The Article is our Ayrshire Hospice newsletter, bringing you inspiring stories, updates, and ways to get involved. It’s our way of keeping in touch and sharing the impact you help make possible.
December 2023 EDITION 35
Oh, what a night!
The 21st annual Ayrshire Hospice Autumn Ball was held at Seamill Hydro in October and raised an incredible £57,000 Host, Edward Reid, kicked off the night with a bang by performing some well-known classics to get the guests up and dancing before a game of ‘Pass the Pumpkin’ gave guests the chance to win an overnight stay at Seamill Hydro.
Top charity auctioneer and friend of Ayrshire Hospice, Alex Fleming, then got to work at the auction to help raise as much money as possible for the incredible lots. The evening was then in the hands of Edward and Sneaky Treacle who got everyone off their seats and onto the dancefloor for the rest of the night! The Ayrshire Hospice is extremely grateful for the support of Urquhart Opticians, Arnold Clark, British Car Auctions,
Bridgend Motor Group, Piero Milani, Jonathan Cartmell Miller Charitable Trust, The Wood Piper, Seamill Hydro Hotel, Cameron Confections, Loch Lomond Distillery, Cunninghame Floral art Club, Winton Weddings, Ever After Designs and Small Town Audio, who all gave their generous backing to the event and to everyone who donated a prize to the auctions or raffle.
ayrshirehospice.org
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By Tracy Flynn, Chief Executive Officer
As I welcome you to the closing issue of The Article for 2023, I’m reminded of the timeless wisdom of Nelson Mandela and his philosophy of ubuntu, which resonates deeply with the ethos of the Ayrshire Hospice. Mandela once said, “I am because we are,”
emphasising the interconnectedness of all humanity. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the spirit that fuels our hospice—a community brought together by compassion and a shared commitment to care. First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our remarkable fundraisers. Your incredible efforts in various challenges, marathons, and a diverse array of activities throughout this year have ensured our mission continues. Your dedication truly embodies the ubuntu spirit. Featured in this issue, our Retail Team is propelling our journey towards being a more environmentally responsible and sustainable organisation. In our clinical endeavours, we’ve continued to provide exceptional care to those who need it most. We are proud to share a research collaboration, and our presence at the Hospice UK national conference. These initiatives reflect our dedication to innovation and continuous improvement. We also invite you to join us for our “Light Up a Life Reflection” event, which will be held at the Auld Kirk of Ayr on the 10th of December. It’s a time to remember and honour the loved ones we’ve lost and to find solace in shared remembrance. Lastly, I’d like to express our deepest appreciation to the Ayrshire and Arran community. Your unwavering support enables us to continue our vital work. As the festive season approaches, we extend our warmest wishes for a joyful Christmas and a New Year filled with hope, health, and happiness.
The 21st annual Ayrshire Hospice Autumn Ball
Thank you for being part of our compassionate family, for together, we truly are because of each other.
Celebration Tree in full bloom
The Ayrshire Hospice Celebration Tree has acquired some lovely new leaves over the year, raising an incredible £3,737 throughout 2023.
Follow us on socials for more info about our livestream on 20th December
If you’d like to add your own personalised leaf to our Tree to celebrate the life of someone special through 2024, please go to https://bit.ly/3FAGrss , scan our QR code or call 01292 288488 to find out more.
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Go Purple 2023
Capital Build Project update...
By Julia Connelly, Capital Build Project Manager
By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraiser
Scan the QR code to view a time-lapse film of the Steel Frame construction. Work continues on the Racecourse Road site come rain or shine! (Covering September and October 2023) the rapid growth and completion of the skeletal steel frame can be seen. This is where the strength of the lovely new elements of the Hospice resides, and the building will now be constructed around it. TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTS ...... 4 secs; the crane is in place and ready to do all the heavy lifting ...... 8 secs; the very first pieces of steel are in place ...... 12 secs; the slope of the roof is clearly seen, and the dog-legs are the framing for the patients’ patios ...... 35 secs; the roof purlins start to appear ...... 46 secs; the crane has shifted position to fix steel at the front of the site ...... 1 min 30 secs; work on the stormwater attenuation tank can be seen to the right of the picture. This stores and then releases water at a controlled rate to avoid flooding the sewerage system ...... 2 mins 13 secs; the attenuation tank is now fully covered up, leaving only the black ventilation pipe in shot ...... 2 mins 26 secs; the roof edge protection starts to appear
The popular Go Purple Day was back bigger than ever this year and on Friday 13th October no less! The Hospice’s dedicated and amazing supporters organised coffee mornings, dress-down days and bring-and-buy sales to name but a few. And local businesses got into the Go Purple fun by selling limited edition Go Purple sweet treats, holding quiz nights and organising raffles. It was heart-warming to see everyone pulling out all the stops to join in on the big day.
Thank you to everyone who got involved; staff, volunteers and supporters, your enthusiasm, creativity and love for your hospice are truly infectious - it was a momentous day!
