Issue 29 October 2020
www.ayrshirehospice.org
Keeping our community informed
Adapting through Covid-19 to maintain our person-centred care
Issue 29 Highlights
By Susan Campbell, In-patient Unit and Day Services Manager In early 2020, along with rest of Scotland, we did not anticipate that our in patient unit and day services would look and feel so different by autumn 2020. The impact of Covid-19 has meant we all have had to find new ways of delivering our services to patients and their families throughout Ayrshire and Arran during this global pandemic.
from home. In addition, we had to get used to wearing gloves, aprons, masks and visors when caring for patients. This is quite different to how we would have cared for patients previously as gloves and aprons introduce a barrier to communication, however keeping patients safe is our upmost priority. Our team were fitted with FFP3 masks which enable us to care for patients should they display symptoms or be diagnosed with Covid-19. We made the difficult, but important, decision to limit visiting to our in-patient unit. Before Covid-19 we enjoyed open visiting, however we had to limit our visiting to two named visitors during two, one hour slots per day. To support communication, the team became very skilled at helping patients use technology to keep in touch with family and friends. We have “Facetimed” and “Zoomed” all over the world! Latterly, we introduced
Businesses step up See page 4
Almost immediately we reduced the number of
maintained social distancing. All of the staff who work within the in-patient unit were asked to wear “scrubs” to reduce the possibility of staff bringing in infections
patients we could care for in our in patient unit. This was to ensure we reduced the risk of spreading infection and
Fundraising doesn't stop See page 6
Summer appeal success See page 13
(continued on page 2)
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Adapting through Covid-19 to maintain our person-centred care.
window visiting where extended family can visit at the window, however this was done one patient at a time in order to ensure there weren’t too many households mixing in our gardens. We’re able to relax visiting slightly when patients are approaching the end of their life. At this stage the two named visitors can choose to stay with us in the hospice and we’re able to offer one off visits for other loved ones to say goodbye. This has been difficult for patients,
families and staff but we know we need to do our best to keep everyone safe. We are passionate about delivering person-centred care and have tried where possible to tailor the care to each individual need. This has included visits from pets, trips to the beach for ice- cream, pandemic birthday celebrations, mother and daughter pamper sessions and anniversary high teas. We continue to support our day services patients despite
making the difficult decision to pause attendance to the building. The nursing team along with pastoral care support have been offering telephone support, advice and symptom management regularly. For some of our patients this has been the only regular contact they have received over the last six months. Our team have liaised with both community and hospital teams in order to ensure the patients and their families feel supported and receive the best care we
can offer whilst they are not physically in the building. We have also offered this service via a virtual face to face appointment. As we move forward into last part of 2020 I am confident the team will continue to adapt with every new piece of advice from the government on how to keep us all safe whilst delivering specialist palliative care of the highest standard
to patients and families of Ayrshire and Arran.
Stairhill Architecture tackle Three Peaks as part of year of fundraising.
Stairhill Architecture have been pulling out all the stops to support the hospice plus two of their other chosen charities, Cancer Research UK and MS Society Scotland. Their goal is to raise
Alistair Mair of Stairhill Architecture said “I felt it was important to mark our 30th year in business and wanted to help support charities that have a special meaning with our team.” To talk about becoming a corporate partner of the hospice please contact Ron on 01292 288488 or email fundraising@ ayrshirehospice.org .
£30,000 to be divided equally to each charity and they haven’t let the social distancing and lockdown restrictions stop them from fundraising in a fun and safe way. From sponsored head shaves to doing the Three Peaks Challenge, they’re on track to make a significant impact for our three fantastic causes.
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We welcome our new Chief Executive By John Corrigan, Chair of Ayrshire Hospice Board
In 2004 a move to Australia and new opportunities saw Carla and her family leave the UK for warmer climes. Taking on the role of Executive Director Allied Health at the Royal Children’s Hospital. Carla quickly took on expanded responsibilities including the state wide Rehabilitation Service and developing the first Family Advisory Council in Australia. After a stint with the Royal Flying Doctor Service, Carla took on the role of Project Director for the largest redevelopment of an active correctional facility in Australian history before moving to the exotic Far North and the Torres Strait. 2017 saw a move to the Middle East to be nearer to her late Mum in Ayrshire
The Hospice Board is delighted to introduce Carla MacEwan, the newly-appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ayrshire Hospice.
Carla, from Ayrshire, is a highly experienced healthcare professional with leadership experience in diverse roles in the public, private and third sectors in the UK, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Australia. Carla started her working life by helping in her Dad’s dental practice in Ayr. Moving to Glasgow University to take on a degree in Speech Pathology and Therapeutics saw her move to Inverness where she worked with people with special needs before returning to Ayrshire where she was involved
in the closure of Dunlop House and the opening of Arrol Park in 1991. In 1993 Carla had the opportunity to go to Wales to establish a new Speech and Language Therapy service for people with a learning disability, where she remained for the next 11 years, taking on new roles as Project Manager for the merger of two mental health services and General Manager across health and social care teams, alongside her substantive role managing the Speech and Language Therapy team.
and saw a return to her favourite beaches and hills around Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway. A keen kayaker and hill walker, often also found with her nose in a book, Carla firmly believes her role is to support and serve her community and is delighted to be joining such a strong and competent team at Ayrshire Hospice.
