Issue 31 September 2022
www.ayrshirehospice.org
Keeping our community informed
Welcome...
By Tracy Flynn, Chief Executive Officer
This is my first chance as CEO of the Ayrshire Hospice to welcome readers of The Article. The past two years have been a period of
Patient and Family Services before stepping into the role of Chief Executive in April of this year. I am very proud to have the most extraordinary clinical team who strive in everything they do to provide exemplary care for our patients and their families in both our In-Patient Unit as well as in the communities across Ayrshire & Arran. The Article showcases the communities of Ayrshire, and how we all pull together for OUR HOSPICE. In this edition you will read about: the warm welcome East Ayrshire has given our In-Patient Unit following decant, fabulous events like our Summer Ball and Shining Star Memory Walk, extraordinary fundraising efforts from a range of our supporters and a day in the life of two members of the
extraordinary change for the Hospice as we have adapted throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, kick-started the fundraising campaign for building the future Ayrshire Hospice at Racecourse Road in Ayr and successfully decanted all of our staff and clinical services to enable the redevelopment work to begin. We acknowledge the work that has taken place and also recognise we have a great deal of work to continue to do. I would like to take a moment to thank all my clinical team and our NHS partners for their dedication and compassionate care during the pandemic. After a period away from the Hospice, I returned in October 2021 as Director of
Ayrshire Hospice team. We couldn’t deliver any of our vital services without our incredible team of fundraisers, retail staff, volunteers, those who visit our shops and the support of people like yourself throughout Ayrshire and Arran. Thanks to your support we continue to make every day matter for families affected by life-limiting illness. We are truly grateful.
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Ayrshire Hospice welcome new Board chair
John’s good seed for the day
By Alan Cameron, Communications and Research Officer
patients, their families and staff to spend time in and enjoy the better weather. John added new bedding plants and tubs to get the garden looking in top shape for patients and families to enjoy throughout the summer months!
Volunteer gardener, John Adams, has been extremely busy recently, tidying up the garden of the In-Patient Unit at East Ayrshire Community Hospital in Cumnock.
Whilst the Hospice is based in its temporary accommodation, John from the gardening team
has given the garden some much needed TLC to enhance the space and make it enjoyable for
By Lorraine Barrie, Communications and Marketing Specialist
The Ayrshire Hospice Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Tom Steele as new Chair taking over from John Corrigan QPM who retires following completion of his Trustee tenure.
Tom, from Ayr, brings his expertise from a career
that Tom has been elected as Chair of the Board. I’m confident that he, together with the rest of the Board, will continue to work to provide a clear vision ensuring governance and to work with myself and my team to set the appropriate strategic direction for the Hospice in the years ahead. “I would also like to thank our outgoing Chair, John Corrigan QPM for the invaluable contribution he has made to the Ayrshire Hospice since becoming a Board member in 2012 and serving as our Chair since 2017. We all wish him well for a very happy and well-deserved retirement with his family”. In addition to Professor Steele’s appointment, 2022 also sees the completion of tenure for Jean Clarke, the longest serving Ayrshire Hospice Trustee to date. Appointed to the Hospice Board in 2008, Jean’s passion for the Hospice and professional expertise
that has spanned over 35 years in managing complex healthcare built environments and is a perfect strategic fit for Chair at a time when the Hospice is set to begin construction on a multi-million pound redevelopment of its traditional home in Racecourse Road, Ayr. Tom said: “I am truly honored by the opportunity to take up the role of Chair of the Ayrshire Hospice Board. When I first became a Board member it was with a drive to keep the Hospice self-sustaining, but also to plan for the future infrastructure needs. “To be part of the team delivering our new hospice with 21st century infrastructure and healthcare facilities is the perfect case of the right place at the right time.” Tracy Flynn, Chief Executive of the Ayrshire Hospice commented: “I am delighted
Professor Tom Steele
is a key source of support for the organisation and in particular, new Trustees. In acknowledgement of her contribution, the Board of Trustees is delighted to announce that Jean is now an Emeritus Trustee. She said: “I am humbled and honoured to be able to continue to support the Ayrshire Hospice in such a practical way.”
Fluffy Friends visit Hospice
The Ayrshire Hospice In-Patient Unit in Cumnock was visited by some little furry friends for patients, families and staff to spend some time with.
It’s not uncommon at Ayrshire Hospice to be visited by four legged friends and regularly have dogs in to see patients and staff. This is always a popular visit amongst patients who enjoy spending time with the animals.
This visit was organised by a patient’s family as part of a garden party for the family to enjoyed together. With some ducks and rabbits in the garden,
it was a lovely memory for the family to have. And as you can see from the pictures the staff enjoy having them visit as well!
Jean Clarke
Leona with a duck
Audrey & Jackie
Rabbits
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A home from home
Continuous improvement to better patient and family care
The Ayrshire Hospice took up residence in East Ayrshire Community Hospital in March this year in preparation of work beginning at Racecourse Road in Ayr to dramatically transform its home. Work began in a six-week programme to decant
Lochranza facility. The clinical support teams will be housed there throughout the rebuilding work and the Hospice is beginning to offer Out-Patient services by appointment from the adjacent Kyle Ward.