The construction of the new Ayrshire Hospice reached a significant milestone in Autumn, with the completion of the erection of the steel superstructure. Other works on-site continue at a brisk pace. In September, the first steel beam was bolted into place and over the course of the following seven weeks the entire frame of the brand-new hospice followed into position. With the frame now in-situ, the size and shape of the new building can be clearly seen for the first time.
The Ayrshire Hospice is excited to watch this progress being made as it looks forward to returning home in late 2024.
Why not think about giving friends & family an Ayrshire Hospice Lottery gift voucher this Christmas? You can enter your loved ones into a fixed number of Hospice lottery draws from Friday 29th December onwards. Vouchers are available at a value of your choice upwards of £10 and can be delivered directly to yourself or the recipient. Each week, they could have the chance to win our top prize of £1,000!!! It costs £1 per week to take part and your money really makes a difference to us.
Lottery Christmas Gifts
By Ron Swanson, Fundraising Manager
Please place all orders no later than Tuesday 12th December so they can be posted in time for Christmas.
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PLAY our Christmas Super Draw!
Robbie ‘kickstarts’ career with the Ayrshire Hospice
The Ayrshire Hospice celebrates research collaboration with ICPS
By Suzanne Kerr, Facilities Supervisor
Robbie Cree joined the Maintenance Team at the Hospice as a Trainee Maintenance Assistant in January 2022 as part of the government’s Kickstart Scheme. The initiative aims to provide funding to organisations to create job placements for 16–24-year-olds on Universal Credit who are at risk of long-term unemployment. Robbie joined the Ayrshire Hospice on a six-month contract, working 25 hours per week during a particularly busy period. His arrival coincided with the organisation’s efforts to relocate from Racecourse Road, Ayr to East Ayrshire Community Hospital in Cumnock, in support of the redevelopment of its facilities. With little experience in maintenance tasks upon joining the team, Robbie quickly displayed his aptitude for the role, completing all his mandatory training, as well as a Ladder Safety Awareness course, and was able to assist with all maintenance team tasks. Robbie was taught how to use various tools and gardening equipment and fully involved in the decant process from Racecourse Road where he became a much-needed and valued member of the team. The Ayrshire Hospice was delighted to see Robbie recently when he visited to return some uniform and learned that he had taken up a full-time janitor position at Prestwick Academy. Suzanne said: “It was lovely to hear that he has secured permanent employment and that we at the Hospice played a part in his career path.”
By Dr. Cat Killin, Lead Consultant
The Ayrshire Hospice is thrilled to celebrate a recent research collaboration with the West of Scotland Interventional Cancer Pain Service (ICPS) team. This collaboration aims to improve the care and quality of life for patients with refractory cancer pain, a term used for severe pain resistant to common treatments. The research focuses on Intrathecal Drug Delivery Systems, which is perhaps considered to be underutilised as a treatment option. Preliminary findings suggest that for advanced cancer patients, intrathecal analgesia, which delivers medication around the spinal cord, leads to more time in the community and reduced morphine use at end of life. The Hospice recognises the need for further research, and this collaboration with the ICPS team positions the organisation at the forefront of this important endeavour. Together, there is a commitment to advancing patient care, upholding our mission to provide specialist palliative care and services to people and families affected by life-limiting illness across Ayrshire and Arran.
The Ayrshire Hospice Christmas Super Draw is back with a bang and the chance for you to unwrap a nice Christmas present of £5000! As well as the top prize, there is also a second prize of £500 , a third prize of £100 as well as 70 prizes of £10 . A book contains 12 tickets with each one costing £1 – that’s £12 per book and 12 wonderful chances to win. Tickets are on sale now by calling 01292 288488 or you can enter online at www.ayrshirehospice.org. Players must be 18+ The closing date for returning paper tickets is 8th December and online entries close at midnight on the 14th. The draw will take place on 15th December…just in time for Christmas!
You can also scan the QR Code for even quicker entry…
Make a Will success By Lucy Glendinning, Senior Fundraiser
The Ayrshire Hospice was delighted with participation in this year’s Make a Will Fortnight which saw many take up the opportunity to create or update their wills while donating to the organisation. Thanks to the continued support of solicitors across Ayrshire who take part in Make a Will Fortnight, this campaign engages new supporters who can secure their estate and support the Ayrshire Hospice.
All funds raised from this appeal will help contribute toward the provision of exceptional palliative and end- of-life care to patients and their families across Ayrshire and Arran. Make a Will Fortnight wouldn’t be possible without local solicitors kindly giving their time and expertise and supporters deciding to make or update their wills in exchange for a donation to the Hospice. Thank you!
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting partnership as we continue to make a meaningful difference.