Remember someone special on our celebration tree By Kathryn Howell, Senior Fundraising Officer Thank you to all our wonderful supporters
on Racecourse Road. You can pay the amount in one sum or you can fund the leaf easily by setting up a direct debit from £8.33 per month. To find out more please visit the Ways to Give section of our website at www.ayrshirehospice.
who have kindly dedicated a leaf on our beautiful tree in memory of a loved one.
There are still leaves to be dedicated and our tree offers a personal way to pay tribute to a loved one. Our bronze leaves are £100 , our silver ones are £200 and our gold leaves are £300 and your leaf
will stay on our tree for 12 months with the option to renew if you wish or we can send you the leaf to keep. The stunning tree can be found at the entrance of the hospice
org or contact the fundraising team on 01292 288488 .
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Lockdown kindness By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager During lockdown, we were extremely grateful and touched by the kindness and thoughtfulness of the Ayrshire community who reached out to donate gifts, equipment and PPE to our key workers at the hospice during such a difficult and challenging time.
Sanitiser Express crafted a hospice branded sanitising station to keep our key workers’ hands clean and safe. Arran Aromatics (ARRAN Sense of Scotland) kindly donated lovely goodie bags to our key workers which went down a treat!
We’d like to share just a few of these wonderful acts of kindness and support…
Kate Wilson and her two daughters, Stephanie and Emma, kindly donated two iPads to the hospice in loving memory of their beloved husband and Dad, Greig who received care from the hospice.
Savers Ayr
Savers in Ayr nominated the hospice to receive items donated from their customers.
Arran Aromatics
Lesley Irving kindly managed to source PPE for our staff. Lesley’s Mum, Pauline, was cared for in the hospice and Lesley and family wanted to give something back. Lesley reached out to dentist friends G1 Dental and also comedian Johnny Vegas who has been helping out communities during the pandemic. Johnny managed to source PPE through Wright Investments.
Hayes Garden Land
Staff with donated iPads
Fiona McKinlay also kindly donated an iPad. Both Kate and Fiona were thinking of our patients who may not be able to see all of their family members due to the current social distancing restrictions and thought that the iPads would be a good way for loved ones to keep in touch.
Lynn McMorrow
Lynn McMorrow got very imaginative in her garden and crafted a cheerful creation of our very own mascot, Agent H using items that she had around her house during lockdown! Loch Lomond Group delivered fifteen cases of sanitiser to the hospice.
Tesco Extra Irvine
Hayes Garden Land and Tesco Extra Irvine donated their stock of Easter eggs to our hospice staff who were still working hard caring for our patients and families. We loved their egg-cellent gifts!
Sanitiser Express
Lesley Irving
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Staff at Marr College manufactured and donated protective masks for staff.
Fantastic family fundraising team! By Graeme Strawhorn, Assistant Fundraising Manager We are always moved by the amazing support from family and friends who have been touched by hospice care in Ayrshire. Recently, one family went the extra mile - or many miles rather - to fundraise for our cause. In January this year, John McLaughlin, devoted husband to Sharon and and will never forget. In John’s memory, Team McLaughlin, are helping us to make today matter for patients like John and their families, who find themselves in a similar situation.
nights, Spanish lessons over Zoom, sponsored walks, virtual runs and marathons, creating rainbow displays with help from grandson Jacob, producing face masks and special rainbow “ thinking of you” cards to raise money. Sharon recently turned 50 and marked this occasion by holding a birthday fundraiser on Facebook. John worked at Spirit Aerosystems for 33 years and his colleagues held a collection in memory of John and many of them also kindly donated to Sharon’s birthday fundraiser. Despite this being a naturally difficult time for all the family, it has also been a special journey, remembering John and giving
Marr College
Team McLaughlin’s efforts have been nothing short of tremendous and we are very pleased to share that they have smashed John’s target of £10,000 and have so far raised a remarkable £19,000 for the hospice. An achievement, John would be extremely proud of. Go Team McLaughlin part of the ever-growing
dad to Stephanie, Gemma and Kieran, was admitted to the hospice in-patient unit after a short illness. Sadly, John passed away in early February aged just 53. John was a popular, loveable and well-liked character. His world revolved around his family. They were so grateful to
Bhaile Craft Bakery donated to the hospice as part of their #breadforheroes initiative for front line workers.
Bhaile Craft Bakery
receive such incredible care and support from our hospice team that
Hospice fundraising family! The hospice is
Gamma Healthcare kindly donated Clinell Universal Wipes to the hospice following their passion about effective cleaning and in the interests of keeping our staff and patients safe.
what it is today thanks to the continued fundraising efforts and dedication from many families, like you, touched by hospice care throughout Ayrshire. You all make today matter.
John had hoped his family would raise £10,000 for the hospice to say thank you. Sharon and her three grown up children Stephanie, Gemma and Kieran along with all their family, friends and colleagues have channelled some of their sadness and grief into focusing on fundraising as much as they can for the hospice. An epic fundraising campaign began as ‘ Team McLaughlin’ came together wearing green (paying homage to John’s favourite team; Celtic). Online bingo
their time and talents through their fundraising, just like all the hospice team did caring for John. Something the
Gamma Healthcare
Thank you to everyone who donated so much to our key workers during lockdown. Your gifts of kindness were very much appreciated!