By Alana Struthers, Head of Clinical Governance and Practice Development
aim of our education courses being to increase knowledge and understanding of the principles of Palliative and End of Life Care. Course objectives include: • Dispelling the myths of Palliative Care • Recognising Palliative Care needs using validated tools • Assessment and management of symptoms associated with advanced disease • Recognising decline • Communication skills • Planning ahead • Care at the End of Life - anticipatory prescribing, symptom management • Supporting families If you have any enquiries, or would like to find out more information from the Clinical Governance and Practice Development Team, please
The ward in EACH has 12 en-suite rooms with a dedicated garden for patients
The Clinical Governance and Practice Development team at Ayrshire Hospice have continued to drive forward service improvement with clinical teams, as they progress through 2022.
staff and equipment from Ayr to Cumnock and the Lochranza building at the Ailsa Hospital in February. The In-Patient Unit will be operating in a self-contained facility at East Ayrshire Community Hospital in Cumnock for the next 18 months while we redevelop our traditional home at Racecourse Road, Ayr, into a Hospice truly fit for the future care of the communities across Ayrshire & Arran.
and families to relax and spend time in. You can see some of the work carried out to improve our garden space on page three. While In-Patient Services continue out of EACH, clinical support
A primary objective for this year is to implement a suite of outcome measures where the organisation can capture a ‘change in health status’ as a consequence of health care or interventions. Routine use of outcome measures in palliative care will improve services provided to patients and families, as the Hospice will be able to identify the measurable and positive difference it makes to those
living with life-limiting illness. Organisation-wide development is ongoing, as we continue to build our data management software to underpin a range of governance functions. Innovation of technology and the implementation of new systems is a key driver nationally as well as locally, and the Ayrshire Hospice looks forward to continue working in partnership with Hospices throughout Scotland to share best practice and lessons learned. The Clinical Governance and Practice Development Team continue to deliver training and education courses across Ayrshire and Arran with the
services are based in the
Leave a gift of a lifetime
By Kathryn Howell, Senior Fundraiser
One in three Ayrshire Hospice patients are cared for thanks to gifts in Wills, and Legacies are a vital fundraising area for the Hospice. That is why, in May this year, the first ever Ayrshire Hospice Legacy
contact: cgpd-team@ ayrshirehospice.org
need of care and support when it matters most. Leaving just 1% of your estate to the Hospice will make a real difference to families affected by life-limiting illnesses. All while making sure your own family and loved ones are cared for too. Every single gift in a Will is vital to all areas of our work, so any legacy you give, whatever size, will make a big difference.
A massive thank you to Jennifer Allan, Rachel Berry, Lesley Grayston
Remembering a loved one
Appeal was launched. By remembering the Hospice in your Will, your legacy will be much more than just giving a donation. You’ll be giving care and support to our patients and their families for generations to come. It means that, years from now, the Hospice will be here to help those in
and Geraldine Kane for supporting our legacy appeal. If you would like to talk about including the Hospice in your Will or discuss any other legacy related issues, please contact Kathryn Howell in our Fundraising Office on 01292 288488 or email kathryn.howell@ ayrshirehospice.org .
By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager
Did you know…you can set up a tribute fund on our website to celebrate the life of a loved one.
Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or you are simply remembering them, you can add pictures and enable relatives across the world to post tributes to remember their life in a very personal and positive way. To set up a page today please visit www.ayrshirehospice.org/tribute-pages
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Remembering their loved one, Nuzhat
Summer spectacular raises over £35,000
By Rebekah McGinn, Senior Fundraiser (Events)
Meet the dream team of Maria Slaven, her mum Helen Flanagan and good friend Mary Jones. Together with many more family and friends they raised a phenomenal £44,642 in loving memory of Helen’s daughter-in-law, Nuzhat Flanagan.
the Girvan Dippers raising an additional £1,725 to reach an outstanding £50,000 . The Ayrshire Hospice want to celebrate the magnificent total amount raised and recognise the time and effort dedicated to achieving this amazing amount.
Ayrshire Hospice raised an incredible £37,000 at their annual Summer Ball in May at Trump Turnberry Hotel & Spa.
Guests heard from Ayrshire Hospice CEO, Tracy Flynn, and one of the Hospice’s inspirational patients about the positive impact that the care and services provided by the Hospice have for those across Ayrshire & Arran affected by any life-limiting illness. Tracy commented: “Our Summer Ball is an iconic event in the calendar and to return after a two-year absence this event certainly did not disappoint - it was a fabulous evening from start to finish, while
Entertainment on the evening included the
Helen, aged 83, and her daughter Maria have worn so many fundraising hats over the years with bake sales - their home-baking is renowned - and during lockdown in 2020 Maria made masks which have been selling on eBay. It really is a team effort
with Maria and Helen the driving force behind it. Their friends and family also organise an Annual New
Maybole Pipe Band, fantastic dance performances from the West End hit, ‘Here Come the Boys’, local artist Elaine Johnston painted a masterpiece live during the auction and guests danced the night away to MC4 Function Band. Ayrshire Hospice are extremely grateful to Ayr Audi, Corum, Kestrel Press, 1st Legal Lawyers and event sponsors Dowhill Farm, Loch Lomond Whiskies, Orli Jewellery, David Gilbert Photography, Hollow Park Florists, Small Town Audio, Kerr & Smith and Atlas Minibus who all gave their generous support towards the event and to everyone who kindly donated prizes to the auction and raffle. Also, many thanks to our volunteers for supporting
Year’s Dip in the sea event with
on the night and our amazing committee who work tirelessly throughout the year to help plan this wonderful event - Margaret Jane Limond, Lynn Bentley, Laura Alexander and Claire Currie.