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Our Christmas Card range is now available in shops and online, so don’t miss the chance to grab your favourite design as they are selling quickly This year, we offer three Ayrshire scenes for you to share with your loved ones: Burns Cottage, Ailsa Craig , and Culzean Castle . These designs are unique to the Ayrshire Hospice. In addition to our popular diaries and notebooks, we also present our Annual Calendar featuring stunning Ayrshire landscapes that can double as postcards. This year, these breathtaking photographs were captured by our talented facilities team who have truly captured Ayrshire at its most beautiful. Yule love it... Ayrshire Hospice’s Christmas range!
Café Ginger cycle to the Beatson!
By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraising Officer
Friends, family and local businesses rallied around Café Ginger owner, Eddie Ecrepont, on his latest fundraising challenge and raised an incredible £5000! Eddie created the “Ginger Cycle” challenge, cycling the equivalent distance on a stationary bike from Café Ginger in Ayr to the Beatson
Centre in Glasgow and back. He undertook this journey to raise funds for Ayrshire Cancer Support and the Ayrshire Hospice after his wife, Fiona, received treatment at the Beatson Centre. Eddie cycled the distance with the help of friends and family outside of Café Ginger on Friday 29th September and took around five hours to complete the challenge.
Hope, Ayrshire Cancer Support’s mascot, as well as the Hospice mascot, Agent H, came along to cheer the team on and even got a few kilometres on the bike themselves! Eddie and Fiona were delighted to hand over the £5,000, split equally between both charities.
Available in our shops, our Fundraising Office at 29 Miller Road, Ayr or scan the QR code to shop online at ayrshirehospice.org
Ayrshire Hospice supporter Martin Boyle pushed himself to the limits by taking on the River Ayr Ultramarathon in August to raise £5,846. Martin’s ULTRA MARATHON raises over £5k By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraiser
Linking up with local businesses
By Ron Swanson, Fundraising Manager
What benefits could you and your business derive from partnering with the Ayrshire Hospice? Does your company have the potential to provide support? The Ayrshire Hospice collaborates with local businesses in various ways, including employee engagement, volunteering, fundraising activities, sponsorship, and establishing long-term partnerships.
In August this year, a squad of volunteers from British Gas were welcomed to the Hospice shop in Kilmarnock to work in the warehouse. As part of their ‘The Big Difference’ initiative, British Gas teams can choose a local charity to volunteer with. The team had a great day as they helped to tidy and organise the storage area above the Kilmarnock shop - just in time for Autumn buys to hit the shelves!
If you think that your colleagues or company may have an interest in supporting the Hospice, please reach out to Ron at 01292 288488 or email donate@ayrshirehospice. org and let’s explore how you can collaborate with the Ayrshire Hospice.
Starting bright and early on Friday 4th August, Martin first swam a 10k in Loch Doon before hot- footing it over to Glenbuck to run the 65 kilometres to the Ayrshire Hospice building on Racecourse Road in Ayr.
Martin, a fitness fanatic who has taken part in Ultramarathons previously, completed this phenomenal challenge by 10pm and wowed his family, friends and Hospice staff with a sprint at the finish line!
Thank you, Martin, for your incredible efforts in raising money for the Ayrshire Hospice.
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While it’s supposed to be joyful, Christmas can be a difficult time of year - especially for those who are missing someone special, or those who know this Christmas will be their loved one’s last.
By Ron Swanson, Fundraising Manager
The Ayrshire Hospice is currently seeking a Lottery Canvasser to join its existing team to help raise funds for our patient care in Ayrshire and Arran. In 2022, £471,941 was collected from the Ayrshire Hospice Lottery which went directly towards patient care and that amount was raised thanks to the work of a small band that promotes the weekly prize draw. Current Lottery Canvasser, Ron Swanson Snr, finds the role extremely rewarding. He said “The role of an Ayrshire Hospice
Canvasser is stimulating, motivating and rewarding. Knowing that your efforts and drive are making a meaningful and sustainable difference and contributing to the ongoing care and loving support provided by the Hospice is so personally motivating.” The work of a Lottery Canvasser is to encourage membership of the Ayrshire Hospice Lottery and the work of the Hospice to the general public. Canvassers travel throughout Ayrshire, both door-to- door and at various venues/events to sign up members to an Ayrshire Hospice Lottery subscription, via Direct Debit. The working hours of a Lottery Canvasser are flexible and
can be agreed with the Hospice fundraising team. The role is a fantastic opportunity for someone who loves working with people and in sales, with competitive commission rates on offer and access to the fundraising team who will be on hand to support you every step of the way.
Anyone interested should contact Ron Swanson, Fundraising Manager on 01292 288488 or email ron. swanson@ayrshirehospice. org to apply or for further information.
One of those patients the Specialist Palliative Care Nursing team looked after was Tom . His story has been generously shared by his daughter, Julie. Tom and Julie’s story describes the invaluable support and assistance provided by the various services and care teams that enabled Tom to live fully and comfortably until his passing in May. In 2022, our Specialist Palliative Care Nurses supported 946 individuals and their families across Ayrshire and Arran.