McLaughlin family are so grateful for
The McLaughlin family
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By Valerie Richmond, Support Services Director Two technology firms joined forces to distribute unwanted equipment to organisations to help hospice staff work from home. IT services company Capito Capito to the rescue
Mark Gibson, Capito Managing Director said: "I am delighted this initiative is providing immediate benefit to the Ayrshire Hospice, as an Ayrshire resident I know first-hand the tremendous benefit that they deliver to the community." A huge thank you to Mark and the team at Capito Ltd and their partners who have made this possible. Thank you also to Microtech for the support provided to set (all dogs) & Leo the Cat! Our lucky winners were presented with special prizes from Petcayr along with purple hospice rosettes. We are very grateful for all our pet pal entries and support from Petcayr. Paw High Five! Fitness Challenge goes the Extra Mile! The Lockdown restrictions saw many turn to physical activity to help maintain a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally. September therefore saw us launch our first ever Virtual Fitness Festival where we invited participants to take part in a personal challenge and raise £50+ for the hospice. Participants could take part in a 5K or 10K walk/ run (nicknamed ‘The Saturn
back in April. We were unable to make remote and homeworking a reality when we first went into lockdown and the donated laptops gave us the tools to enable the hospice to respond to Covid-19 pandemic, to work flexibly, creatively and most importantly safely.
and computing firm HP were overwhelmed with offers after requesting donations of disused kit. And they certainly came to the rescue of the Ayrshire Hospice when, a delivery of laptops was received
up the laptops and provision of end user support. It is essential that our services continue to support patients and families and the donated
laptops have helped the hospice team to do this.
Fundraising doesn’t stop! By Graeme Strawhorn, Assistant Fundraising Manager The impact of COVID-19 and the national lockdown measures introduced have had a significant effect on our fundraising activities. Despite these restrictions, our fundraising team worked hard to bring new and innovative ways to fundraise over the past six months.
Diane & Morven 10k for 10 days
We’re so very grateful for all your support in what has been a turbulent year. Keep a watch out for the many new ways we continue to fundraise. Remember, every single penny counts. Thank you for your support and, above
all, thank you for caring. Strike a Paws!
Stomp’ and ‘the Jupiter Jaunt’ recognising our postponed Shining Star Memory Walk) a 50km cycle challenge, Duathlon or, a Create your own Challenge! We are delighted with the popularity of this event, so much so we have extended this challenge into October! Huge thanks to all our participants who
In August, we introduced our Virtual Pet Show where supporters were invited to show case their pet pal’s best snaps over five categories; Strike a Paws, Sweetest Face, Caught in the Act, Meow that’s Catty and Pet Juniors! Four Finalists, from each category, were then picked by Petcayr Pet Supplies to go through to a live vote on Facebook. Congratulations to our lucky winners; Bear, Brodie Bear, Sadie, Link
certainly are going the extra mile (or kilometre) to raise much needed funds for the hospice, in these difficult times.
Bear
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Keeping connected with staff during lockdown
It’s a team effort to get the shops up and running
By Karen Donnelly, Head of Organisational and People Development
their screen and therefore allow the interview panel to view presentations. Just before lockdown we had discovered a new friend – Microsoft forms. This quickly became the best option for allowing information to be collected and analysed and were easily accessed for the majority of staff either on a computer or via a mobile device. However, through all this we remembered that not all of our colleagues are IT aware and so paper forms and telephone calls were an option. Keeping in touch with all our colleagues we produced weekly newsletters, sharing information, hints and tips, updates/good news stories from all staff. We live now in our new “normal” and adapt and change as time goes on, who knows when or if this pandemic will be under control. Until then we need to continue to look after each other, enjoy every moment of time we spend with our loved ones and take care of those around us, remembering that we will get through this and emerge from the other end. Stay safe and Take care.
By Nick Grinter, Facilities Manager
If anyone had suggested at the start of 2020 that this year would bring us a worldwide pandemic, national lockdown and a complete change to our lives I would have thought you’d watched far too many Hollywood blockbusters! But as we know everything had changed. We had sit” her new grand-furbaby, Henry, whilst working away
It’s been a proper team effort to get our shops open across Ayrshire making sure they are as safe as possible for staff and customers. The maintenance team have been extremely busy building the Perspex screen frames for all shops as well as installing new till counters in some others. Work has been completed in our Troon, Kilmarnock, Cumnock, Prestwick and Ayr shops. With work to be completed in our Largs, Kilwinning and Girvan shops left to do.
staff continuing to work in the hospice, from home, staff shielding and staff on furlough. Our main question was how do we continue to support our amazing staff and volunteers during these times? So the Organisational & People Development team stayed home and set up new workspaces in kitchens, dining rooms, living rooms or bedrooms. Family life became part of our working lives, bringing its own unique challenges. Shirley Scott, Employee Development Adviser, along with her dog Blue, who promoted himself to office dog, problem- solved their way through all work dilemmas, whilst her husband, a DIY-addict,
in the bedroom which had been transformed into her office complete with laptop and printer. Veronica Morrison, People Development Officer, took over the living room through the day with her creative flair coming to the fore to prepare the O&PD Newsletter with that little bit of added sparkle. Whilst I set myself up in the kitchen trying to balance work and family life – never easy encouraging a teenager to embrace home schooling with the distraction of a new puppy thrown into the mix! To adapt to our new working environment, we learned to use Microsoft Teams to keep in touch and for team meetings. As we grew more confident, we started using it for interviews, who would have thought people could wait in the lobby (virtually) until invited to the meeting and that candidates could share
was constantly told to keep the noise down.