Girvan Dippers
Helen Flanagan, Maria Slaven & Mary Jones
raising awareness of our crucial services.”
The evening was hosted by Scottish comedian and TV/ radio presenter Des Clarke, while top charity auctioneer Alex Fleming helped to raise an incredible amount in the main auction.
West Highland Way Race
By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraiser (Community)
had belonged to his dad, and toasted a life lived with the last bottle of whisky he bought his dad the day he was diagnosed. Stephen raised an awesome £1,568 and said: “I am delighted with the result and as I look back I appreciate the lessons learned and the
Two years ago, Stephen McEwan’s dad died having being diagnosed with cancer three years previously. From chemotherapy to pain management and haircuts, Stephen said everything was taken care of by Ayrshire Hospice.
Wanting to raise some money in an effort to say thank you and as an experienced runner, the West Highland Way Race seemed like a suitable event. Walking the West Highland Way can be a challenge
in itself, but for the race Stephen set himself a time of 24 hours to complete the 95 miles from Milngavie to Fort William… and he did it with 48 minutes to spare! At the finish Stephen pulled out an old hip flask which
fact I absolutely could not have completed it without the support of my friends and family.”
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Super turnout for Ayrshire Hospice Memory Walk
Over 400 fantastic Shining Stars put their best foot forward on the streets of Ayr and Alloway on Saturday night for the Ayrshire Hospice’s annual Shining Star Memory Walk.
evening at the Shining Star Memory Walk. It was amazing to see so many supporters take to the streets in memory of a loved one to raise funds for the Ayrshire Hospice. “We would like to thank our amazing supporters and sponsors, and in particular our Principal Sponsor Ayr Audi - thank you to Robin Henderson and all the team. It was a memorable evening and successful fundraising event for the hospice, which would not be possible without our amazing community. Thank you!”
Participants took to the streets over 13, 9 or 4 mile routes taking special steps in memory of loved ones, whilst creating new memories with family and friends. Out on route, walkers were entertained by local musicians, and neighbours lined the streets to cheer passing walkers. Local musical duo Ebb & Flow kicked off the evening with some fantastic
entertainment, before Claire Houston took to the stage to warm up the walkers before they hit the road at 8.00pm. Walkers were ably supported by a fantastic team of Hospice staff and a vast group of helpful volunteers, keeping them safe and motivated as they made their way around the routes. Rebekah McGinn, Ayrshire Hospice Senior Fundraiser, said: “We all had a fantastic
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12 Ayrshire ‘Dips with a Nip’
Remember Someone Special
By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraiser (Community)
By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager
And sponsor him they did! He raised an amazing £1,915.20 ! Jim was joined by his friends and family on his last dip and promises he will keep dipping and continue to stay strong and positive.
One Ayrshire Hospice Living Well patient has completed a chilly challenge by taking part in 12 dips with a nip along the Ayrshire coast.
Thank you to everyone who tuned in to the Celebration Tree Facebook live events, which have been warmly received. The Ayrshire Hospice is
For more information and to order, visit our website www.ayrshirehospice.org or call 01292 288 488 .
Dedicating a leaf in memory offers a personal way to pay tribute to your loved one We have rose gold, white gold and yellow gold leaves available at £100, £200 and £300 respectively for one year on our tree. After that, you can choose to renew for another year or take it home to keep forever. This cost can be paid in full or simple direct debit payments can be set up.
Jim Smith went for his first dip in the sea when a friend told him how beneficial it would be for his well-being, after that first experience Jim was hooked! He decided he wanted to do some fundraising for the Hospice as he is supported by our Living Well Team and wanted to give something back, so he set himself a target of 12 dips along the coast of Ayrshire.
Fundraisers Claire and Elaine met Jim for his dip at Ayr and it was a beautiful day, when they mentioned the sunshine Jim replied ‘It’s
extremely grateful to all its wonderful supporters who have kindly dedicated a leaf in memory of a loved one to the Celebration Tree. The tree is currently located at Irvine Portal and Townhouse during the Capital Build Project where you are most welcome to visit the tree during their opening times which can be found at: https://kaleisure. com/location/portal/ .
beautiful but I’d prefer it to be cold and rainy so people will sponsor me more!’
Jim at Newton Beach
A “tea-riffic” way to celebrate
By Alan Cameron, Communications and Research Officer
The In-Patient Unit was decked out in Union Jack bunting in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee in June where staff and patients enjoyed a delicious Afternoon Tea to celebrate the 70 year reign of Her Majesty The Queen. On Friday 3rd June as part of the Queen's
Jim at Ayr Beach
Jim at Prestwick Beach
Jim at Troon Beach
With a special Jubilee edition of bingo and a visit from Bunny Luv Mobile Petting Zoo everyone in the Hospice
Platinum Jubilee celebrations, we held a party in our In-Patient Unit for patients, their families, staff and volunteers.
We are so grateful to Christine Butler and her family and friends who have raised a remarkable £2,111.18 in memory of her beloved Jim. These generous donations are a testament to how loved he was. In loving memory of Jim Butler
In Patient Unit had a great afternoon.
Jim piped at many of our Hospice events over the years and most recently in August last year at Irvine Friends of the Hospice fundraising event at R&A Sports Bar. Jim received care from our hospice team and the family chose to support
the Hospice with a funeral collection. Your donations are so very important and will really make a difference to patients and their families throughout Ayrshire living with life-limiting illness.
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A Day in the Life!
