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.
September 2023 EDITION 34
Super turnout for Ayrshire Hospice Memory Walk
Over 300 fantastic Shining Stars put their best foot forward on the streets of Ayr and Alloway on Saturday 19th August for the Ayrshire Hospice’s Shining Star Memory Walk, raising over £30,000 - with lots more donations to be received. Participants took to the streets over 13, 9 or 4.5 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 keeping their spirits high. Local musical duo Ebb & Flow kicked off the evening with some fantastic entertainment before Kirsty Anderson took to the stage to warm up the walkers before they hit the road at 8pm. Walkers were 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.
Ron Swanson, Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising Manager, said: “It was a fantastic evening at the Shining Star Memory Walk and amazing to see so many supporters walk in memory of a loved one and the Ayrshire Hospice. “We would like to thank our supporters and sponsors, and in particular our Principal Sponsor Lookers Audi Ayr – thank you to Robin Henderson and all the team. It was a memorable evening and a successful event for the Hospice, which would not be possible without our amazing community. Thank you!”
ayrshirehospice.org
September 2023 | EDITION 34
1
your donation with Gift Aid
By Tracy Flynn, Chief Executive Officer
By Lucy Glendinning, Senior Fundraiser
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the latest edition of The Article. The unwavering support and dedication of our community has been the cornerstone of the Ayrshire Hospice’s success, and we are thrilled to share our journey with you.
Did you know that Gift Aid is a
government initiative that allows donations given to charity to be tax-effective ? So, if you are a taxpayer then the Ayrshire Hospice can claim back an extra 25% on your donation from the government and it doesn’t cost you a penny!
If you tick ‘yes’ to Gift Aid online or on paper forms, every £1 you kindly donate becomes £1.25. For example, if we can claim Gift Aid on your £10 donation, we will receive £12; if we can claim Gift Aid on your £20 donation, we will receive £25, and so on. When donating, please select the Gift Aid option. It can have a substantial impact on funding
and ensures your donation goes further to help deliver our vital care and services to patients and families across Ayrshire and Arran. To find out whether you are eligible or to receive a Gift Aid declaration form, please contact the Fundraising Office at donate.inbox@ ayrshirehospice.org.
In this issue we celebrate the success of our recent fundraising events that have truly showcased the power of community coming together. In addition, I am delighted to update you on the strides we are making with our Capital Build Project. This ambitious endeavour promises to enhance our facilities, truly putting the patient and their loved ones at the centre of everything that we do. Your continued support will be instrumental in turning this vision into a reality. You’ll also read about our remarkable community fundraisers across Ayrshire and Arran, who deserve applause for their tireless efforts. They embody the spirit of compassion and determination that defines our hospice. Behind the scenes, our clinical initiatives continue to evolve, ensuring that we provide the highest quality care and support to our patients and their loved ones. Additionally, our Retail team’s updates reflect their dedication to sustainable, impactful contributions. As we navigate the future, let’s do so hand in hand, driven by the shared goal of making a difference in the lives of those we serve. Thank you for being an integral part of the Ayrshire Hospice family.
Make a Will,
make a difference
With heartfelt gratitude,
The Make a Will Fortnight will take place from 16th October until 30th October 2023 as the campaign marks its 11th year. During that time, £286,000 was raised for the Hospice and this amazing amount is only possible due to the ongoing support of the participating solicitors across Ayrshire and Arran who give their service free of charge in return for a donation to the Hospice. 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 choice to book an appointment between 16th and 30th October 2023. It couldn’t be easier - the solicitors will guide you through the process including collecting your donation to the Hospice. The full list of participating solicitors will be advertised on our website at ayrshirehospice.org nearer the time. If you would like to receive further details on the campaign, please phone our fundraising department on 01292 288488 or email donate@ayrshirehospice.org
Capital Spring Appeal Supporter Postcard Thank you to Ayrshire Hospice supporter, Mrs Davidson-Kelly, who sent in a lovely poem about her experience of hospice care. “Hospice care is a family affair And this achieved by the Hospice in Ayr.
Close attention to detail without request Pain relief, personal care, all of the best Time freely given without complaint And issues discussed with no restraint With varied menus, personal tastes understood What joy to have daily 5-star food! Now my wish for your new Hospice site May its future continue with extra might.”
Mrs Davidson-Kelly’s message is one of many that were received as part of the recent Spring Appeal and will be used to create a donor book which will be available to view when work to transform the Hospice is complete.
September 2023 | EDITION 34
2
3
Three North Ayrshire schools came together in memory of teacher Cassie McPhail in May this year, completing their own mini marathon in her memory to raise over £3000. Gillian Todd, a teacher at Annanhill Primary School and best friend to Cassie, organised mini marathons at Annanhill, Gargieston and Onthank Primary Schools for pupils to take part in. Cassie had close links to all three schools during her time as a parent and teacher at East Ayrshire Council and the Ayrshire Hospice was a charity close to Cassie’s heart. As the pupils pounded the streets, their peers and teachers cheered them on, each class running a mile to complete a marathon and raise a fantastic £3,116.03 Marathon for Cassie By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraiser
By Kathryn Howell, Senior Fundraiser
Capital Build Project Update...