Debbie McClung, Volunteer Development Adviser, had the opportunity to “dog
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Lockdown poem Suzanne Kerr , Clinical Administrator If I had had a crystal ball, Would I have seen how we would fall Would I have seen the whole world stop And people racing to the shop Would I have washed my hands so much To avoid a virus passed by touch Would I have seen the hand gel sell The lack of loo roll and flour as well Would I have known you couldn’t go out And on a Thursday you’d wave and shout Would I have thought I’d wash my shopping And avoid the people when out walking
Would I have known one walk a day To save people’s lives, there’s no other way Would I have guessed you’d stay at home No work allowed, or work alone
Would I have seen on my TV My favourite band, at home, perform for me Would I have thought myself essential
To bravely work when it felt mental Would I have then surprised myself To enjoy that time, my family, my health To feel a part of a big team At home, and work, that’s what I mean X Bloomin’ lovely to see you By Nick Grinter, Facilities Manager It’s been a very welcoming sight to see some of fantastic volunteers back at the hospice over recent months.
We’ve been able to bring back the garden team at the end of August, who have been able to give some much needed TLC to the hospice grounds. Working under strict covid precautions of one volunteer per day the team have been working hard on weeding, pruning, leaf collection and mowing. Welcome back, team!
Phil Dalgleish, garden volunteer
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Leave the gift of a lifetime… By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager Did you know that over two thirds of our funding comes from voluntary donations, including gifts in Wills? Many of our supporters kindly choose to leave a gift to the hospice in their Wills. We are so grateful for these legacies as they make a real difference to the care we provide to local patients and families who need our help. If the time is ever right for you to remember a charity in your Will, please remember Ayrshire Hospice. Every gift in every Will, regardless of size, makes a difference to the exceptional and compassionate care that we provide to patients and their
families today and in the future. We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to all of the excellent solicitors across Ayrshire and Arran who took part in our Make a Will Fortnight 2020 and thank you to all our supporters who made a Will in return for a donation to the hospice. Watch out for future updates on how much was raised from the campaign.
Check out some of our latest lucky lottery winners! Next time it could be you! Join our lottery today at www.ayrshirehospice.org/join- the-lottery and help us to continue to provide exceptional care all year round to Ayrshire’s patients and families. A chance to win… a way to care.
Photographic Competition winner By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraiser Retail
We’d like to thank everyone who took part and special thank you to Vennal Camera shop for donating the wonderful
Massive congratulations to John Preston from Ayr for winning our calendar competition with his stunning photograph of the Auld Brig, Ayr at dawn. John will have his
A hospice calendar has been produced every year for the last 12 years raising approximately £5,000 each year for the hospice. For the 2021 calendar we received over 180 entries and there were so many beautiful photographs it was extremely hard to pick just twelve.
prize - £150 worth of shop vouchers. Our beautiful 2021 calendar is on sale now in our hospice shops, fundraising office and online via the website www. ayrshirehospice.org
photograph printed on the front cover of the calendar as well as being the featured photo for June. Congratulations to all the other talented entrants who had their photographs selected to feature across the rest of the calendar year.
The Auld Brig, Ayr - November
10 | General news
Overwhelmed with your donations! By Janice McPherson, Retail Business Manager
or in an unsaleable condition are not
Since beginning to safely reopen our shop network across Ayrshire we have simply been overwhelmed with the donations we have received from the kind- hearted Ayrshire community in the last few months.
donated, as the disposal of such items comes at great cost to the charity. For our donors we created a contactless donations system allowing donors to drop off their items off while minimising contact with others, which has been hugely popular and we continue to be overwhelmed but the support from donors. All donations are quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours prior to processing and all garment steamed and non-hanging items sanitized prior to display.
We believe the success of a charity shop can be measured in many ways; great staff, wonderful volunteers, good location, lovely layout, loyal customers but none of this magic recipe works without the stock to fill the rails and shelves. Without our donators we would be unable to raise the vital funds required for the Hospice. Over the last few months
at times if overloaded with donations we will suspend again if required to ensure we follow all guidelines and deliver health and safety at all times. To avoid any disappointment, we always suggest phoning the store before visiting to check availability to donate. We ask that all donations are contained either within a sealed bag or box for the safety of our staff and volunteers, as donations are required to be quarantined for 72 hours before being processed. Any loose donations mean a cage cannot be emptied and moved into quarantine, putting that cage out of action for longer and further reducing our capacity to accept more. As always, we accept all textile items of clothing and household and we are always looking for accessories, bric a brac in good condition and toys and nursey items that are complete and full working order. We respectfully ask that items that are incomplete and/or broken
Hospice face masks are available to purchase in stores from £5
we have been truly overwhelmed by the
volume of stock we have received and to ensure we can follow government guidelines to accept the donations safely we have found we need to constantly adapt. All donations are accepted into contactless cages for the safety of donors. We have now opened our donations slots and all stores will once again be able to accept donation each day during their opening hours of 10am to 4pm but we will continue to monitor each location and
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Trading in challenging times
By Janice McPherson, Retail Business Manager It was great in early July to be able to start reopening our Ayrshire Hospice shops and getting back to business.