Could you help us give the gift of exceptional palliative and end-of-life care this Christmas? If this year’s appeal can raise £20,000, we will be able to transform this Christmas for our patients and families. For some of them, it will be their last together. We can’t thank you enough for helping us to light up their lives. Anything you are able to kindly give will be gratefully received by all of our staff and patients across the Hospice, and will really help us make many families’ last Christmas together special and comfortable.
Gifts in Wills
By Ron Swanson, Fundraising Manager
Gifts in Wills make a huge difference to Ayrshire Hospice patients and their families. One in three patients cared for last year was helped by contributions from 51 supporters who left a gift in their Will to the organisation.
By remembering the Ayrshire Hospice in your Will, your legacy will be much more than just giving a donation. You’ll be helping to provide care and support to local people for generations to come. It means that years from now, the Hospice will be here to help those in need of care and support when it matters most. A gift in your Will is an incredible way to leave a lasting legacy as leaving even 1% of your estate to
the Hospice makes a real difference to families affected by life-limiting illness.
If you would like to talk about including the Hospice or leaving a gift in your Will, please contact Lucy or Ron 01292 288488 or email donate@ayrshirehospice.org
Read more about Tom and Julie’s story overleaf.
There will be many more families like Tom’s who need the Hospice to help them face a life-limiting illness this winter, and for some, this might even be their last Christmas together. The Ayrshire Hospice, a vital community resource, can help make their Christmas extra special and comfortable – through care at home, in the community, or in our In-Patient Unit – but not without your support.
Please turn to the donation form at the back of this newsletter, go to www. ayrshirehospice.org/light-up-a-life-2023, or simply scan the QR code to the right.
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TOM AND MADELEINE ON THEIR WEDDING DAY IN 1970.
Julie’s Story Anybody that met my dad would tell you that he was just the most positive man, full of life and love and positivity, even when he got his diagnosis. My dad’s motto was that no matter what comes your way, you accept the cards that life deals you. Post- diagnosis, so many people would have been bitter and angry. But for him, life was still joyous.
even just by chatting, the Hospice team were able to gain insight into what he needed – whether that was getting support from the Hospice Occupational Therapists and Respite & Response team, or the Hospice Social Work team sorting out his community alarm. As the MND progressed he ended up being admitted to hospital several times, which clinically was not the most appropriate place for him to be. Through the support of Amy, we were able to engage with the palliative care teams at University Hospitals Ayr and Crosshouse, which eventually led to my Dad being admitted to the Hospice In-Patient Unit. Upon admission, so much of his anxiety about his care faded away... He hadn’t wanted to go back to hospital or a care home, and knew that there would be no better place to be than with the Hospice team. The staff are amazing, they got to know my dad – and our whole family – so quickly, showing a complete focus on what he liked, what he wanted from his care and using their resources and expertise to make things as comfortable as possible for him. Whether it was chest physiotherapy, fine-tuning his medication, complementary therapy or planning something tasty for him to eat, the whole team worked together to support him feeling as well as possible, for as long as possible. The attitude always was, ‘whatever doesn’t work, we’ll keep trying something else until it does’.
which they located just outside his room window. He was able to watch all sorts of birds such as nuthatch and blue tits visiting from the garden, such an amazing thing to do for him. A lot of people are fearful of accepting what’s coming, but my dad’s attitude was “I know where this is going, so I’m going to bloomin’ well enjoy every last minute!”
People should not be fearful of hospice care because it makes the absolute best out of a bad situation and I think we’re very lucky to have the Ayrshire Hospice on our doorstep. My dad loved Christmas and always spent it surrounded by us, his lucky family. This Christmas I know my dad would be so happy if he knew his story and experience could touch others. That’s why my family are supporting the Light up a Life Appeal this year. Please join us in helping this wonderful, vital local charity.
the exceptional care that she got from the Hospice that gave us all more time. My Dad dealt with my Mum’s illness and death so well – he kept himself active, he loved walking, and was always at the centre of his community; doing favours or running errands for friends, neighbours and family. However, during the Covid pandemic in 2021 he started to develop some symptoms which eventually led to a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease. Despite his diagnosis and the various struggles he was undergoing, he remained in our family home, with fantastic support from close family and friends, and for him life was still great. His attitude was “my friends come and visit me, I’ve got my beer and my Sky TV. I’ve got everything that I need.” Through a referral from our GP practice the Hospice Community Team got involved and Amy, one of the Specialist Palliative Care Nurses (SPCN’s), started visiting him. Sometimes this was just to chat, and my Dad loved to chat – he was a bit like Ronnie Corbett with his stories! However,
The Hospice team helped him make every moment count. The home away from home environment was so different from hospital, it’s lovely and calm, not gloomy or sad at all, and so many nice touches – my dad would say “I feel like I’m staying in a hotel!” He felt that all of the staff were his friends. They always knew what to chat to him about, his interests and his humour, it was incredible how well they got to know him in such a relatively short period of time. When dad passed away, the team were just amazing with us, the whole family felt their care and support. The Hospice is a unique gem in Ayrshire that we are lucky to have. You don’t appreciate how extraordinary that care is until you have to experience it – it’s next level. It’s as if the nurses and each member of the team are hand-picked for their roles, as they themselves are next-level.