Scan the QR code
By Julia Connelly, Capital Build Project Manager
to view a brief time-lapse film (covering from January to the end of July) which really shows the structure of our new In-Patient Unit taking shape. ...... At the 13 second marker, you can see the blockwork in place. ...... At 16 seconds the gas proof membrane is down. ...... By the end of the movie the closest half of the IPU has its final concrete screed layer and the drainage pipes are quite clearly seen.
Work continues apace on the Capital Build Project, the redevelopment of the Hospice’s traditional home at Racecourse Road, Ayr. The foundations are in place and the concrete pour is now complete for the In-Patient Unit part of the build. Commencement of the steel frame structure is due to begin in the coming weeks alongside continuing groundworks and the necessary refurbishment of our two 19th century mansion houses. Capital Spring Appeal Update...
Hospice welcomed to The Carrick Centre
The Ayrshire Hospice recently started its Living Well Hub at the Carrick Centre in Maybole in August. A service to help people living with a life-limiting illness, it is an eight- week rolling programme that has been designed with the patient in mind and sets out to help you live well at home. The Hospice currently hosts hubs in Cumnock and Kilmarnock each week and is delighted to be offering its free community-based service in Maybole every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm. The informal sessions start with a facilitated chat led by a member of the Ayrshire Hospice before chatting with other patients and
By Lucy Glendinning, Senior Fundraiser
staff with a cuppa. It can be quite isolating living with a life-limiting illness and the success of the Living Well Hub is because it is a place to meet people in a similar position in a friendly environment. The eight-week programme includes subjects such as Talking Well, Coping Well and Planning Well.
You can find out more about the Ayrshire Hospice Living Well Hubs by visiting the Our Care section of www. ayrshirehospice.org including the self-referral option to attend one of the Hubs.
The Hospice is delighted and incredibly grateful to have raised an amazing £55,484.21 towards our Capital Build Project through our recent Spring Appeal. Thanks to your generous support, we are closer to bridging the fundraising gap of just over £3 million, which is needed to complete the build and open our doors next year.. Constructing a new facility that will match the quality of our care would not be possible without the immense kindness and community spirit of our supporters.
September 2023 | EDITION 34
4
5
New patient service introduced
Welcome Trish
By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraising Officer
to the Team
By Heather Hardie, Lead Practitioner Community and Living Well
By Miriam Godfrey, Charge Nurse
Fire and Water Challenge
The Ayrshire Hospice has introduced a new group clinic to improve a patient’s experience of Fatigue, Anxiety, Breathlessness and Sleep .
The Ayrshire Hospice is delighted to welcome Trish Binns, as the organisation’s new physiotherapist, to the team. Trish has an extensive CV having worked with the military, in prisons, hospitals, the community and in private practice. Bringing with her a wealth of knowledge and experience, Trish embodies the values of kindness, compassion, honesty and inclusivity and will be fundamental in fulfilling the goals of the Living Well service as part of the new strategy. Trish joins an experienced and enthusiastic team of rehabilitation professionals, nurses and complementary
The first-ever Ayrshire Hospice Fire and Water Challenge saw over 50 hardy souls take on the elements to raise £7,687.68 The weather wasn’t great for the Summer Solstice on Wednesday 21st June but that didn’t matter for our participants who took on the challenge of the coals for the Firewalk and then headed for the sea to brave the waves for the Water Challenge.
Supporter and walker Catriona McBlane lit the fire that supporters would walk over with
the sound of The Prodigy’s ‘Firestarter’ in the background! After walking over the hot coals, everyone
Security, Ardrossan Community Sports Hub, Wild Sea Women, Sum Wummin Drummin, AMD Studios, Sainsbury’s Saltcoats, Tesco Kilwinning, North Ayrshire Council and all the volunteers who helped make the night a huge success.
FABS clinic is part of the Living Well service and the group runs on a four- week cycle, with the aim that those attending will feel more confident in self-management techniques and be able to participate in fulfilling activities that matter to them whilst living with a life-limiting illness. The group meets on a Tuesday afternoon at the Kyle Clinic in Ailsa Hospital, Ayr. The sessions last for two hours and are open to anyone living in Ayrshire with a life-limiting illness. Each weekly session is led by a different professional, including a complementary therapist, a nurse, an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist. Sessions are very much relaxed and can support up to eight people, and the timetable can be flexible according to the needs to those in the group. Feedback from people attending the first group has been overwhelmingly positive, with people reporting they’ve learned new skills and knowledge. Their invaluable feedback has allowed us to improve and tailor the clinic program for future groups.
headed to the chilly waters at the harbour to take on the cold waves. The Ayrshire Hospice would like to thank UK Firewalk, Invincible
therapists who aim to support, enable and empower people affected by life-limiting illness to live well. Trish will be focussing her efforts within the In-patient Unit and has already had a positive
Celebration Tree
Keep an eye open for details on the next Celebration Tree Live later in the year.