of our safety measures prior to entry to build confidence and set expectations. We have also taken the time to remerchandise our stores and create new and exciting layouts and customer offerings with the “Designer Room” sections in both Kilmarnock and Prestwick stores. This has allowed us to provide our dedicated fashion buyers to be able to purchase brands like Vivienne Westwood, Vera Wang, Paul Costello, DKNY to name just a few. This has not only encouraged shoppers to visit these stores but also built confidence with our donors that we have created
an environment to raise maximum funds from their treasured designer items. Our goals for the rest of this year is to continue to adapt our stores to match customer needs in each location allowing us to raise maximum funds during these difficult times and for the long-term future. Once all stores are reopened we hope to increase our spread of stores across Ayrshire, reaching new areas and building on the Ayrshire Hospice Retail Brand to raise even more vital funds for the patients and families we care for.
As with all retailers this was a challenging and sometimes daunting time, however with the wonderful support of our Shop Managers, volunteers, donors and customers we are delighted with the shops that have already reopened in Cumnock, Troon, Prestwick, Kilmarnock and Crown Street Ayr with our remaining stores reopening shortly. Ensuring we delivered a safe shopping environment for our staff, volunteers and customers was our priority, so adaptations were people
centric with large fitted till screens that don’t limit contact but ensure safety. Credit/debit and contactless card payments have been added in all stores as well as sanitising stations at all entry points. Our store layouts ensure clear marking and customer journeys around the shop, easing the ability to social distance and we actively encourage the wearing of face coverings in our shops. We have created information points at entry to ensure customers are aware
12 | Past events
2.6 challenge success
By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager A huge “thank you” to all of our incredible home heroes who took part in the 2.6 challenge back in April. With so many fundraising events cancelled or postponed, the organisers of the London Marathon encouraged the nation to get involved in the 2.6 challenge to mark the 26th April, which was the date of the London Marathon. Supporters walked 26,000 steps, created 26 rainbows, painted 26 paintings of birds, performed 26 songs in 26 minutes, walked 2.6 miles, cycled 26 kilometres and a whole lot more! We loved your enthusiasm and creativity to fundraise safely and in such a fun way during lockdown and we’re delighted to say that we’ve raised just over £12,400 from
Chris McMail
Elaine Thomson
Kirstie Carmichael
Ryan Hoffin
Dr Philippa Whitford
Colin Wilde
Fiona Cummings
Lisa Paterson
the 2.6 challenge. Thank you so much everyone!
Rory, Logan & Jack
Niamh Cameron
Lucas Thomson
Stephanie & Jacob
Lynne Carmichael
Lily, Max & Milo
The Two Ronnies
Robin Freight
13 Past events |
Summer Appeal raises over £20k
By Kathryn Howell, Senior Fundraising Officer We had a fantastic response to our Summer Appeal this year which so far has raised over £22,000 . Thank you to everyone who has kindly donated!
another. We’ve also had to reduce the number of visitors to our In-Patient
Unit in the hospice. Thank you again to
This year’s appeal highlighted how everyone at the hospice has had to adapt because of Covid-19. The coronavirus crisis has hit every part of our national care system – and it’s no different for the nursing and support teams at Ayrshire Hospice.
It has not changed what we do but it has meant that we’ve had to adapt our services. The hospice is still as friendly and welcoming as ever, but things look a little different. With the exception of patient care, we have to remain two metres apart from one
everyone who supported our appeal this summer. We are all passionate and determined to continue to deliver the care needed by the people of Ayrshire and Arran and we cannot
do this without your generous support.
Summer Super Draw By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager Congratulations to William McConnell from Largs who won our top prize of
Spotlight on The Wendal Challenge Huge thanks to the Hunter family and friends for your phenomenal fundraising through the Wendal Challenge in loving memory of Elaine Hunter.
The Hunter family raised an outstanding £7,257 during lockdown which is gratefully received by everyone at the hospice.
Thank you to everyone who supported and gave their time so generously. Well done - you should be so proud.
£2,000 in our first ever Summer Super Draw! We’re delighted that £29,967 has been raised which is just fantastic and truly appreciated! Thank you to everyone for supporting the draw by purchasing a ticket or making a donation. Keep your eyes peeled for our Christmas Super Draw where you
could win one of 49 fantastic cash prizes!
William McConnell
14 | Past events
Kiltwalk 2020 - Hospice Heroes what a team! By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraising Officer
from Sir Tom Hunter at a critical time for all charities involved, we can’t thank him enough for this. Our Hospice Heroes raised a staggering £22,874.86 this year through the Kiltwalk.
