Keeping our community informed

www.ayrshirehospice.org
Issue 13 March 2015
Keeping our
community
informed
Kai leads the way
By Tracey Corrigan, Assistant Fundraising Manager
We are delighted to announce that the world famous dog
“Kai” will be returning to Ayrshire on Sunday 14th June
to lead our annual Waggy Tail Walk! After hitting global
headlines in January of this year when he was abandoned
with his suitcase at Ayr Railway Station, Kai has settled in
well with his new owner Ian Russell and is delighted to be
lending his support to this year’s walk.
On a recent visit to the
hospice with Kai, Ian said
“We are delighted to have
been asked to help support
the Ayrshire Hospice and it
is very fitting that the event
we support is the Waggy
Tail Walk! Kai is very excited
to come back to Ayr to take
part in what I’m sure will be a
great event”.
So if you want to make sure
Kai gets a warm Ayrshire
welcome on Sunday 14th
June, sign up to our Waggy
Tail Walk now! There’s two
different three mile routes
to choose from - one along
the banks of the River Ayr,
starting from Ayr College
Car Park and the other
within Eglinton Country
Park, Kilwinning. And don’t
worry, Kai will be making
an appearance at both
parks! VIP’s (Very Important
Pooches) are invited to be
sponsored and come along
with their owners to take part
in the walk to raise money
for the hospice. You can join
either walk anytime between
10am - 12 noon and there
will be treats for everyone
along the way and a goody
bag for the VIP’s at the end.
Tracey Corrigan, Assistant
Fundraising Manager at the
hospice said “To have Kai
come along and support our
other VIP’s is great. We really
appreciate Ian and Kai taking
the time out to come and
visit the hospice and see the
work that we do. It is lovely to
see Kai doing so well after his
recent experience and we are
thrilled that he is able to help
support the Ayrshire Hospice”
To find out more or to sign
up to take part contact
our events team on 01292
288488 or email: events@
ayrshirehospice.org
Get along to this fun filled,
family-friendly, sponsored
doggy walk - you’d be
barking mad to
miss it! There is
no registration
fee but we
would be
grateful if each
family could
raise a minimum
sponsorship
of £20. Our
grateful thanks
to this year’s
sponsors,
Lawersbridge
Boarding and
Day Kennels
and Hollow
Park Veterinary
Surgery for
their continued
support.
Support Kai on his Waggy Tail Walk
Can’t make it? Don’t worry - you can sponsor Kai by
texting WAGT15 £10 (or your desired donation) to
70070 or visit www.justgiving.com/AyrshireHospice
2
| General news
HIS report
By Mandy Yule, Chief Executive
Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) has published
the results of their recent unannounced inspection of the
hospice, awarding us awarded two “excellent” grades and
three “very good”.
The unannounced
inspection which took
place on the 8th and 9th
October, measured the
hospice against five quality
themes; information, care
and support, environment,
staffing, management and
leadership. As part of their
two day visit, inspectors
spoke with patients, carers,
employed and voluntary
staff, inspected the hospice
environment and reviewed a
range of documentation and
practices.
We welcome the findings
and the recognition of the
very high standard of care
that we provide to patients
with life-limiting illness across
Ayrshire and Arran. I am
particularly pleased to hear
of the very positive feedback
given to the inspectors by our
patients, and the “excellent”
grading awarded to our
motivated, knowledgeable,
enthusiastic and caring staff
and for the excellent quality
of our information.
Strategic plan 2015-18
By Dr John Elliott, Chairman
In the last issue of The Article we told you about the
review of our organisational strategy for 2015-18 and that
we have taken the opportunity to take a fresh look at our
vision, purpose, values and commitments.
We have taken time to
consult both internally
and externally and
have received helpful
feedback which has been
considered in developing
our strategy further. Thank
you to everyone who
has participated in the
consultation.
The finalised strategy will
be presented to the Ayrshire
Hospice Board in March for
approval, with the strategy
being launched in May
2015. We look forward to
sharing the contents of our
new strategic plan in our
next issue of The Article.
Speaking of the report, Susan
Brimelow, Chief Inspector,
said: “We found a caring and
dedicated team of staff who
were focused on providing
a very high standard of care,
treatment and support to
patients at Ayrshire Hospice.
Patients complimented staff
on their kindness, helpfulness
and compassionate
approach and spoke highly of
the quality of care received.