Ayrshire Hospice in the community
“I wanted to know more, so that I could be doing more…”
By Miriam Godfrey, Living Well Community Nurse
on to become a Charge Nurse on the ward. I was then given the opportunity to work within Day Services at the Hospice. This has since developed into the Community Nurse role within the Living Well Hub. Within this role I help deliver a wellbeing program to people and their families attending the Living Well Hub at Centrestage, Kilmarnock. People living with life-limiting illness can self-refer or be referred by a health care professional to the Living Well Hub. The sessions start with short talk related to living well, for example eating well, planning well, talking well, coping well. There is then time for peer support, art or complementary therapy. If more support is needed, the person is referred or signposted to another service. I also support people by telephone, and online. These services aim to empower and enable people to live as well as possible with a life-limiting illness. Often people think that the Hospice is only for people at the end of life, but that is not the case. The Living Well Hub aims to break this stigma and to build relationships for the future and preventing crises occurring.
Ayrshire Hospice Living Well Hub has a new home while refurbishment work is carried out on site in Ayr and you can find the new service at the fantastic CentreStage in Kilmarnock. The Living Well Hub operates two days a week currently
I love what I do but my career wasn’t planned. I had no 5- or 10-year plan. It just evolved.
I completed my nurse training in Leeds in 1993
had a growing frustration that I wanted to know more about what I could be doing to ensure people were as comfortable and settled as possible at the end of their life. I saw a job advertised for Ayrshire Hospice and applied. I really enjoyed working as Staff Nurse on the ward and learnt lots from the other staff. After working on the ward for eight years I went
the Living Well Hub patients took part in the 'Stride Your Way to 100k' challenge as a group and collectively walked a brilliant total of 316km and raised £2,552.60 from their efforts. Involvement in challenges such as Stride Your Way to 100K have provided motivation and
and moved to Scotland. My first job was working as staff nurse with the district nursing service in Cumnock, East Ayrshire. My biggest hurdle was the language barrier! After finishing a wound dressing one lady advised me I could get a ‘poke in the press’, but I had no idea this meant there was a bag for the rubbish in the hall cupboard. It was a great few years and I
for two hours each day and offers an eight-week programme looking at living well for you and family. A social and informative session, patients and their carers can also access Complementary Therapy and peer support. Activities include facilitated chats and discussions on a range of subjects and art sessions with our volunteer, George. The Hub offers a worthwhile support network where you can share stories and experiences, make new friends and work to achieve goals and targets. Recently
enjoyed being a guest in people’s homes, providing nursing support to people and their families. After having my daughter, I started working on the overnight nursing service across Ayrshire. People needing the district service overnight tended to be approaching end of life or had problems with catheters. I found I enjoyed
purpose, something which was warmly welcomed and enjoyed by the group. If you, or someone you know is living with a life- limiting illness and would be interested in learning more
about the Living Well Hub, you can complete a short self-referral form at www. ayrshirehospice.org or telephone 01292 269 200 .
supporting people and
their families at the end of life, however I
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Eyes on the road!
Troon Friends farewell after 40 years fundraising
By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraiser (Community) Earlier this year, the Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising Team wished volunteer Barbara Houston a very happy retirement as she stepped down from 35 years’ service to the Hospice. Barbara has been a huge supporter of the Hospice over the years and has worn many hats over those four decades. She was the Cumnock Shop Manager when it first opened, the convenor of the New Cumnock Friends Group and the local collection can co-ordinator for the area. Barbara had been supporting the Fundraising Team and she will be greatly missed but, true to form, she will still be helping out on occasion in the Cumnock shop. Thank you, Barbara, for all your hard work, drive and passion over the years, and enjoy your retirement! A fond farewell to a lovely volunteer
By Graeme Strawhorn, Assistant Fundraising Manager
By Graeme Strawhorn, Assistant Fundraising Manager
expectations and raised £3,530 ! Thank you to all customers, clients and all the team at Urquhart’s for their generous donations and of course, “wheelie” well done to Alistair, Peter and all the cycle team too!
Troon Friends of the Ayrshire Hospice enjoyed a very special ‘farewell tea’ at Highgrove House Hotel as they met for a special send-off along with some of the Hospice Fundraising Team to regale on their legacy of fundraising for over 40 years!
Ayrshire Hospice corporate partner, Urquhart Opticians, took to the saddle in May to take on an epic challenge as part of their ‘Charity of the Year’ support to the Hospice raising over £3,000 .
Directors Alastair Duff and Peter Telfer cycled from branch to branch starting in Stranraer and finishing up in West Kilbride. Clocking up 100 miles, the pair passed all other shops branches which took them from West Kilbride, Stranraer, Saltcoats, Kilwinning, Troon, Kilmarnock, Prestwick and Ayr! Ayrshire Hospice is delighted to have the continued support of Urquhart Opticians who, as part of their
partnership, have sponsored the Burns Supper in January and the upcoming
Dating back to the late 70’s, Troon Friends of the Hospice have taken part in many fundraising events and activities, wearing many hats, including Teddy Bears Picnics at Culzean Castle, Bridge Competitions, Speakers Events, Bucket Collections, Fairs, Fun Days, Ladies nights; the list is endless and their support, like so many of the Hospice’s Friends Groups, has been crucial to the very foundations of the Hospice today. Graeme Strawhorn, Assistant Fundraising Manager, said: “Troon Friends are just one of these very special groups and we would like to say a massive thank you to all who have been involved over the last 40+ years
for their amazing efforts and dedication to our cause. In that time, they raised over £1 million for Ayrshire Hospice. We’re very sad to see their fundraising journey come to an end but they leave behind a tremendous legacy of support which has contributed to the wonderful Hospice we have today. “Our Friends Groups continue to play a crucial role in helping the Hospice fundraise to continue our care and services throughout Ayrshire and Arran. “Troon Friends were just one of over twenty fundraising groups formed in the late seventies and eighties to make the Hospice a reality in Ayrshire!”