Thank you to each and everyone of you for
What a year 2020 has been for the Kiltwalk with over a 100 participants signed up for Glasgow and four for Edinburgh, it was set to be a record year of Kiltwalkers for the hospice.
signing up, taking part and continuing to help make today matter for our patients and families across Ayrshire.
However, like all events this was postponed and we were hopeful that there would have been an actual event at some point to allow the walkers to take to the streets. As restrictions eased many Hospice Heroes took on their own walks throughout Ayrshire, but over the weekend of 12th & 13th September, the Virtual Kiltwalk took place with Kiltwalkers encouraged to walk, cycle, jump, bounce or whatever crazy idea they could come up with. We had Team McLaughlin walking from Ayr to Dundonald, Leeann Ireland
and friends walked 18.2miles, Callie Gates and team walked through South Ayrshire, Lorna, Simon and dog Chutney walked 12miles in Dorset and we had some climb Ben Lomond and Goatfell, with others walking, cycling, or running their way around Ayrshire. Sir Tom Hunter and the Kiltwalk Team did not disappoint the supporters and charities with respect to their contribution to the fundraising. For all our Glasgow and Edinburgh walkers, funds raised were topped up by 100%. Truly a fantastic gesture
Callie Gates
Lorna, Simon & Chutney
Team McLaughlin
Leeann Ireland
Lynn Hyslop
Past events |
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Super overseas challengers
By Elaine Thomson, Senior Fundraising Officer Earlier this year we waved off our Overseas Trek groups to Kilimanjaro and the Arctic Circle as they embarked on experiences of a lifetime. In March solo traveller
worthwhile. Being in a place like that makes you realise how lucky you are to be able to do something like that!” Catherine Donald from the Kilimanjaro group explained: “I am a firm believer that anyone can accomplish this truly life- changing feat. The challenge we accepted on 5th March 2020 began and none of us knew what lay ahead... we met with an amazing group and TOGETHER made it to the end
with lots of laughter and tears. A truly amazing experience and continuing friendships.” We’ve lots of exciting ideas coming up for 2021/22, so anyone interested in taking on a challenge like this then please contact Elaine Thomson in the Fundraising Team on 01292 288488 or email at community@ayrshirehospice. org to find out more!
regimes, everyone found the time to host car boot sales, raffles, quiz nights and race nights to raise the money. After completing the Arctic Trek, Lynn said: “The trek was a fantastic experience and anyone who is tempted should definitely sign up! It was the challenge of a lifetime! Sleeping under the stars at the edge of a frozen lake in waist deep snow is an amazing experience I'll never forget. Pulling your kit through a winter wonderland was definitely hard work but crossing the ice to the finish line made it all
Lynn Richmond jetted off to Finland to trek 75km in sub-zero temperatures and Stuart Bowman, Jason Boyle, Catherine Donald, Steve Fawcett, Stuart Paterson and Anthony Mclaughlin headed to Tanzania to summit the highest single free-standing mountain in the world to raise money for the hospice. Both incredible personal achievements and they managed to raise £15,893.67 for the Ayrshire Hospice. Fantastic! In between strict training
Caption??
'Finnish' line with Hettie
After the applause, they donated to our cause!
By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager A massive thank you to our musical supporters from the Ayr Amateur Opera Company and Kilmarnock Amateur
and we continually appreciate your years of loyal support of the hospice. Kilmarnock Amateur Operatic Society held fantastic collections following their performances of “9 to 5” the musical which took place in March. They raised £3,500 including match funding from the Company which was just fantastic and
truly valued. Huge thanks to KAOS for supporting the hospice as your nominated charity over the past three years.
Operatic Society who raised money for the hospice earlier this year. Ayr Amateur Opera Company held bucket collections after selected performances of “Shrek” the musical back in February and raised £819.98 which is very gratefully received
AAOC: Shrek the Musical
KAOS: 9 to 5 the Musical
16 | Coming up
Why I’m supporting this year’s Light up a Life Appeal 2020
By Jennifer Allan My big sister, Karen, was born on 23 November 1964.
It was such a special and emotional day and the hospice were just out of this world to arrange it. Karen was unable to sit up in the bed but Parker nuzzled into her, comforting her. Karen died just two days after Parker visited and we can’t thank Gill, Kirsten and all the staff at the hospice enough for organising it. Nobody knows what is round the corner for them and it so important that the Ayrshire Hospice continues to
Karen and I will keep fundraising for them. It is my coping mechanism and a way to say thank you. I want to make sure that the hospice continues to be here to help other families who need their care and support in the future. That’s why we are supporting their Light up a Life appeal this year and I hope you’ll join us - and support this wonderful, vital local charity.