By Lucy Glendinning, Senior Fundraiser
Thank you to everyone who joined us the latest live stream of the Celebration Tree back in May. The Celebration Tree is currently rooted in The Portal, Irvine, and supporters are warmly invited to visit the Tree and their leaves any time during The Portal’s opening hours (7am-9pm Mon-Fri, and 8am-4pm Sat-Sun). If you’d like to add your own special someone’s name to the Tree and support the Hospice, its patients and their families, contact the Fundraising Office on 01292 288488 or go to ayrshirehospice.org Alternatively, you can scan our QR code to find out more.
impact on the patients, family and staff.
The next session will take place on Tuesday 12th September, with two other four-week sessions beginning on Tuesday 17th October and Tuesday 21st November. If you think that the service could support you, please contact our Living Well Team by completing our self-referral form on ayrshirehospice.org or by following the QR code.
September 2023 | EDITION 34
6
7
From Marathons to Obstacle Courses there's a challenge for everyone!
Ayrshire Hospice Memory Walk 19th August 2023
Sign up to take part in one of these exciting events & make next year your best year yet! For more information contact our Fundraising Team Email:community@ayrshirehospice.org Tel: 01292 288488
Hospice Heroes Run Edinburgh Marathon
The biggest team of Hospice Heroes yet took on this year’s Edinburgh Marathon Festival in May to raise over £16,000 for the Ayrshire Hospice. The half ‘marathoners’ of Andrew Bargh, Anna Kozikowska, Chloe Jamieson, Eilidh Hunt, Eilidh Reid, Jennifer Burton, Lewis Cosway, Mhairi Miller and Sophie Russell began their day at 8am and all crossed the line with amazing times. The ‘marathoners’ of Amy Bargh, Blair McCrone, Caitlin McMail, Claire Scobie, David Stevenson, Drew Tannock, Emma Blair, Graeme Gordon, Joe Bova, Karen Bogle, Lewis Fisher, Max
Cusack, Mitchell Lamont, Nathan Bayne, Neil McGregor, Peter Thompson, Rebecca Colquhoun, Ross Colquhoun, Ujjwal Karki and William Rafferty 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 £16,340.28 for the Hospice in memory of loved ones. The team for 2024 is taking shape already so if you’ve got this iconic marathon on your list, please get in touch by emailing community@ ayrshirehospice.org and join Team Hospice Heroes.
September 2023 | EDITION 34
8
9
Summer Ball raises over £80,000
The Hospice Heroes take on the
The Ayrshire Hospice Heroes were back and bigger than ever before, taking on the Glasgow Kiltwalk 2023 in April. Over 150 amazing supporters took part and raised a phenomenal £43,879.20! A mix of Kiltwalk veterans and newbies from across Scotland Glasgow Kiltwalk!
The Ayrshire Hospice’s annual Summer Ball at Trump Turnberry Hotel raised an astonishing £83,077 on Saturday 17th June.
The glamorous event saw guests dressed to the nines for a remarkable evening filled with dancing, fantastic cuisine and refreshments, and captivating entertainment, at this vital fundraising initiative. Charity Auctioneer, Alex Fleming, was the superb host who kept guests entertained throughout the evening and helped raise an incredible amount in the main auction. Guests heard from Ayrshire Hospice CEO, Tracy Flynn, and one of the inspirational families cared for by the Hospice about the positive impact that the organisation’s care and services have for those across the region affected by life- limiting illness; including cancer, neurological conditions, end-stage heart failure, and lung disease. Entertainment on the evening included the Maybole Pipe Band, saxophonist Chris Hardie and fantastic dance performances from the Rennie Dance Academy, while local artist Elaine Johnston painted a masterpiece live during the auction. Finally, guests danced the night away to wonderful live music by Waterfront – the band.
The Ayrshire Hospice is extremely grateful to event sponsors Stonefield Estate Agents, Lookers Ayr Audi, HAUS of Dentistry, Everything Media Group, AMD Studios, and 1st Legal, along with event supporters William Grant & Sons, Cameron Confections, Kirsties Flowers, and Small Town Audio. The Ayrshire Hospice also extends its thanks to all who gave their generous support towards the event including those who kindly donated prizes to the auction and raffle and the Hospice volunteers for supporting on the night.