We saw evidence that patient
feedback was acted upon,
and all areas inspected were
clean and tidy. However,
the hospice must improve
its risk assessment audit
systems and record keeping.
This inspection resulted in
one requirement and nine
recommendations.”
We are constantly striving
for excellence and welcome
Healthcare Improvement
Scotland’s observations on
where we could do even
better. We have been able
to respond immediately to
the one requirement set
by HIS and are proactively
considering the other
recommendations. I am
confident that the continued
development of our recently
introduced electronic
patient record system will
assist with improvements
to record keeping and we
remain committed to further
improving and developing
our risk assessment and audit
systems to assure the safe,
effective and patient-centred
care we provide to our
patients and their families.
Key highlights from the report include;
•The service provides
a very high standard
of care, treatment and
support to the patients
and relatives visiting the
service.
•The service is well known
and links with other local
resources within the NHS
as well as other charitable
providers.
•There is a dedicated and
caring team of staff who
are focused on providing
care and comfort to all
patients and relatives.
•Ayrshire Hospice
continues to offer a
high quality service
which is appreciated and
commended by patients
and relatives.
The full inspection report and an improvement action
plan developed by the Ayrshire Hospice to address
the identified issues is available to view at: http://www.
healthcareimprovementscotland.org/our_work/inspecting_
and_regulating_care/independent_healthcare/providers_
and_services/ayrshire_hospice.aspx
General news |
Today, Tomorrow, Together
By Mandy Yule, Chief Executive
We held our fourth annual event “Today, Tomorrow,
Together” on Friday 13th February, when over 60
employed and voluntary staff were presented with long
service and academic achievement awards.
We calculated that between them, our long service
award winners have given almost 600 years service to the
hospice - what an amazing commitment! Congratulations
too, to our many academic achievement award winners,
you are all stars!
3
Our wee house
By Valerie Richmond, Support Services Director
We are delighted to report that work on our wee house is
progressing well and we hope to be able to welcome the
first of our families in at the beginning of April.
Situated in the gardens of the
hospice and built by The Wee
House Company, our new
accommodation will offer a
home from home for families
visiting loved ones at the
hospice.
We often have families who
have to travel far to visit their
loved ones in the hospice.
Being able to offer them
the comfort of some short
stay accommodation in
our wee house will make a
huge difference. Just being
able to have a shower, cook
a meal and take sometime
out whilst remaining close
by, will help make things just
a little bit easier at what can
be a very difficult time.
Big thanks to the team at The
Wee House Company. It’s
been great working with you!
Our Wee House
is almost ready!
Music to our ears
We were delighted to welcome Deacon Blue band member
and University of the West of Scotland lecturer Jim Prime to
the hospice recently, along with one of his 4th year students
Finlay Cable.
Jim, who is the
keyboard player for
Deacon Blue, had a
great chat with our
Chief Executive Mandy
Yule about how we
might introduce the
therapeutic power of
music across hospice
services to the benefit
of our patients and their
families, carers and staff
alike. Looking forward
to working together!
Working in partnership with UWS
4
| General news
Retail round-up
By Jackie Kennedy, Retail Business Manager
With so much exciting news from the retail team I am not
sure where to start! We have launched our photographic
competition for the 2016 hospice calendar (see page 16 for
more details), things are really coming together for our Rags
to Riches fashion show in April (see page 16) and we have a
new shop!
The new shop is on Kyle
Street in Ayr, directly across
from Debenhams. The
shop will be our Christmas
shop during the months of
Aug - Dec but for the rest
of the year will remain open
as a regular shop. We are
delighted with the generosity
of donations being handed
in and we have some regular
shoppers already established.
We are also looking out for
some volunteers to help with
the new shop, so if you have
a few hours a week to give
and would like to get involved
please give us a call or pop in.
Martin Kelso started
volunteering in the Kilwinning
hospice shop in October
2013 as part of his silver Duke
of Edinburgh - which he
achieved in October last year.
He is now working towards
his gold award, and is happily
volunteering in the shop
for another year. Well done
Martin - and thank you for all
your hard work.