One of my dad’s main goals was to make his 80th birthday and never one to want to ask too much of others, was happy just to have us around on the day. As a surprise, I had ordered a lovely cake, printed with a photo of him from his first day at work in 1963! However, on the big day, the Hospice team put on an amazing spread – sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps, cakes – and my Dad just loved it, as it was the kind of thing he would have done had he been able. He spent the day surrounded by all 20 members of the family, his room littered with cards and lovely messages. Memories I know that our family will treasure. To top it off, knowing that he liked to watch the birds, the Hospice team gifted him a bird-table
Born in 1943, my dad worked as a purchasing engineer for a forklift truck company in Irvine where he ended up staying for his full career. He married my mum, Madeleine, in 1970 and they settled in a house amidst a lovely community in Dreghorn, where they went on to stay for 45 years. In April 2008 my dad retired, and sadly this was almost immediately followed by a Glioblastoma brain tumour diagnosis for my mum. She was transferred from hospital in Glasgow with an expected week to live before being admitted to the In-Patient Unit at the Ayrshire Hospice. She ended up living until the August of that year – and managed to celebrate her 60th birthday in the process. My Dad and I always maintained that it was
TOM AND JULIE ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY IN 2023.
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Would you like to support our sustainability efforts? Switch to the digital version of The Article today and have it delivered directly to your inbox. Make the switch by scanning the QR code or emailing newsletter@ayrshirehospice.org A Marathon round-up...
Hospice marked
Gift Aid is a valuable source of income for the Ayrshire Hospice and is regularly worth over £90,000 for the organisation. In October, we marked Gift Aid Awareness Day, a national campaign designed to underscore the importance of claiming Gift Aid on charitable donations. This tax relief allows charities to reclaim an extra 25% on eligible donations from taxpayers, and it comes at no cost to the donors Gift Aid Day
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Ayrshire Hospice supporter Jean Lanham demonstrated her dedication to the charity by completing a 1700-metre swim whilst on holiday with her family and raised £1300! After signing up for Go Swim Loch Tay challenge in July, Jean suffered an injury which meant she couldn’t take part in the event as planned. So, a new plan was quickly hatched and after some rest and recuperation, she swam more than her original distance in the beautiful setting of Croyde Bay, one of Devon’s most picturesque beaches. Jean was on holiday with her family and swam 1700m in the sea with them all cheering her on from the beach. After completing her challenge, Jean told us why she chose to do it and about her determination to complete it. She said: “I wanted like to raise funds for Ayrshire Hospice as a way of saying thank you. You looked after my Dad with such care and compassion in his final days. It was a great help to both him and the family.” Jean’s epic swimathon
By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraiser
The Ayrshire Hospice’s Hospice Heroes have been at it again, taking part in half marathons and full marathons all over Scotland.
First off was Harry Boswell who took to the streets of Edinburgh for the Scottish Half Marathon alongside 4,000 runners and then with just a week’s recovery, Harry along with Evie, Diane, Georgia and Lesley were in Glasgow running through the city for the Great Scottish Run Half Marathon. They went on a scenic route passing many key landmarks including The OVO Hydro, The Finnieston Crane and Pacific Quay before making their way to the finish line at Glasgow Green. Over these two events, the runners raised an incredible £3,218. Further north on the same day, Jonathan Craig completed the Loch Ness Marathon for the second time. With rugged terrain and fantastic scenery, the Loch Ness Marathon is definitely one to get ticked off the list.
This makes an incredible difference to funding and will allow your support to go even further in helping the Hospice provide services to patients and their families across Ayrshire and Arran. If you pay tax, please tick ‘yes’ to Gift Aid online or on your paper forms when you make a donation to the Hospice or other charitable causes. To find out whether you are eligible or to receive a Gift Aid declaration form, please email the Fundraising Office at donate@ayrshirehospice. org or call us on 01292 288 488.
Jonathan shared: “The last couple of months have been tough as I’ve struggled to come to terms with my training program unravelling due to injury. Running for such a great cause helped me persevere and yesterday during the marathon words of encouragement along with the support of the crowd helped carry me through. I was delighted to finish in under four hours and enjoyed celebrating with my dad, who ran the 10k, and my daughters, who took part in the ‘Wee Nessie.” Being a real family affair with his Dad and children also taking part, Jonathan raised an amazing £597.
Scan the QR code to view a message from the Ayrshire Hospice team on how Gift Aid helps.