tackled the 22.7 miles of The Mighty Stride or 14.5 miles of The Big Stroll and, despite the gloomy weather, the Hospice Heroes’ spirits remained high and they crossed the finish line at Balloch to receive their well-deserved medals. The Kiltwalk is an amazing event that sees supporters and charities come together to raise much- needed funds for amazing causes. The Hospice is incredibly thankful to all individual walkers and teams
such as Walkie Talkies, Walking on Sunshine and Team Motiv8 for taking part and raising such an amazing amount. If you’re thinking of taking part and don’t want to wait until next year, you can sign up for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on Sunday 17th September. Contact the fundraising team for more information: community@ ayrshirehospice.org
Project ECHO
By Alana Struthers, Head of Clinical Governance and Practice Development
The Ayrshire Hospice is thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting initiative, the Project ECHO programme for Care Homes in Ayrshire, in partnership with Highland Hospice, the Scottish Centre for Project ECHO, and the Scottish Government. This innovative programme aims to enhance care practices, address challenges, and promote effective
communication among care home teams, healthcare professionals, and specialists. The inaugural programme covers a range of vital topics, including navigating complexity, dignified end-of-life care, comprehensive care for frailty and delirium, and empowering choices through anticipatory and future care planning. With further ECHO sessions scheduled over the coming months, it’s an exciting time as this
partnership looks to work closely together with care homes to identify and address their specific challenges to make a positive impact on the quality of care for residents. Registration details will be shared on the Ayrshire Hospice’s social media platforms and if you have any questions or would like further information about the initiative, please contact education@ ayrshirehospice.org
September 2023 | EDITION 34
10
11
Supporting students at the Ayrshire Hospice The Ayrshire Hospice has a long-standing Student Learning Agreement with the University West of Scotland to support nursing students on their clinical placements where they spend time in the In-Patient Unit and in the community with the Specialist Palliative Care Nurses, Respite and Response Team and the Living Well service.
Demi Ferrans Prior to starting my placement at the Hospice, I was nervous as it was a completely different practice placement compared to the others I had undertaken, but from the minute I walked in the door at the Ayrshire Hospice, everyone was so welcoming. I have learned so much more than I imagined over a 12-week period, learnings that I will carry with me throughout my nursing career. There was so much relating to palliative care that I was not aware of. I had the opportunity to work closely with all members of the Multi-Disciplinary Team who have
approachable when I needed support. The Hospice team made my placement memorable and empowered me with confidence as I go into my first staff nurse post. The Ayrshire Hospice has shown me what compassionate care truly is and is a placement experience that I will not forget. Jack Hastings My time spent on placement within the Ayrshire Hospice was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The quality of care given to the patients in the In-Patient Unit is nothing short of inspiring. The environment gave off a sense of warmth and the staff were always willing to go the extra mile for their patients. This is something I hope to carry on in my own professional career. Each day filled me with a sense of accomplishment and to me, it felt like nursing in its purest form.
The satisfaction gained from comforting not only patients, but their families too, is something that will live with me for the rest of my life. As a third-year student starting their management placement in the hospice, I was filled with nerves and anxiety, though through time these nerves disappeared and through the incredible mentoring I received, I gained confidence. When I finished my placement, I felt ready to progress into a staff nurse role. I will be forever grateful for the support given to me by every member of staff. Not for one single moment did I feel like the staff were co-workers or peers. To me, they were a family. I felt part of this family. They shared my joys and stress. I never felt prouder than I did coming into the ward to tell everyone I had just accepted my first post. Those twelve weeks on placement were some of the greatest times I have had as a student nurse. One day I hope to return to the Ayrshire Hospice as
all contributed to my positive learning experience. Person-
centred care is truly shown at the Ayrshire Hospice - it is so important to put patients first, and tailor their quality of life specifically to them with the appropriate interventions. Every day on placement I felt like I had made a difference to a patient,
Kirsty Watt
The Hospice team works hard to ensure that students have the best possible learning
There have been a multitude of learning experiences, including palliative care medicine, calculations, and regularly monitoring patients who become more unwell. I was also able to have a few weeks in the community with the Specialist Palliative Care Team and time with the Hospital Palliative Care Team which were both great learning opportunities, and I felt that I had learned a lot from both teams. Being able to help patients and families at the end of life is very fulfilling, and at times emotional, and being able to help a patient become settled and peaceful is extremely rewarding, something I was not expecting before I started. The Ayrshire Hospice is a fantastic placement for students, especially for the final year, as I think palliative and end-of-life care/medicine is an essential skill that everyone should learn as everyone deserves to be peaceful and pain-free at the end of their lives.
When my final placement was announced as the Ayrshire Hospice, I was apprehensive and quite nervous as I hadn’t had much experience with end-of- life care during my previous placements and I didn’t have much knowledge of palliative care medicine. My initial thoughts were that hospices were sad places, and I really didn’t think there would be many learning experiences involved, especially as a management placement . However, this quickly changed once I started as I found the Hospice to be a very happy, welcoming and wholesome place. Yes, of course, it can be difficult and emotionally draining at times, that’s to be expected, but the staff go out of their way to ensure all patients’ final wishes are met, that families are looked after and comforted and that patients have the best possible experience during their time in the Hospice.
opportunities to give them a well-rounded experience of hospice care. Three of the most recent third-year students have shared their experiences of learning on the job in the Hospice and were happy to share their stories with The Article.
whether that be controlling their symptoms effectively or caring for them with compassion in their final
a staff nurse, to rejoin the family and inspire others the same way I was.