sold out Autumn Ball this October. The Hospice is delighted to share that their cycle challenge surpassed their
Become an Ayrshire Hospice Corporate Partner
By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager
Businesses across Ayrshire and Arran are encouraged to consider the Ayrshire Hospice as a corporate partner over the next 12 months. The Ayrshire Hospice
requesting a Corporate Partnerships brochure to give you ideas on how best your business can support the Ayrshire Hospice. The brochure also has testimonials from some current partners so you can read about what they've loved when working with the organisation.
offers local businesses a fantastic opportunity to boost your company’s profile by sponsoring Hospice events or providing a chance for staff to volunteer with the Hospice. Lots of information and examples are available by
To enquire about becoming a corporate partner, please call Ron on 01292 288 488 or email fundraising@ ayrshirehospice.org . The Ayrshire Hospice can't wait to work with you!
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By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraiser (Community) The Ayrshire Hospice Heroes! Anyone who would like to support the
That’s including the 50% top up given by Sir Tom Hunter and The Hunter Foundation. Many walked in memory of someone that received hospice care; like Team Aldi, - with 15 walkers - walking in memory of Amanda's mum, Anne McGill, who would have been celebrating her 60th birthday, Callum's Uncle Billy, who received care at home and also Clare's Gran, Mili Alexander, who received care in our In-Patient unit. The Ayrshire Hospice would like to thank everyone for taking part and helping us achieve this amazing amount which will help to continue to provide care and services for all patients and their families across Ayrshire and Arran.
April this year saw over 100 fantastic supporters take part in the Glasgow Kiltwalk, raising over £50,000 for the Ayrshire Hospice. With walkers from all across
Ayrshire Hospice in future Kiltwalks, pencil Sunday 30th April 2023
all important medal, where they were welcomed by family, friends and members of our Fundraising Team. With individual walkers as well as teams like Walkaholics, Motiv8 Fitness, Del’s Belles, Team Aldi Prestwick, Gail’s Galivanters, Team McLaughlin, Chaz & mum, Just Dae It, MacKinnon Clan, Team Symington, Microtech Group we are so pleased to announce that these Hospice Heroes have raised a phenomenal £50,801.80.
Scotland taking on either The Mighty Stride at 22.7 miles or the Big Stroll at 14.5 miles, it was an amazing day! With the sun shining everyone crossed the finish line at Balloch to get that
in your diary for next year!
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A Day in the Life!
Much-delayed trek is ready to go
By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraiser (Community)
“I’m lucky to do the job I do…”
After a two-year postponement, the Sahara Trek Team are getting gearing up to finally set off on their trek across the Sahara Desert for five days.
By Kirsty Cornwall, Quality Improvement Facilitator
and reporting what they tell us to our management team to help them plan and develop current and new services. This might include which parts of Ayrshire and Arran referrals are coming from, how long patients wait to be seen after referral, and what services our patients are accessing.
The team of eight made up of Colin Young, Vicky Ramage, Elaine Kerr, Angela McKinlay, Annie Armstrong- Bell, Graham Kirkwood, Heather Kerr and Kathryn Livingstone should have set off in October 2020 but like all other events
ladies’ days, band nights and much more the team are getting excited for their adventure in October. The team met up recently for some team building and also heard from fellow trekker, Chris McMail, for some top tips. The team are all supporting the Hospice for various reasons and as Annie explained, she is not only fundraising in memory of her mum but to ensure other people’s mums and family members get the same care and support
My name is Kirsty, and (unbelievably) July this year marked my 10th anniversary of working for the Hospice in the role of Quality Improvement Facilitator. I have a BSc in Biomedical
I love that my role is varied, and I can truly say that no two days are ever the same. We are always working to review and improve the services we offer. I work closely with my colleagues across the wider teams to progress quality improvement initiatives; whether that’s looking at how our doctors and nurses can best offer support to other health professionals looking after patients across Ayrshire in the evenings and during the night, or how the ward round in our In-Patient Unit could work as efficiently as possible. A lot of my work is data driven - collecting and analysing statistics from our systems,
Sciences, and prior to coming to work for the Hospice, lived and worked in Glasgow, firstly in a project manager role for a Biotechnology company, before moving to a health improvement role with NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. I’m an Ayrshire girl at heart though and when the opportunity to move back down coincided with the Quality Improvement role being advertised at the Hospice it seemed like it was meant to be. My role has grown over the years, from initially supporting the Quality Manager at the time two days a week (which with two children under four suited perfectly) to now working four days a week as part of the busy Clinical Governance and Practice Development Team. Our team works to support our amazing colleagues who provide such compassionate care to our patients and families. It’s our job to ensure we can evidence the quality of that care to the organisations that we are accountable to - for example Healthcare Improvement Scotland, and the Care Inspectorate.