Congratulations to all the runners for their incredible achievements.
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RETAIL DETAIL
Life’s a party! Dress for it with the Ayrshire Hospice. Looking for that show-stopping party outfit? Then look no further than the Ayrshire Hospice shops, which are brimming with pre-loved gems just waiting for you to snap up! With the Christmas party season fast approaching, you’ll find the look to ensure you shine at any event in one of the 10 Ayrshire Hospice shops across Ayrshire.
My name is Jen and I am the Saltcoats Shop Manager. I have worked with the Ayrshire Hospice for over two years now and I have had the pleasure of working in most of the Hospice shops across Ayrshire during this time. I love how all of our shops have their own personalities - it is a wonderful environment to work in. It can be challenging at times, however, knowing the good we are doing and the funds we are raising makes it all worthwhile.
I’m Derek , the Ayr Shop and Warehouse Manager, and I’ve been with the Ayrshire Hospice for a little over two years. I began my career at the Troon shop as an assistant manager and was later seconded to the Ayr shop as a manager, a position that eventually became permanent I have retail in blood, my father, grandfather, great-uncles and aunts were all shopkeepers in Glasgow and when I was young, we moved to Ayr and my family opened a confectioner’s. From a young age, I would help in the family shop, growing up in it and learning about retail. I studied at the Glasgow School of Art, graduating with a BA in Design which has helped me greatly in my career. Having grown up in Ayr, the Ayrshire Hospice was well known for the important and wonderful care it provided for those with life-limiting illnesses. I have known many people who have received care from the Ayrshire Hospice and the wonderful work it does. If had to list the ‘best’ things about working for the Hospice; firstly, it would be the opportunity to work for the Hospice and help to raise funds. This is an honour and privilege, there are many, many things I love about my job but that’s the best. Secondly would be the volunteers. The volunteers give their precious time so willingly and each and every one of them works so hard and diligently. The volunteers bring a wealth of knowledge, skills and fun to the shop. Thirdly would be the unexpected! Each day we are fortunate to receive a wealth of donations and in each bag or box, we don’t what we will find... antiques, vintage furniture, designer clothing and jewellery. I get great pleasure in being able to show off these wonderful donations by creating everything from window displays to furniture settings. Each day working in Ayrshire Hospice retail brings something different and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
This festive season, make it pre-loved!
Hi, my name is Jean and I have been a volunteer with the Ayrshire Hospice for a couple of years now. Since I became semi-retired, I found myself with extra time on my hands and couldn’t think of a better way to fill them. It’s not only a very worthy cause but serves as a community hub. I also work part-time in a community setting, creating new from old and promoting sustainability, and the Hospice is right up there, making re-cycling fashionable. Not to mention the staff, who are all dedicated to the ethics of the Hospice and the community. I would recommend volunteering to anyone. It gives you a sense of belonging and allows you to make a real difference to people and the environment. Meet a few of our Ayrshire Hospice Retail team...
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RETAIL DETAIL
Meet the team...
My name is Katrina, I have worked at the Ayrshire Hospice for two years. When I saw the position advertised, I jumped at the chance to work for such an important local charity. I manage the Largs shop and could not do it without the amazing team of volunteers, who I am in awe of every day, and my assistant managers. The shop has such loyal donors, and the donations we receive are fantastic. One donation that stands out to me is three Beatles albums, which we sold for almost £200 to very happy customers. It really is a delight, not only raising money for the Hospice but also seeing happy customers. I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful charity.
WINTER FAIR 2023 Saturday 2nd December
I’m Betty and I’ve been volunteering in the Crown Street shop for 16 years and I feel like they have flown by - I must be having a good time when it goes by so fast! I wanted to help the Ayrshire Hospice in memory of my friend. 22 years ago, my very good friend was ill and needed the help of the Hospice, they looked after her and they were the greatest. I was so impressed by the staff and their hard work I decided that when I was able, I wanted to give time to the Hospice to help them raise the money they need. So, when I retired from working, I came along to the Crown Street shop to volunteer and as I said the time has flown by. The thing I like the most about volunteering is meeting the folks that come in every day. I work on the till one full day and a half day the next, so I get to speak with most customers. You do get to know them well and you even meet people you’ve not seen in years coming into the shop. You get all their stories and worries and some you find come in just for a blether as they might not have anyone else to talk to. The staff and the volunteers are all a friendly bunch and, if they are good, I’ll bring in some treats! During the summer I came in with homemade ice cream and cones, and nearer to Christmas, I’ll bring in some homemade dumpling for the team. The plates are always cleared so they must enjoy it! I’d say one of the highlights of volunteering at Ayr shop is taking part in the winter fair, it’s lovely to see everyone happy. And I’ll never forget the day someone came in to donate £500 - that was a wonderful thing to do. People are just so kind to the Hospice.