days. I can’t thank my mentor David enough for the support and
confidence he has given me
in my final placement, he allowed me to find
my own ways of working and was always
September 2023 | EDITION 34
12
13
“I once opened a donation and found four sets of false teeth”
RETAIL DETAIL
A behind-the scenes look at the e-commerce team
By Mark Money, Driver and Warehouse Assistant
In 2021, the Ayrshire Hospice relaunched its eBay presence during the Covid-19 pandemic to allow for donated items to be sold whilst shops were closed in line with restrictions at that time. Since then, it has become a core part of the Retail team, selling some of the most unique donations given to the organisation by supporters. Stephen from the e-commerce team gives you an insight into just what goes on when donations are handed in to the Hospice shops. “My name is Stephen, and I am the e-commerce assistant manager. As part of the retail team, I’m responsible for selecting items to sell in our eBay shop. Unlike the shops, the items we sell can reach far and wide. The stock we sell is
from our donations and it is the challenge for the retail team and I to find those unusual, valuable and unique items. Discovering a piece of jewellery, or a rare ornament is exciting but that’s just the beginning of the journey. Once I find something that feels special or unusual, I begin to research and discover some background information or its history. Using that information, I then create the item with a full description to list it on eBay and hopefully catch a customer’s eye. Then it’s photographs, which are taken to show the piece at all angles, especially serial numbers, signatures, or any marks it may have for transparency. Sometimes an item may be less than perfect, but its overall worth may outweigh the imperfections.
The world of collectables is exciting and as with anything, fashions come and go. For example, we recently sold a 1990 Sega Master System for a considerable amount even though gaming technology is much more advanced now! In addition to the online selling, I also attend antique fairs each month to sell the more delicate items that we have and it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the public as day-to-day I mostly speak with customers via emails. When asked “What do you sell in the eBay store?” I really have to say everything and anything - I’ve sold everything from tiny stud diamond earrings to a very large Kayak, thankfully
I have worked for the Ayrshire Hospice for five years now as a Driver and Warehouse Assistant. As part of my role, I arrange deliveries and collections of furniture and work in our Crown Street warehouse where I process donations handed in by local supporters. The best part of my job is meeting people. Sometimes they just want to talk to someone, maybe they have just lost a loved one, or they have lost their dog, whatever it is I am there to lend an ear. My day can be unpredictable. For example, I once opened a bag that was donated
and found four sets of false teeth and six tubes of strident tables all filled with pound coins, that was a great find! Another donator was clearing her late father’s house and said she would drop off donations every second day. On one occasion she handed in books, and when I was processing them, I came across a Bible that contained four love letters dated 1941 from her dad to her mum which I thought was something she should keep. She returned some days later with more donations and when I handed the letters over it transpired that she had never seen or read them before, and in doing so she started crying which started me crying as well! Once I was asked to collect a chair which was stored in a gentleman’s garage.
On arrival, I got talking to him and he asked if we would like some travel trunks which were in his loft, and I agreed to have a look at them. When we arrived in his attic, he directed me to the trunks but also started to show me all his hand-crafted model boats and planes from WW2. He told me he was in the merchant navy and had made the models when he had no duties. I asked why he had joined, and he told me when he was 14 years old he came out of the picture house in Glasgow and two women were talking about a ship that was lost in battle - he approached them to ask what ship and was told it was HMS Hood - a famous warship in WW2 – and within the year he had made the decision to join up. This should have been a 2-minute pick-up, but I was with him for two hours - just don’t tell the boss!
the customer collected it, or I may still be wrapping it in brown paper to this day!”
Changing of the season across the shops Autumn Apparel 2023 launches across all the Ayrshire Hospice 10 shops The Retail team is passionate about the environmental benefits of shopping pre-loved and delivering inspiration take comfort in our warm and friendly shops across Ayrshire.
key fashion pieces at incredible prices. As the leaves turn a golden orange and the temperature drops gently like the leaves from the trees, then look no further for style
from Monday 4th September, welcoming customers who are ready to shop that little bit more sustainably.
Visit one of our shops today and discover the re-discovered.
September 2023 | EDITION 34
14
15
RETAIL DETAIL
2024 Diaries & Notebooks on sale now! Alongside our beautiful range of Christmas Cards. Available in our shops, our The Perfect Stocking Stuffers
Shop with us!
Introducing the new Ayrshire Hospice Retail
The shops are great places to spend time in and live in the hearts of towns across Ayrshire, but we know that for some supporters, they might be their only interaction with the Hospice. By sharing updates from across the charity, we want to make sure they know their purchases help us continue providing exceptional care and services to patients and their loved ones with a life-limiting diagnosis across Ayrshire and Arran. Along with the shops, the Ayrshire Hospice eBay shop has also been given a bit of a makeover!
digital identity, including a brand-new Facebook page dedicated to sharing what’s going across the shops. By refreshing the look online and creating a digital community for the shops, the aim is to connect with supporters and build a hub full of key information from the ten shops, the amazing buys they have in-store and online as well as showcasing the amazing teams behind the tills.
