hospice. Copies are available from Gargowan Gifts at the Hospice or from our online shop at shop.ayrshirehospice.org.
September 2026 | EDITION 42
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