Our Cumnock shop
has just undergone
a refurbishment and
our staff, volunteers
and shoppers are
thrilled with the new
surroundings. Shop
Manager Elaine Ross
Refurbished Cumnock shop
said ‘Our customers
refurbishment including
love the new look; we
mirrors, pictures, light
have received lots of positive
fittings, concealed TV units,
feedback. They have said the
mahogany bed side cabinets,
shop feels more open, fresh
a variety of stools, Murphy
and that the new railings
Richard trouser press/iron
make it easier to see what we
units and three beautiful
have in stock. I couldn’t be
marble tables, plus so much
happier with the results - the
more! Items will be on sale
place looks great!’
from Friday 27th to Sunday
Last but definitely not least,
29th March in the Kyle
Trump Turnberry Resort
Centre, Ayr. You won’t want
has very generously gifted
to miss this opportunity to
us lots of amazing furniture
snap up a Trump Turnberry
following their recent
bargain!
NATS chat
By Fiona Leitch, Head of Fundraising
Happy 5th anniversary to our charity partner NATS
who recently celebrated five years since the opening of
their new site in Prestwick! They very kindly shared an
anniversary cake with staff and patients at the hospice and
presented us with a £1,100 cheque donation.
Manager Resource
at Prestwick Centre
and hospice business
ambassador Caren Adams
added ‘we are working
closely with the hospice,
and our teams at Prestwick
are aiming to raise £18,500
- the equivalent of how
much it costs to run the
hospice for just one day.
The cheque for £1,100 (the
proceeds from our bring
and buy January sale) is an
instalment towards that total
which we hope to reach by
the summer. We have raffled
prizes, held a Christmas
jumper competition and
guessed the bears birthday
as well as receiving many
generous donations - some
staff are even on sponsored
diets to keep the total rising,
so no birthday cake for
them!’.
Staff at NATS Prestwick
voted overwhelmingly for
the hospice to be their
nominated charity - a strong
partnership that we hope
will continue for years to
come.
NATS chat
If you would be interested
in hearing more about how
you could nominate the
hospice as your charity of
the year, please contact our
Head of Fundraising, Fiona
Leitch on 01292 288488
or by email fiona.leitch@
ayrshirehospice.org
General news |
Spot the difference!
Have you noticed? We’ve shrunk! This issue of The Article
is smaller, lighter and costs us at least 10p per issue less to
post! It’s all part of our efforts to reduce costs - in fact the
only thing we hope we haven’t reduced is the quality!
We’ve also been working
hard to make sure our
mailing list is as up to date as
possible and that The Article
is reaching readers who are
interested in the work of the
hospice. At the moment,
using our new database, we
are sending the newsletter
to everyone who has
donated to the hospice in
the last two years. You can
help us keep that database
up-to-date by making sure
we hold the correct contact
details for you. Email us at
fundraising@ayrshirehospice.
org or telephone us on
01292 288488 with your
name, address, postcode,
preferred telephone number
and email address.
The Article is a great way for
us to keep our supporters
up to date, to tell you
about developments at the
hospice, up and coming
events, and of course to
thank you for your support!
It’s also available by email
or to view on our website at
www.ayrshirehospice.org.
If you currently receive a
hard copy of the newsletter
but would like to subscribe
by email please email
newsletter@ayrshirehospice.
org giving your name,
address and postcode and
email address. That way we
can identify and amend your
existing record accordingly.
Alternatively, maybe you
help us with distribution?
Do you have a business or
waiting room that you could
display copies of The Article?
Please get in touch. The
more people that get to read
The Article the better!
We’d love to hear what you
think of our new look or if
you have any ideas on how
we might further improve
our newsletter, email
newsletter@ayrshirehospice.
org. Happy reading!
Spread the word
Crafty work
By Katie Ronald, Head of Communications
By Lena Baird, Occupational Therapist
We were delighted to welcome a number of our community
ambassadors to the hospice at the end of January for an
update day.
Patients attending Solas day services have the opportunity
to engage in a range of social and recreational activities
during their weekly visit. A new addition to the timetable is
the Wednesday morning crafting group where participants
have had the opportunity to design and make a wide range
of crafts.
Members of our Friends groups, Ladies Lunch committee and
volunteer ambassadors all attended, and heard first hand from
staff about the in-patient unit, Solas, voluntary services and
fundraising. Resource packs were provided and our guests
were taken on a tour of hospice premises.
“I have learned so much more about what the hospice
gives to everyone. I will take all the info away and
spread the word”
“This was a very worthwhile day”
“The most helpful part of the day was hearing in-depth
about all the services available. Truly staggering”
Our community ambassadors help us to spread the word
about the hospice and are invited to speak at events across
Ayrshire. If you could be interested in joining our ambassadors
network or alternatively, would like to invite one of our
community ambassadors to speak at your event, please email
communityamb@ayrshirehospice.org or call 01292 288488.