The Ayrshire Hospice currently has 10 shops across Ayrshire, each one as individual as the next, and all rammed with pre-loved items for you to buy. While some shops have recently opened, such as Mauchline, others have been established in their community for a lot longer. The Ayrshire Hospice shop in Girvan has been a hub in the community for 25 years whilst Kilwinning has welcomed the Hospice to the town for 21 years. But what makes them tick and customers return time and time again? Let’s find out. The shop in Girvan, known by some as the Harrods of Girvan, has become a location shop for locals and tourists alike. Girvan is currently undergoing a mini refit with a few small changes coming together to make a big difference to the look and feel of the building, giving a brand-new experience for shoppers. These shops thrive with the support from the local people who continue to donate and shop with the Ayrshire Hospice, and that support has been vital in Girvan and Kilwinning. Sitting in the shadow of the historic Abbey, the shop in Kilwinning prides itself on giving everyone a warm, friendly welcome and a personal shopping service. Donors and customers are local people, and everyone knows one another. Amid a cost-of-living crisis, this is where charity retailers rise to the challenge with consistent, fair pricing, and excellent customer service where people feel truly valued and creates customer confidence. The shop is now coming of age, entering its 21st year, and we are delighted to be at the heart of this wonderful community, breathing good, positive energy into Kilwinning’s town centre, and raising vital funds for the Hospice. If you haven’t yet visited our Ayrshire Hospice shops, please come in and visit us…you won’t be disappointed. Get to know the Hospice shops
It’s constantly being updated with great buys on pre-loved clothes, tech and home accessories, just like the high street shops. Let the bidding wars begin!
Search @AHShops on Facebook or visit the eBay shop at ebay.co.uk/str/ ayrshirehospice
Fundraising Office at 29 Miller Road, Ayr or scan the
QR code to shop online.
2024 Calendars Coming Soon!
WINTER FAIR 2023 Saturday 2nd December
September 2023 | EDITION 34
16
17
Forget-Me-Nots GROWING STRONG
This year’s Father’s Day trail raised an amazing £1,206.13 for the Hospice, meaning our Forget-Me-Not Appeal has raised an incredible £2,908.37 so far this year. The appeal has been supported fantastically by William Duncan and South Ayrshire Council, who have displayed our flowers and helped enhance our visibility in Ayr town centre. Our thanks go out to them and to all who have so kindly donated. The Maintenance Team from the Hospice has been busy planting some Forget-Me-Nots in the gardens at our In-Patient Unit, which you can see pictured. The flowers are a pretty and positive way to remember someone special and will help raise vital funds to support Ayrshire Hospice services. Due to the success of the appeal, there are only a limited number of Forget-Me-Nots remaining, making them even more special.
By Lucy Glendinning, Senior Fundraiser
ayrshirehospice.org 01292 288 488 Wear Purple, Eat Purple, Be Purple! Sign up online for your FREE fundraising pack Let's turn Ayrshire PURPLE
If you’d like to donate towards the appeal in memory, receive your own Forget-Me-Not and help make today matter, go to ayrshirehospice. org . Alternatively, scan the QR code or contact the Fundraising Team on 01292 288488.
Ayrshire Hospice Board welcomes seven new Members
Hospice supporter offers unique memento for families
For families who have lost a loved one, having a special memento is a treasured memory that will last a lifetime, and one Hospice supporter has offered a unique way to remember a family member or friend. William Calder has been producing memory bears and cushions made from clothing since 2020, after losing his Gran at the beginning of Lockdown that year. His Grandad, who died at the start of the millennium, was a patient of the Hospice and William
remembers the impact the staff had on his family, which is why he wants to try and help other families who have family members or friends in the hospice. William’s demonstrator bear, Demi B as it is now lovingly known, has been on display in the Ayrshire Hospice In-Patient Unit in Cumnock since May, giving families the opportunity to have a taster of what a Memory Bear is. Made with a loved one’s favourite shirt or blanket, it can be transformed into a handmade treasured memory for the family.
The Ayrshire Hospice recently announced the appointment of seven new Members to its esteemed Board. Following a robust recruitment process; Gerry Seenan, Janis Heaney MBE, Karen McBride, Professor Hazel Borland, Susan Young, Cathy Bell MBE and Fraser McJannett were appointed by the Chair of the Hospice Board, Professor Tom Steele, on behalf of the organisation. Tom said: “I am delighted to welcome each of the new Members to the Ayrshire Hospice Board. Collectively, our new members bring significant capacity, but also new capability at a time of significant change for the organisation as we build our new Hospice facilities.”