Ayrshire Hospice leading the way at national conference
One of the largest conferences in the palliative and end of life care sector, The National Conference hosted by Hospice UK, is set to take place in November this year in Liverpool. No less than four areas of the Ayrshire Hospice’s clinical work will be showcased in poster presentations. These posters, successful after initial abstract screening, will be viewed by delegates from the UK and beyond, both in-person and online. This provides a unique opportunity for the Ayrshire Hospice staff attending the conference to connect with peers and discuss their work directly. Remote access to conference sessions has been arranged for the wider team to benefit from the diverse agenda featuring discussions, presentations, research, and learning.
The areas of work being presented by the Hospice are:
• The benefits of evening complementary therapy to patients in a Hospice In-Patient Unit setting.
• Implementing outcome measures across hospice services – the story so far.
• What matters to you today? Documenting patient goals in the last days of life
• Do study days have a positive impact on patient care and health professional collaboration?
We look forward to hearing how it goes from those staff attending!
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Afternoon Tea by the Sea
Thank you to all of our amazing Community Fundraisers
The annual ‘Afternoon Tea by the Sea’ saw the Ayrshire Hospice Ladies Who Lunch group and the Ladies Lunch South group come together to celebrate their year of fundraising, handing over £10,000 and £9,000 to the Hospice respectively. It was an afternoon of good company, food and laughter at Seamill Hydro in August, where the ladies were also treated to a special fashion show from Bling it on Boutique. Susan Ingram from the boutique introduced the show, which included some familiar faces in the room who took on the role of models – Ladies who Lunch
committee member Jan, Ayrshire Hospice Senior Fundraiser Elaine, and stall holders Carol and Rachel, who all modelled some beautiful outfits. After the raffle was drawn, the day was rounded off with musical entertainment from Ayrshire Ukes and the ladies raised an incredible £2,294.85. The Ladies’ Lunches are held monthly at Seamill Hydro Hotel, Seamill and Horizon Hotel Ayr, and if you would be interested in attending you can find out more by contacting Audrey on 01294 823949 for the Seamill Hydro lunch or Irene on 07717 001057 for the Horizon Hotel lunch.
Ayrshire Bridge Centre Bridge Day 6 June 2023 £1,370.00 ....................... Stephen McGregor & Roddy MacKay Longest Day - Golf Tournament 21 June 2023 £2,462.00 ....................... Blair Gymkanha Blair Gymkanha 24 June 2023 £1,250.00 ....................... Rikki Black Dusk to Dawn Golf Day 13 July 2023 £1,689.00 ....................... Paula Thompson Charity Football Match 16 July 2023 £4,289.68 ....................... Associated Clubs of Clyde
Dirrans Centre Sponsored Walk 4 Aug 2023 £504.00
Paul Russell Bowling Club Tournament at Ayr Craigie Bowling Club 19 Aug 2023 £108.58 ....................... Irvine Friends of the Hospice The Magic Drifters at The Northern Way 20 Aug 2023 £1,800.00 ....................... Matthew Reid
Isabel Reid and Caroline Reid Skydive
3 Sep 2023 £2,045.00 ....................... Allan Murray West Highland Way with friends Gary Higgins & Ian Clark 12 Sep 2023 £2,728.00 ....................... Gemma Brawley-Riekie Walk round Cumbrae III 16 Sep 2023 £5,050.89 ....................... Alan Lees Screenwash around
....................... Derek Montgomery Various fundraising activites 7 Aug 2023 £1,706.00 ....................... Ainsley Leck Ayr Cricket Club Ladies Day 12 Aug 2023 £3,000.00 ....................... Savills Group (London) Marathon walk 16 Aug 2023 £3,886.00 ....................... Lisa Fitzpatrick Bonus Ball 17 Aug 2023 £300.00 ....................... Charles Maguire Charity Night at Prestwick Holiday Park and a Comedy Night with Tam Cowan 18 Aug 2023 £1,850.00
Garden Party 25 Aug 2023 £475.00
....................... Ardrossan Outdoor Bowling Club Ayrshire Hospice Triples Aug 2023 £1,500.00 ....................... Ayrshire Bowling Association Charity of the Year Aug 2023 £3,600.00 ....................... Dalry Curlers, Bowlers, Farmers and Friends Annual Golf Day
Kirkmichael 16 Sep 2023 £500.00 ....................... Ian McNeillie Sportsman’s Dinner
Sep 2023 £1,715.00
Whiteley’s Retreat PARTNERSHIP
....................... Paul and Kevin Heron Climbing Goatfell 23 Sep 2023 £750.00
Charity Golf Day - Gourock Golf Club 23 July 2023 £3,333.33
The Ayrshire Hospice has recently formed a partnership with Whiteley’s Retreat to offer respite and counselling for young people who have a family member receiving end-of-life palliative care. The Counselling and Bereavement Team at the Hospice has expanded its services to include a dedicated Children’s and Young Persons Practitioner. This practitioner specialises in assisting children in coping with the loss of a relative or friend due to life-limiting illness. The collaboration with Whiteley’s provides the Hospice access to a safe and secure space in a peaceful setting to work with children and their families. Pictured: Maxine Allan with Cheryl Gallagher, Ayrshire Hospice’s Children and Young Person’s Practitioner
Aug 2023 £800.00
If you’d like to fundraise for the Ayrshire Hospice and receive your free fundraising pack and purple t-shirt , we’d love to hear from you! Call us on 01292 288 488 or email community@ayrshirehospice.org If you don’t see your community fundraiser listed here, you will be featured in a future issue of The Article.