Run by volunteers in
conjunction with the
occupational therapy
department, the group have
recently enjoyed making
individual greetings cards,
Wordles, a beautiful tree
collage, Valentine’s papercraft
decorations, bunting and
purple candles which were
sold at our recent open day.
For more information contact
Lena Baird, Occupational
Therapist by emailing lena.
baird@ayrshirehospice.org
Valentine's papercraft
5
6
| General news
Ladies lunch update
By Lyn Bateman, Senior Fundraising Officer
Thank you to our loyal ladies lunch club members
who come along to Western House every month September to June.
The club raises much needed
funds for specific projects
within the hospice which
greatly benefit the patients
in our care. Between 2012
- 2014 they have sponsored
our:
•
patient vehicle
•
refurbishment of the
Cedar lounge
•
spa bathroom in Solas
•
upgrade to the garden
path and water
Hot
off the
feature
press...
the ladies lunch
club have also
just agreed to
support the
in-patient unit
bathroom
refurbishments.
Thank you
ladies!
Patient vehicle
Solas spa bathroom
Refurbished Cedar lounge
Garden upgrade
Lottery wedding favours
By Fiona Borland, Senior Lottery Officer
Our lottery team recently attended the Ayrshire
Wedding Show 2015 at Ayr Racecourse, showcasing our
beautiful rebranded selection of wedding favours. We
had a wonderful weekend and special thanks to Fiona
Wilson of Fiofin Flowers who donated a beautiful flower
arrangement to our stand.
Our wedding favours enter
your guests into our weekly
hospice lottery draw on
a Friday of your choice.
They are personalised and
cost £2 per person. Each
wedding favour is tailored
to your own specifications
and personalised for your
special day. Wedding
favours can be used as
table settings showing your
guest’s name or presented
as a scroll. Please see more
examples on the Lottery
section of our website www.
ayrshirehospice.org
We will be delighted
to provide you with an
information pack with
samples of our paper
and wording options.
If you would like to
request a pack or if you
wish to place an order
for wedding favours
please call us on 01292
288488 or email lottery@
ayrshirehospice.org.
All we need is a list of the
guests’ names that you
wish to be entered into our
draw. Normally we require
two to four weeks’ notice
to produce the wedding
favours but if you need
them sooner, this can be
accommodated. Please
note to take part in our
lottery, you must be aged
16 years or over however if
any of your guests are under
16 years of age, we can still
provide a favour with their
name care of a parent or
guardian’s name.
A chance to win… a way to
care.
General news |
Working in partnership
By Hilary Denholm, Voluntary Services Manager
We are currently working in partnership with Learn
Direct in Ayrshire to help local people get back into work
by participating in the Community Work Placement
Programme, funded by the Department for Work and
Pensions.
Caroline Cochrane, an
existing registered volunteer
from our reception
team, was approved as
a placement provider
after she requested to
carry out her Learn Direct
placement with us. Under
the programme, Caroline
has been able to support us
with a 26 week placement
of 30 hours per week within
our reception and voluntary
services teams.
During this time Caroline
has significantly developed
her administration skills and
experience carrying out
tasks including the creation
of rotas, training calendars,
leaflets and posters, and
carrying out audits and
updates. Her confidence
and reception skills have
grown immensely through
handling all sorts of
challenging and emotional
situations at the main
hospice reception. She
has been involved in cash
handling and call handling,
and even helped to mentor
and train new volunteers
that have joined the
hospice.
Caroline said: “This has
been a great experience for
me to gain practical skills in
team working, to support
communication, and use
a variety of information
and communication
technologies to complete
day-to-day tasks. I have
also used my numeracy
skills and learnt how to
support distressed people
within a palliative care
setting as well as gaining
an understanding from the
voluntary services team
about volunteer recruitment
and co-ordination. I was
also fortunate to attend the
relevant training courses
in Fundamental Palliative
Care and Communication,
Moving and
Handling
(medium
risk), Infection
Control and
Food Hygiene,
along with Sage
and Thyme and
would definitely
recommend
the hospice as
a placement
provider”.
Learn Direct
ensured that
Caroline was
assisted with
travel expenses,
Carers Café
job search activities and
mentoring along the way.
We submitted weekly
paperwork and met with
the Learn Direct Placement
Liaison Officer, Margaret
Gilchrist on a regular basis.