You can learn more about William’s work by visiting www.facebook.com/ caldercrafts
September 2023 | EDITION 34
18
19
Swing to success
Thank you to all of our amazing Community Fundraisers
PB Dance & Fitness Pole & Burlesque show 29 April 2023 £456.50 ....................... Carol Morgan Stall at Car Boot Sale Troon Town Hall 29 April 2023 £91.00 ....................... Jennifer Nicol Ladies Day 6 May 2023 £1,300.00 ....................... Francis Fisher Classic Car Show 7 May 2023 £720.00 ....................... 34th Ayrshire 1st Mauchline Scout Group EMPIRE Murder Mystery Production 11 May 2023 £1,000.00 ....................... Dunlop Friends Group Annual Cream Tea 14 May 2023 £3,300.00 ....................... Tom Kennedy West Highland Way 14 May 2023 £850.00
Aqua Fabrications Ltd Annual Golf Day 19 May 2023 £3,000.00 .......................
The Wee Windaes Cherrypickers sports pie and pint 31 May 2023 £1,930.00 ....................... Gerry McKenna Lisbon Lion charity golf day 31 May 2023 £846.00 ....................... Stewarton Drama Club ‘Excess Baggage’ and ‘The Untimely Outing of Minty McGraw’ 1 June 2023 £1,200.00 ....................... Sandgate Dentistry Sponsored walk around Ayr 3 June 2023 £893.87 ....................... Johanna Urquhart Battle Cancer 3 June 2023 £2,200.00 ....................... Jade Garland Battle Cancer 3 June 2023 £585.00 ....................... Yvonne Sproat Bingo, Play your Cards Right, Pub Quiz, Raffle & Buffet 3 June 2023 £1,121.00
Anne Brown Symington Gala Day 3 June 2023 £330.00 ....................... Sue Wiseman Charity Fitness Class 9 June 2023 £339.00 ....................... Stuart & Gary Hornell St John of Dalry to Moffat completing 50 miles of hilly, marshy trails 10 June 2023 £2,581.00 ....................... Adrian Young Chester 70.3 Middle Distance Triathlon 11 June 2023 £697.00 .......................
Iron Girders Gym Pro Wrestling Event 24 June 2023 £1,300.00 ....................... JB School of Dance Holding a showcase with raffle 8 July 2023 £366.97 ....................... Stewart McKay Memorial Golf Day
Brothers take on the West Highland Way in memory of their Dad
Elite Fitness Zumbathon 20 May 2023 £1,000.00
....................... Irvine Friends of the Hospice Live music event 21 May 2023 £500.00 ....................... Hugh Carter A fundraising concert 20 May 2023 £300.00 ....................... Marc McClelland Girvan Golf Day 27 May 2023 £316.45 .......................
9 July 2023 £2,428.00
....................... Rotary Club of Irvine Seagate Donation 9 July 2023 £250.00 ....................... Rotary Club of Cumnock Charity of the Year 16 July 2023 £1,050.00 ....................... Yvonne Moodie Skydive 22 July 2023 £650.00 ....................... Jack Kennedy Three Peaks Challenge 22 July 2023 £1,449.00 ....................... Associated British Ports Donation 23 July 2023 £1,000.00 ....................... Fiona Baird Scotland’s Gardens Scheme Opening 29 July 2023 £552.00
1st
By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraising Officer
Brothers Ross and Marc Fisher completed the gruelling 96mile walk in April in memory of their dad, Wullie. Their dad had always wanted to all the West Highland Way so the brothers couldn’t think of a better way to honour their Dad. Ross and Marc also wanted to say thank you to the Hospice for the care their Dad received at home, and the support the whole family received from Hospice staff. The weather was on their side however, the blisters were not! After five long days and some very sore feet, the boys made their way into Fort William with friends and family there to greet them. Raising an incredible £8,030, the brothers were overwhelmed by the support they received on this challenge from friends, family and colleagues.
Mike Cordiner Running West
The annual Ayrshire Hospice Golf Day raised a fantastic £19,280 as almost 150 golfers took on the challenging West Kilbride Golf Club course in August in fantastic weather on the North Ayrshire coastline.
Lodge St Maurs Kilmaurs 1398
Highland Way Ultra Marathon (96 miles) 17 June 2023 £1,400.00 ....................... Barclays Glasgow Campus Sponsored Walk of Scottish Munro 23 June 2023 £916.66 ....................... Carrick Round Table
Coffee Morning with raffle and baking sales 27 May 2023 £1,200.00 ....................... Lauriston Bar, Ardrossan Climbing Ben Lomond 28 May 2023 £1,060.00
Congratulations to team Stuart Howie who were the winners on the day with a score of 50.25 followed by ABRDN Team One in second place with a score of 51.8 and in third place with a score of 52.8 was No Gimmies. We are delighted to announce the fabulous amount raised on the day was £19,280. Thank you again to all the teams for taking part and also to the sponsors; Lookers Audi Ayr, Digby Brown, Chalmers Property, JS Geddes Kitchens, Ronnie Johnston Plumbing and West Kilbride Golf Club for their continued support. To enquire about a place in next year’s competition, visit the events section of www.ayrshirehospice.org today
(Andrew Brown) Garden Railway 24 June 2023 £1,690.00
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.