Sahara Group
it was put on hold. However, they have
Patient confidentiality is key of course, with all reports anonymised.
her family received. If you would like to support them on their fundraising journeys and to wish them good luck visit: www. justgiving.com/campaign/ ayrshirehospicesahara2022
continued fundraising and with the extra time, have pushed past their minimum target to raise as much as they can. With raffles, bucket collections, race nights,
During this temporary period when our patients are based at East Ayrshire Community Hospital in Cumnock, I am visiting there regularly to keep up the close links with our clinical teams. Whilst there I also to help gather feedback from patients and families about how we’re doing, as we’re very aware that although data can tell us a lot, nothing beats talking
Make a Will, Make a Difference
By Kathryn Howell, Senior Fundraiser (Grants & Legacy Giving)
This October you can support the Ayrshire Hospice during the Make a Will Fortnight. Held from 17th October until 31st October 2022, it’s raised over choice to book an appointment between 17th and 31st October 2022. The solicitors will guide
to people in person. I’m lucky to do the job I do!
£220,000 for the Hospice since it began 11 years ago. This is an amazing amount and has only been possible due to the ongoing support of the participating solicitors across Ayrshire & Arran who give their service free of charge in return for a donation to the Hospice.
you through the process including collecting your
donation to the Hospice. The full list of participating
solicitors are advertised on our website at www. ayrshirehospice.org . If you would like to receive further details on the campaign, please phone
If you need to update or make a Will, then why not take part in this year’s campaign? All you need to do is call the solicitor of your
our fundraising department on 01292 288488 or email donate@ayrshirehospice.org .
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Summer Super Draw
A time to say thank you - Volunteers Week 2022
By Caroline Lyon, Senior Fundraiser
By Alan Cameron, Communications and Research Officer
now and more are returning to support the Fundraising and Clinical teams. Their invaluable contribution to Ayrshire Hospice and making today matter is thoroughly appreciated by staff and patients. Thank You! If you would be interested in volunteering with Ayrshire Hospice you can find out more in the volunteering section of our website at www.ayrshirehospice.org
A huge thank you to everyone who purchased tickets in support of our spectacular Summer Super Draw 2022. Our £5,000 jackpot winner was Mr E from Ayr who was delighted to have scooped the top prize. Over £13,183 has been raised from the draw, which will help to provide essential care and support for our patients and their families whether they are in the In-Patient unit, at home or attending our Living Well Hub.
Every June, Ayrshire Hospice recognises the work of its dedicated volunteer staff during Volunteers Week. Without the help and support of these volunteers, the
drivers and admin support. As life returns to some normality after the past two years, the Hospice has been in a position to welcome back more volunteers to support the organisation's service delivery. Volunteers have been back in our shops across Ayrshire for some time
Hospice wouldn’t be able to help Make Today Matter for patients and their families across Ayrshire & Arran. Ayrshire Hospice is currently supported by over 200 volunteers in a wide variety of roles including art classes,
Meet some of our volunteers
George Bell George has supported Ayrshire Hospice for a number of years using his passion for art to inspire
Averil Oldfield Has two
volunteer roles in the Hospice
and enjoys them both equally, but for different reasons. She’s met a lot incredibly nice and
our patients to pick up a brush and paint on canvas how they are feeling.
Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager with the Summer Super Draw cheque
genuine people, made friends, and been given the opportunity to give something back to the community she lives in.
Keith Mackie Supports Ayrshire Hospice with his horticultural
J&J Events are delighted to welcome back their flagship event West Coast Fest 2022! A fantastic food and drink festival including live music from local artists, street food, and much more. The event will be held in Troon Town Hall on Saturday 24th September where they will welcome many local food and drinks companies and will run from 12-4pm and 6pm-10pm. The Hospice Fundraising Team will be there throughout the day selling merchandise, bucket collecting and raising awareness of our Capital Build Project. J&J Events have chosen to support the Hospice through their flagship event and we hope you can come along and support us both on the day. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/west-coast-fest-2022-tickets A night to look forward to!
Maree Fuller One of our newest volunteers, Maree began supporting the Hospice earlier this year as part of the Patient
skills and supports our Patient Transport
Team. Keith’s a familiar and popular face to staff and patients alike. Keith’s currently making sure our patients in the community can attend the Living Well Community Hub at CentreStage in Kilmarnock by chauffeuring them in style.
Transport Team. Meeting patients and staff and building relationships with them has been a big positive for her since starting volunteering with Ayrshire Hospice.
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| September 2022
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Hospice Heroes run Edinburgh Marathon
YPI Success at Ayrshire Schools
By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraiser (Community) Erika Sionis, owner of Buns & Crumbs, heard we were building our new Hospice so decided to raffle one of her stunning, two- tier, handmade cakes. When she started planning she wanted to build on the idea and decided to ask other local businesses to get involved, her thinking being the more prizes and businesses involved the more money she could fundraise! Over 20 prizes were gathered for the raffle including jewellery, personal training Buns & Crumbs online raffle
By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraiser (Community)
This year, more schools than ever reached the final of the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI) programme with one school winning the incredible £3,000 prize for the Ayrshire Hospice. YPI engages with school pupils,
By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraiser (Community)
The biggest team of Hospice Heroes yet took on this year’s Edinburgh Marathon Festival in May to raise over £10,000 for the Ayrshire Hospice. The half ‘marathoners’ of Alasdair, Amanda, Billy,
emailing community@ ayrshirehospice.org and join Team Hospice Heroes.