Karen was always mad about horses - spending every Saturday and Sunday at the local stables come rain or shine. Her first horse was called Rosie and then, in 1998, she bought her beloved horse, Parker, who just recently passed away. Karen moved to Winchester after graduating from Strathclyde University and it was there that she was first diagnosed with cancer. She had originally gone to see the doctor about her hay fever and mentioned that she had noticed a change in the shape of her breast. She was referred to the hospital the next day and diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer. She was only 42. Mum and Dad went down to look after her when she went in for her treatment but the cancer soon spread to her bones and then her brain. It was then she came back home to Ayrshire so that mum could look after her. The hospice made such a difference to all our lives - everyone was so welcoming. It is not like a hospital at all
and you can make cups of tea, watch the television, or just wander round the gardens. We knew Karen was in safe hands when she was there and it meant that our mum could relax for a few hours. Unfortunately, our dad was also very ill at the same time and died of lung cancer 10 months before Karen passed away. Karen loved going to the hospice to get her hair and nails done. She had lost her hair a few times going through chemotherapy and it just never grew back the same way. The hairdresser at the hospice was brilliant at making her
be here to care for patients and their families. They don’t just deal with end of life care - they do so much more for people through complementary therapy, hairdressing, counselling and much more. The hospice staff make everything so much better. I can’t thank the hospice enough for all they did for
feel better in herself. When Karen’s health
deteriorated, she moved into the In-Patient Unit at the hospice. By then her horse, Parker, was 18 and Karen was desperate to see him one final time. So my sister’s friends, Gill and Kirsten, decided to arrange a special surprise visit for her. After checking with the staff, they brought Parker to the hospice to visit Karen.
Karen & Parker
18 | Coming up
Play the Christmas Super Draw!
By Kathryn Howell, Senior Fundraising Officer How does winning £2,000 just before Christmas and supporting your local hospice sound? Good? Of course it does! So don’t miss your chance to take part in this year’s amazing Christmas Super Draw where we’re offering you the chance to win some fantastic cash prizes.
fundraising team on 01292 288488 or email lottery@ ayrshirehospice.org and please include your full name, address and postcode for postage purposes.
Please note that all players must be aged 16 years or over to play.
If you’d like us to post you a book of tickets please call the
A chance to win… a way to care this Christmas!
As well as the top £2,000 to be won, you could also win a second prize of £1,000 , a third prize of £250 and then five prizes of £100 , four prizes of £50 , 12 prizes of £25 and 25 prizes of £10 . A book contains 12 Christmas Super Draw tickets and each ticket costs just £1 - that is £12 per book and twelve chances to win, with each and every £1 helping
towards the vital care that helps Ayrshire’s patients to live as actively as they can to the end of their lives - however long that may be, where ever that may be. Closing date for tickets to be returned is Wednesday 9th December and the draw will take place on Friday 18th December just in time for Christmas!
Forget-me-not appeal
By Kathryn Howell, Senior Fundraising Officer This has been a difficult year for everyone and also a reflective time for many. One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the current Covid-19 restrictions are that many people have been sadly unable to attend funeral services which can be increasingly difficult for bereaved families.
nots and all contributions will be gratefully received towards our continued care in the community. To make a donation towards one of our lovely forget-me- nots in memory of a loved one, please either phone the fundraising office on 01292 288488 or visit the appeals section of the Ways to Give section of our website at www.ayrshirehospice.org
As we approach Christmas, we are proud to launch our first forget-me-not appeal to remember loved ones in a personal way at what can be a very poignant time of year. The display will appear at the Dick Institute in Kilmarnock
thanks to the support of East Ayrshire Council and you will be able to visit the display from mid-November through to spring next year. We ask for a suggested minimum donation of £20 for one of our forget-me-
19 Coming up |
Lottery Christmas gifts By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager Why not think about giving friends and family an Ayrshire Hospice lottery gift voucher this Christmas?
Ayrshire Hospice Gift Cards By Kathryn Howell, Senior Fundraising Officer Can you give a gift of caring this Christmas? You could make a real difference to our patients by making a donation in place of giving your loved one a present. You can choose from £10 , £25 , £50 or £100 gift cards.
By purchasing a voucher, you can enter your loved one into a fixed number of hospice lottery draws starting from the first Friday after Christmas, which will be 1st January 2021 and all funds raised go towards supporting the work of our hospice. The voucher can either be sent to the recipient or yourself and are available at a value of your choice from £10 upwards. Our total prize fund each week is £3,000 with a top prize of £1,500 and it costs £1 per week to take part
where your money can really make a difference. Please note that all those purchasing and receiving vouchers must be aged 16 years or over. To order vouchers or if you wish any more information, all you have to do is contact the fundraising team on 01292 288488 or email lottery@ ayrshirehospice.org .
The £25 gift card could help pay for a patient to have a complementary therapy session and the £50 gift card would help pay for a patient’s family stay for two nights in our ‘Wee House’ so that they are close to their loved one. You’ll receive a gift card which can be personalised with the
recipient’s name and a lovely silver envelope. Buy a hospice gift card this Christmas and help people in Ayrshire who are living with a life limiting illness. Visit our website at www. ayrshirehospice.org or contact our Fundraising Department on 01292 288488 or email donate@ ayrshirehospice.org .
20 | Thank you
Big thanks to Evelyn Robertson of Auchinleck Community Development Initiative for the kind donation of £550 , raised at their Citizen of the Year event raffle held in the Boswell Centre, Auchinleck in February. Thanks to everyone involved. It was a wonderful night and our very own Agnes McConnell, Auchinleck Friends Group was presented with the award - very well deserved Agnes! Agnes would also like to thank the Community Council for hosting such a wonderful event and also special thanks to her daughter Ann and daughter-in-law Diane for all their help and support to fundraise for the hospice.