September 2023 | EDITION 34
20
21
Ride to the Sun
By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraising Officer
The Ayrshire Hospice Clinical team met with a fundraiser this summer who handed over a cheque for £1,490 after they completed their Ride to the Sun challenge. In December 2022, Allan’s mother- in-law, Joan, was admitted to the In-Patient Unit and he subsequently learned that the Hospice relied on public donations to support the services they were receiving.
This was all the motivation he needed to sign up for the 100-mile cycle, Ride to the Sun. Having only started road cycling in September 2022, this was a massive challenge for Allan but after the care and support the whole family received, he was more determined than ever to cross that finish line. Allan told us that setting off at Bitts Park Carlisle, and then heading the 100 miles to make it to Crammond, Edinburgh for the sunset, was just
such an amazing experience. In July, Allan visited the IPU to spend some time with the nursing staff to talk about the work they do every day and to say thank you for the wonderful care his family received. Having fully caught the cycling bug, Allan is already making plans for his next fundraising challenge to support the Hospice – good luck, Allan!
From Hampden to Irvine Meadow with the Tartan Army
The Tartan Army friends of the late Mark Torrance honoured their friend by walking from Hampden to Irvine Meadow on Saturday 6th May. Walking over 23 miles, 17 of Mark’s friends took on the challenge and raised over £10,000 Ian, along with Mark’s wife Alison, organised the route with pitstops Craig’s Merry Band complete the River Ayr Walk A massive congratulations and thank you to Craig Burns and his 38 walking buddies who walked the 44-mile River Ayr Walk for the Ayrshire Hospice. Although they didn’t all manage to finish, they banded together to raise a whopping £15,907 in aid of the Hospice.
and support from Irvine Meadow Football Club. Alison and her two daughters, Annie and Eilidh, accompanied by their friends, walked the final miles with the Tartan Army as they approached Meadow Park ahead of the match against Auchinleck Talbot. It was a fantastic day in Mark’s memory with friends and family sharing their favourite memories of him along with his love for both Irvine Meadow and the Scotland
team, and his travels across the world with the Tartan Army. They raised a phenomenal £10,085! It was a great way to honour their friend and loved one. They have been planning this since Mark’s passing and were delighted to finally accomplish this amazing achievement. Thank you Ian, Alison, Irvine Meadow FC and everyone involved for their efforts.
Improving patient goals in the community
The Ayrshire Hospice has been working to improve its recording of patients’ goals in the community through a partnership between the Respite and Response service and the Clinical Governance and Practice Development team. In April 2023, after noticing not all patients had up-to-date, personalised goals recorded, Maria Wan of the Respite and Response team had an idea about a quality improvement project and worked with the Clinical Governance Practice Development team to develop an aim of better-recording patient goals from their caseload.
At the outset, Maria delivered a presentation to her team
The results show a great improvement, with compliance going from 60% at the outset, to 100% of patients having goals documented in the final week, exceeding the aim of 95%. Moving forward, these results have been shared with the Care and Quality Governance Group, and consideration is being given as to how the learning from this work can be shared across other settings in the Hospice. Monthly audits of the Respite and Respite caseload will continue to ensure these high standards are maintained.
highlighting the importance of goal setting and recording at each visit. A baseline audit was then completed, which found that 40% of the Respite and Response caseload did not have up-to-date or person- centred goals documented. Since then, a random selection of case notes has been audited fortnightly, with results plotted on a run chart to track progress and look for any trends in the data. When audits showed a dip in compliance, Maria did some work with the team to ensure a consistent approach was being taken.
They faced various challenges throughout the walk from soaring temperatures to some nasty blisters - rumour has it they are still recovering! Everyone who took part in the walk put their heart and soul into this challenge and the Ayrshire
Hospice is extremely grateful for their support.
They completely smashed it and what a phenomenal amount raised, everyone who took part should be so proud of themselves. Thank you from everyone at the Hospice and well done!
September 2023 | EDITION 34
22
23
It's what's inside that counts Help us create a home from home for patients and their families during some of the most vulnerable stages of their lives £100 could cover the cost of suitable accommodation across Ayrshire and Arran to deliver face to face counselling and bereavement sessions. £10 could fund a movie night for a mum or dad within our In-Patient Unit with their children - juice, popcorn and treats. £20 could fund the purchase of slippers for individuals at risk of falls due to poor footwear.
£250 could fund the purchase of a Smart TV for a patient’s bedroom within our In-Patient Unit.
My own choice of £
Your details
Name: Address: Postcode:
Contact no:
I enclose a cheque made payable to Ayrshire Hospice or please debit my:
Maestro only
Card number
Valid from Expiry date Security code
Visa Mastercard
Issue no (Maestro only)
(last 3 digits on the back of your card)
Maestro Delta
Signed by:
Date:
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
24
The Article is printed on recycled paper, produced from sustainable foresting.
Page 1 Page 2-3 Page 4-5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16-17 Page 18-19 Page 20-21 Page 22-23 Page 24Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online