developing skills through a unique programme of teamwork, research and competition. Groups of pupils from St. Joseph’s, Garnock, Kyle and Stewarton Academies
Claire, Laura, Nacho, Scott, Stacey and Zoe W began their day at 8am and all crossed the line with amazing times. Our ‘marathoners’ of Darren, Gregor, Jillian, Johnny, Kyran, Lynsey and Zoe J began at 10am and all made their way through the streets of Edinburgh and along the coastline to the finish line at Pinkie Playing Fields in Musselburgh. Congratulations to all runners for their incredible achievements and raising £10,135.21 for the Hospice in memory of loved ones. Our team for 2023 is building already so if you’ve got this iconic marathon on your list, please get in touch by
Elliot, Harry and Cameron
championed the Ayrshire Hospice as their chosen charity and each presented to senior school staff as well as a YPI representative why that charity should receive the money. Congratulations to the pupils from Stewarton Academy - Ellie, Elizabeth and Abigail - who won and secured the £3,000 top prize. This will help fund a new Young Adults Room within the new Hospice building - giving young people their own space to relax and enjoy the company of their
friends and family within our new In-Patient Unit. All of the students who represented the Hospice within the programme were fantastic ambassadors, helping to raise awareness of the care and services provided to patients and their families throughout the community. A special shout out to the boys from Kyle Academy - Elliot, Harry and Cameron who choose to fundraise for the Hospice while working
sessions and beauty vouchers - the online
raffle was launched and what a wonderful success it was raising £1,240 ! Erika was delighted by the support from other businesses and of course the response to the raffle, so much so she has said she hopes to make it an annual event. If you’ve ever tasted one of her cakes you know you’ll be first in line to buy a ticket next year!
on the programme too with a bake sale and raised £650 . Well done boys! The Ayrshire Hospice is looking forward to being part of the
YPI programme again next year.
Ellie, Elizabeth and Abigail
Some Buns & Crumbs cakes
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Issue 31
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| September 2022
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Forget-Me-Not Appeal
Join our Weekly Lottery
By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager
By Caroline Lyon, Senior Fundraiser
The Ayrshire Hospice created a stunning Forget Me Not display at Lochgreen House Hotel in June. Running between 17th - 30th June, the display showcased the hand crafted steel Forget- Me-Nots by Morrell’s-Forge Blacksmiths. The Ayrshire Hospice would like thank everyone who donated to receive a Forget-Me-Not in memory of someone special and to thank everyone at Lochgreen for their great support. Although the display has now finished, you can still donate £30 to receive each Forget-Me-Not, which can be collected from the Fundraising Office in Miller Road, Ayr or alternatively there would be a small postage charge depending on the number of steel flowers you'd like delivered. Forget-Me-Nots offer a personal and positive way to remember loved ones and you can display your Forget-Me-Not in your garden or at the memorial of a loved one. To donate towards your Forget-Me-Not please visit www.ayrshirehospice.org or call the team on 01292 288 488 .
With 72 fantastic cash prizes drawn each and every Friday, there has never been a better time to join the Ayrshire Hospice Lottery. For a £1 weekly subscription, you
the continuation of the exceptional care we provide to our patients and their families across Ayrshire & Arran. To join, visit www. ayrshirehospice.org/ join-the-lottery or call 01292 288488 . Players must be 16+ .
have the opportunity to win our top prize of £1,000 , our 2nd
Launch of the Forget-Me-Not Appeal at Lochgreen House Hotel
prize of £100 or there are also 70
chances to win £10 ! Joining is easy and your support goes a long way to ensuring
Happy 50th Birthday to one of our supporters Ian Dunlop who raised £300 in lieu of gifts during his birthday celebrations Happy Birthday Ian! at Troon Bowling Club. His generosity, along with that from friends and families, is extremely appreciated by everyone at the Hospice. Without donations like these and the generosity of all our supporters and the local community we would be unable to provide exceptional care and services to all our patients. Thank you, Ian, for your continued support.
St John’s Primary - Whithorn Way
By Graeme Strawhorn, Assistant Fundraising Manager (Community and Events) Teachers and pupils took steps in memory and celebration of their wonderful colleague and teacher Miss Joanne McCauley who sadly died in November 2021. As part of their Lenten journey, teachers undertook
charities in Joanne’s memory including SCIAF Ukraine Appeal, Missio, Altnagelvin Hospital and Ayrshire Hospice - raising £4,000 with £1,000 being donated to each chosen charity! Well done and thank you from all at the Ayrshire Hospice to everyone at St John’s - a wonderful challenge in memory of a wonderful teacher.
part, walking stages, over different parts of the route during Lent (2nd March - 14th April). The school chose to support some very special
the gruelling challenge, walking 149 miles from Glasgow to Whithorn, with pupils also taking
Neil Wallace, weekly lottery winner
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Issue 31
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| September 2022
|
Christmas cards coming soon!
Tally up with Thai Leisure Group!
You can expect to buy your Ayrshire Hospice Christmas Cards soon when they go on sale later in September. The Ayrshire Hospice Retail Team have been signing off on this year’s designs before they go on sale across Hospice shops and Fundraising Office in Miller Road, Ayr. As well as cards, you’ll be able to purchase 2023 diaries, notebooks and calendars. They make a great gift for the super- organised friend or family and will be able to purchase with your Christmas Cards. Christmas Cards sales last year helped raise over £20,000 for the Hospice supporting the organisation toward delivering exceptional care and services to patients and their families.
By Graeme Strawhorn, Assistant Fundraising Manager (Community and Events) The Ayrshire Hospice was delighted be presented with a cheque for over £34,000 from the Thai Leisure Group who had chosen the charity as their ‘Charity of the Quarter.’