We caught up with Erica aka Grandma Wellness who has been kindly making lovely face coverings in aid of the hospice. Since the end of April, the amazing team led by Erica have raised over £5,500 which is just incredible! Huge thanks to everyone who has purchased face coverings and to everyone at Grandma Wellness for their extraordinary commitment to make such a positive difference to Ayrshire Hospice!
Big thanks once again to Jean Currie from Stewarton for raising £300 through the sale of her lovely framed jigsaws. Not only that, Jean also raised £303 for our Dunlop Friends Group at their Craft Fair last November. Well done again to you Jean, keep up the good work.
Gaynor Wallace has now completed her three half-marathons in aid of the hospice and in loving memory of John McLaughlin. Gaynor completed her final half-marathon on 31st May which was also the day that she and her husband celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary! Gaynor has now raised £900 . Thank you for literally going the extra mile, Gaynor. Huge well done and thank you!
We'd like to say a huge "thank you" to the lovely P7 pupils of Alloway Primary School who donated £520 to the hospice plus £520 to another charity, all from the funds from the P7's leavers' party. Due to Covid-19, the party couldn't go ahead and the pupils kindly chose to donate the funds to two fantastic causes.
Meet 7-year-old Emilia McInnes who walked 7k per day for 7 days in loving memory of her Papa Ivo Lunardi who received care in the hospice in 2012. Emilia raised £1,135 which is just outstanding! What a lovely idea, Emilia and very thoughtful of you to support the hospice so fondly.
21 Thank you |
Many thanks to Lodge Prestwick 1060 for you very kind donation of £714 . RWM Ronnie Bone is pictured with the cheque. The lodge normally have a sponsored walk from Troon Lodge to Prestwick Lodge and this year they were not able to hold their full event due to lockdown. They still managed to raise an amazing
Many thanks to Troon Ladies Hockey Club for their recent fundraising. As a way to keep fit over the lockdown period, 19 of the 1st and 2nd XI team players took part in a virtual fitness challenge to travel from Troon to John o’ Groats by walking, running and cycling. Each week their mileage was collated to see how far they had got. They did so well in the first couple of weeks that they decided to do a return journey back to Troon. A total of 636 miles was covered. An amazing £1,800 was raised in sponsorship for the challenge. We hope you are all fully fit now to return to hockey when you can. Thanks again for your support.
amount for the hospice. Thank you all so much.
Huge thanks to Struther Farmhouse who raised an impressive £1,450 during May when they put on a delicious take-away cream tea and held a raffle to raise funds for the hospice. Thank you so much to the Dunlop community and beyond who supported the event - the spread looks absolutely delicious. Well done and thank you Struther Farmhouse.
Hillside School raised a fantastic £4,830 from their challenge in loving memory of staff member Limara Thomas’ mother-in-law and dear colleague at Hillside, Rosemary Thomas. The team collectively walked, cycled and ran 4,100 miles over 14 days which has concluded in an incredible fundraising journey. We just love to see you all in your hospice t-shirts and a sincere "thank you" for raising this amazing amount - a true team effort!
Huge thanks to Ebb & Flow Wedding & Event Duo for their recent virtual concert here on our Facebook page. It was an amazing afternoon of entertainment with a great variety of songs. We are delighted to announce that a fantastic £1,391 has been raised from the event. Well done Paul and David, thanks for your support.
22 | Thank you
Massive thanks to Craig Steel who raised £530 when he cycled a total of 500 miles throughout June in aid of the hospice. Well done Craig - a fantastic achievement and every penny is gratefully received by everyone at the hospice!
Ayr Boswell Football Club did it! The boys raised a fantastic £1,660 in aid of the hospice following their 2,307 kilometre challenge during lockdown. Well done and thank you boys - tremendous effort!
Avid hospice supporters Rikki and Ewan Black walked to Irvine Bogside Golf Club while carrying their golf clubs, played a round of golf then walked back home to raise more funds in aid of the hospice as part of Team Golfathon’s continued renowned fundraising efforts. The boys raised £1,170 which brings Team Golfathon’s collective total to well over £121,000 . Well done and congratulations boys!
Sincere thanks to the staff at Tesco Extra Ayr who raised £530 selling our hospice badges in loving memory of their dear friend and colleague, Moira Jackson. Moira was a big supporter of our hospice events alongside her Tesco colleagues where she enjoyed helping at our Starlight Walk, Colour Dash and more. What a beautiful tribute and thank you to everyone at Tesco for your continued amazing support of our hospice.
Many thanks to Iain McCrae, one of our Shining Stars who was due to complete our sponsored walk during May before we had to postpone it due to Covid-19 restrictions. Iain didn't let that stop him and he managed to complete his 13 miles by himself during lockdown and has raised £220 . Well done, Iain and thank you for your great fundraising efforts!
Many thanks to David Simpson and Ross Weeks who during lockdown, decided to raise
money by not shaving. They
raised an amazing £1,459 . Thanks so much guys, we think you look great with your beards!
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