“I can’t believe how much we did”
By Graeme Strawhorn, Assistant Fundraising Manager
For Janice Hartley, the last 34 years with the Ayrshire Hospice have been about friendship.
She says, “My 30 years with Kilwinning Friends have been brilliant; there’s been many laughs and many tears. Friendships for me have been a true highlight; friends have come and gone along the way but I will always have the wonderful memories of all the amazing things we did for the Hospice; I can’t believe how much we did.” Originally from Yorkshire, Janice moved with her family to Kilwinning, Ayrshire in 1975 when her husband started a new job at Hunterston and she would return to primary teaching in 1989 at Hayocks Primary in Stevenston. It was during those initial years in Ayrshire that Janice would become involved in the work of Malcolm Sargent House in Prestwick and, it was here that she would become acquainted with Evelyn Boyd - they would go on to become close friends. Kilwinning Friends Group had been working hard throughout the late 1980’s to help with fundraising toward a new hospice in Ayrshire when Janice, in 1988 accepted an invitation from another wonderful lady, who would also become a close friend, Ray Wilson. Janice first met Ray at one of the Kilwinning Friends’ coffee morning events and shortly after joining, she became secretary.
Meanwhile, through her new friendship with Evelyn, Janice was invited to be part of the Hospice Board of Trustees, at that time known as the Hospice’s Management Council. Acting as the main contact and convenor of all the Friends Groups and supporting the work of the Fundraising Team, Janice also supported other sub-groups and committees including Education. There were many highlights throughout Janice’s time with the Hospice Board and as part of Kilwinning Friends. Janice fondly remembers the excitement of being invited to the Queen’s Garden Party at the Palace of Holyrood in Edinburgh along with fellow Kilwinning Friends members; Ray and Marita Kenyon. The trio were nominated by someone in Kilwinning for their service to the hospice movement and their dedicated efforts to the Ayrshire Hospice. She also fondly spoke of meeting a young Prince Edward at a fundraising event at the then Caledonian Hotel, Ayr (now The Mercure, Ayr).
So, what’s next for Janice?
March 2020 saw the world change dramatically when communities across the world were put into lockdown as the COVID-19 pandemic halted our way of life. The pandemic ultimately would see many of their members decide to call it a day for the safety of their health. In addition, Janice and many others had been part of Kilwinning Friends since the late eighties, some having volunteered with the group for over 36 years. “For the new team who are thankfully keeping the group going; Think about why you do it, enjoy it. And, know what you are doing is truly helping many throughout Ayrshire and you are truly supporting such a wonderful cause.”
She has lots planned with her husband and spending time with her two wonderful grandchildren. But, it is very much not the end of Janice’s involvement with the Hospice. She’s always keen to keep up with the work of the charity and is a regular attendee of the Hospice Annual General Meeting where she never fails to come up with a challenging question or two! She loves to keep up to date and is so excited about the Capital Project, building a hospice fit for the future. Janice finished ‘I have so much admiration for the wonderful people at Ayrshire Hospice and the outstanding care they provide. Both patients and their families are
well cared for. I know this having many friends and families who have been touched by the services they provide. The Hospice make wishes come true in the most difficult of times and the support they have given to so many has been truly remarkable. It’s been great to contribute to that over my time supporting the Hospice and for the times ahead too.’ “I’ll remember brilliant teamwork, great friends and everyone’s husbands always being roped in to muck in and make any fundraising task, activity or event, a success!”
In giving her time to the Ayrshire Hospice in a variety of ways such as via the Kilwinning Friends Group and as a Trustee of the organisation, the companionship with other supporters will be what she remembers most fondly.
June 2023 | EDITION 33
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