Customers visiting the restaurants were invited to ‘tally up’ their final food bill with all proceeds being donated to the Hospice! Graeme from the Fundraising team visited the Chaophraya restaurant in Glasgow to meet some of the team and receive their final fundraising total of £34,749 . The Thai Leisure Group, who host a number of restaurants throughout the UK including Chaophraya, Thaikhin and Chao Baby. “Khop Khun Ka” (Thank you) to all the team at Thai Leisure Group and all their generous customers!
The Hospice's Graeme Strawhorn thanks members of the Thai Leisure Group team
Saltcoats shop reopened
The Ayrshire Hospice was pleased to reopen a shop in Saltcoats earlier this year and allowing the charity to have a presence in the North Ayrshire town once again.
New musical group formed
After closing the shop in 2019, work began on reopening in 2021 with the unit given
a brand-new look celebrating the town’s links to Salt Cots and Salt Pans past. Over the course of winter 2021 the Retail team were busy putting the finishing touches to the shop to show off some fantastic fashion items, bric-a-brac, homeware and books. With the reopening of Saltcoats, the Ayrshire Hospice now has 10 shops across Ayrshire from Girvan in the south to Largs in the north. The retail operation generates over £1million
A newly formed group of supporters brought their passion of music and fundraising together to hold regular music afternoons at the R&A Sports Bar in Irvine and raised over £7,000 !
Graeme Ferguson and Krishna Edwin formed Irvine Friends of the Hospice and with the help of Johnny B, Graeme’s wife Jean, friends and the staff at R&A Sports Bar have so far held six events raising a total of £7,456.40 ! With bands like The Aim from Blackpool, Gerry Anderson (King Impersonations) along with pipers, highland dancing, raffles and games, the Sunday afternoons are always a sell-out. The group have many more dates planned and everyone from Ayrshire Hospice thank them for their amazing support.
for the organisation annually and the support from across Ayrshire and Arran is vital to achieving that. You can find out where your nearest Ayrshire Hospice Shop is in the Ways to Give section at
www.ayrshirehospice.org You’ll never know what you might find for sale!
Irvine Friends of the Hospice with Senior Fundraiser, Elaine Thomson
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Issue 31
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| September 2022
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Stride your way to 100k
Pioneer Challenge to Build the Future!
By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraiser (Community)
By Cara Bowden, Marketing volunteer
Thank you also to our amazing corporate sponsors, who generously offered to match fund the challenge.
The Ayrshire Hospice launched its very first Stride your Way to 100K in June which raised over £11,000 ! This was the first digital challenge hosted through Facebook, and while it was a physical challenge,
The Ayrshire Hospice Capital Campaign kicked off in February this year and raised an incredible £105,000 in FOUR DAYS! In the lead up to the official launch of the Capital
offered a supportive place for everyone taking part to share photos, updates and gain motivation if they felt themselves needing a boost. Over 100 people took part in the challenge and the Hospice was delighted to see everyone supporting each other throughout the month and even more delighted to raise a fantastic £11,424 !
CoshNiven, Microtech Group, PRA Group, Easton Group, CCL, Dustacco Watermiser, Wellington School, Brownings the Bakers, Booth Welsh, Glasgow
Boyle and Euan McIntyre running an energy-sapping two marathons (52.4 miles) in one day - February was a hive of activity all over Ayrshire with Hospice Pioneers completing lots of fun and ambitious challenges. Thank you to everyone who took part and sponsored the pioneers - it was fantastic to see so much support for the Hospice. All our Hospice
Build Project, we held the Ayrshire Hospice Pioneer Crowdfunder Challenge which invited supporters to begin raising funds for the Capital Build Project. From a space themed exercise-athon by Elite Fitness Studio to local boys Martin
the Fundraising Team were delighted with the success of hosting it in a new and modern way. Facebook users were invited to walk, jog or hike 100K throughout June. The exclusive Facebook group
Nike collage
Patients from the Living Well Hub decided to take part in the challenge as a group and managed to clock up an incredible 316km in the month of June together!
Prestwick Airport, Global Quantum, EGGER, Stewart:
Temperature Solutions and William Kennedy.
It has been incredibly inspiring to see and meet so many people from our community who are excited to help us ‘Build the Future’. We hope to welcome more of you on board our journey to build an Ayrshire Hospice fit for future generations and provide outstanding specialist palliative care across Ayrshire & Arran.
Pioneers received a special mission patch and will be recognized for their fundraising efforts with their names engraved on a sculpture in the new Hospice gardens.
Buddy the dog
Caroline Lyon
Claire & Viv
Deborah Dog
Suely Wiseman Zumba
Concert Donation Hits the Right Note
By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraiser (Community)
their hard work. We look forward to your next show!
Deborah Trillow
Emma & Louie
Gail Couper
Graeme Strawhorn
Ayr Amateur Opera Company selected the Hospice to be their chosen charity at their production of Sunshine on Leith at The Gaiety back in March - and the Hospice couldn’t have been happier!
We’re extremely grateful to the audiences for their generous donations and helping to raise an amazing £911 ! The show was a huge
hit during it’s run and was enjoyed by a group of Hospice staff and volunteers. Well done to all of the cast and crew as well as the front of house team at the Gaiety for
Ayr Amateur Opera Company celebrate their donation
Hayley Trousdale
Kirstey Darnton
Leona Mora
Sophie Jordan
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