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Hospice Heroes do it again for Kiltwalk 2023! By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraising Officer
It’s been another incredible year for the Ayrshire Hospice with tartan-clad walkers raising a phenomenal amount at Kiltwalk events across Scotland. Taking place in four cities hosting Kiltwalk 2023, there were Hospice Heroes representing the Ayrshire Hospice at each one! 155 Hospice Heroes took on the Mighty Stride, Big Stroll and Wee Wander in April at Glasgow’s Kiltwalk, walking from Glasgow Green to Balloch. In June, Alice McAllister was the solo representative taking on the Mighty Stride in Aberdeen, walking 18 miles from Duthie Park to Banchory. In August, for the Dundee Kiltwalk, four Hospice Heroes walked 20 miles from the iconic St Andrews Golf Course to finish at Slessor Gardens in Dundee. And lastly, with the biggest team yet for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk, 40 Hospice Heroes made their way through the streets of Edinburgh in September, along Portobello Beach before finishing at Murrayfield stadium. Everyone looked fantastic donning their tartan and wearing their purple t-shirts with pride. The Kiltwalk saw over 28,000 walkers across all four events, all supporting the cause of their choice. If you’re interested in joining the Hospice Heroes team for 2024, please get in touch at community@ayrshirehospice. org for more details.
Marathon Walk takes total to over £20,000 in aid of Estelle By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraising Officer
A group of colleagues from Savills estate agents took to the streets of London, clad in a sea of purple for the second time, to raise money for the Ayrshire Hospice in memory of their colleague and friend, Estelle Forrester. Walking 26.2 miles across the City of London, walking past iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge in
the glorious August sun, the team of over 40 walkers crossed the finish line with smiles and the odd blister or two! The Savills team shared why they took on this incredible challenge for the second time: “Sadly, in October 2017, Estelle was diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer which then became terminal. She underwent several treatments and took part in clinical trials with an enormously positive attitude and outlook. Alongside her
treatment, she managed to raise over £20,000 for cancer research. The charity we will be raising money for is the Ayrshire Hospice who took such wonderful care of Estelle and her family during such a difficult time.”
The team raised an amazing £3,886.00 from this year’s
walk, which takes their fundraising efforts to an incredible £21,738.82.
Meeting with the community By Ron Swanson, Fundraising Manager
Over the past two months, the Ayrshire Hospice has enjoyed delivering talks and presentations throughout the community about hospice services, fundraising and the current redevelopment of our home at Racecourse Road, Ayr.
Visits to The Rotary Club of Ayr, Inner Wheel Club of Kilmarnock, Kingcase Church Guild, New Laigh Church Guild, and Fenwick WI across Ayrshire have all been warmly received, and attendees have been engaged to learn more about the Hospice and its operations in 2023. If you are part of a group that would like to hear more about the Hospice, please get in touch
with the team. Whether you’re a member of a Church Guild, Rotary Club, Women’s Institute, or another community group, the Hospice would be delighted to visit you and share its story. If you would be interested in arranging a visit from one of the Hospice team, please call Ron on 01292 288488 or email donate@ayrshirehospice.org
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A sprinkle of festive spirit for a patient’s Christmas
£90 would contribute to a special Christmas Day meal of a patient's and their family's choice. £18.80 could pay for woolly hats, scarves, and blankets to keep patients warm if they choose to enjoy the Hospice gardens in winter. £50 could gift patients with luxury pamper products for their complimentary therapy treatments over the festive period. £150 could ensure that patients staying in our In-Patient Unit receive Christmas stockings filled with their favourite goodies.
My own choice of £
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Gift Aid your donation! It will boost your donation by 25p for every £1 you donate. Gift Aid is reclaimed by Ayrshire Hospice from the tax you pay for the current tax year. Your address is needed to allow us to identify you as a current UK taxpayer. In order to Gift Aid your donation, you must tick the box below: I want to Gift Aid any donations I make in the future or have made in the past 4 years to Ayrshire Hospice. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year, it is my responsibility to pay any difference. Please notify us if you want to cancel this declaration, change your name or home address or no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains. If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self-Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue & Customs to adjust your tax code.
Please return this donation form to our Fundraising Office at 29 Miller Road, Ayr, KA7 2AX. Thank you for your support!
Registered Scottish Charity No: SC011390
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