By Lynne Carmichael,
Respite and Response
Community Team Manager
We worked in close
partnership with both
Margaret and Caroline
to ensure the placement
opportunity was aligned
with future local job
opportunities. The hospice
is already dedicated to
making a positive impact
to individuals through
volunteering opportunities,
and the placement fitted in
well with this ethos.
Open every Friday between
2-4pm at 37 Racecourse Road,
the café welcomes anyone
caring for someone with a
life-limiting illness. The person
they care for does not have to
have a connection with the
hospice, and carers can attend
as often or as little as they like.
For more information
please email hilary.
denholm@ayrshirehospice.
org or call 01292 269200
ext 480, or email Margaret.
gilchrist@learndirect.com or
call 01563 898107.
Caroline supported our “Today,
Tomorrow, Together” annual event
Since opening in October last
year, our carers’ café has gone
from strength to strength.
The café offers carers the time
to talk, time to be themselves
and time to share. Many of
our visitors have commented
on the peer support they gain
from one another, and how
helpful being able to discuss
the challenges of caring is.
As part of the café,
complementary therapy
and hand care sessions are
available every week and in
response to requests, a series
of guest speakers are being
invited to give short talks on
issues such as fatigue and
breathlessness, looking after
yourself, managing stress,
end of life care and managing
medication.
Anyone interested in visiting
the carers café can just drop
in any Friday between 2-4pm
or call Lynne Carmichael on
01292 288488 for further
information or to arrange a
visit.
7
8
| General news
Individual giving The gift of a lifetime
By Agnes Paton, Assistant Fundraising Manager
We have welcomed a new team into our fundraising
department to look at developing and increasing income
from individual giving.
For many charities,
individual giving is a key
source of income and it is
estimated that individuals
donate £9.5 billion to
charity annually, around
one-third of fundraising
charities’ income.
The term individual
giving refers to the many
charitable gifts that can be
made by the general public
through cash, cheque,
direct debit, credit or debit
cards, shares, property
and other assets. They
can also donate through
different routes including
post, telephone, banks and,
increasingly, online.
Headed up by Agnes
Paton, the new team will
be looking at a range of
fundraising opportunities
including committed
giving campaigns,
direct mail, gifts in
Wills and major donor
development. One of the
first campaigns will be a
Payroll Giving scheme
which is an alternative way
for people in work and
on PAYE to give regularly
and tax-effectively. Once
established, payroll giving
provides long-term,
tax effective giving as
donations are automatically
deducted from pay before
tax is paid.
Legacies and gifts in Wills
will also come under the
remit of the new individual
giving team. Gifts of shares,
property and legacies are
extremely important to us
and currently help to fund
the care for around one in
three of our patients.
For further information on
any aspect of individual
giving, please contact
Agnes Paton on 01292
288 488 or agnes.paton@
ayrshirehospice.org
Clockwise from top left:
Kathryn Howell, Olive
Lindsay and Agnes Paton
By Olive Lindsay, Senior Fundraising Officer, Legacy Giving
Thank you to the partners and staff at all McSherry Halliday
branches in Kilmarnock, Irvine and Troon for their continued
dedication and work on behalf of the hospice.
This is now the fourth year
solicitors McSherry Halliday
have participated in our
“Make a Will Fortnight”
campaign, resulting in
overall donations exceeding
£15,000! What an
achievement!
Thanks also to all those who
have supported our work by
including a gift to the hospice
in their Will.
Did you know? If you do not
make a Will, and have no
next of kin, everything you
own could go to the State.
If you die without making
a Will, the law decides how
your possessions will be
divided. This may not be in
the way you would have
wished. Some people think,
quite mistakenly, that if no
Will is made everything goes
to their wife, husband or civil
partner. This is not necessarily
the case. As a charity we pay
no tax on property or money
left to us in a legacy. In
addition, a legacy could have
tax benefits for your estate by
reducing inheritance tax.
To find out more about
legacy giving please contact
Olive Lindsay on 01292
288488 or email olive.
lindsay@ayrshirehospice.org
Your gift can help us make
today matter.
Pictured (l-r) are Olive Lindsay from the Ayrshire Hospice
and Martha Clark from McSherry Halliday
Silver Anniversary update |
Silver Anniversary update
Terramundi money pots
By Fiona Leitch, Head of Fundraising
Our Silver Anniversary Fundraising Campaign was launched in January
2014 with the goal of raising £600,000. This was the sum required to
finalise the funding for our Respite and Response Service for the first
four years.
We are delighted to announce that
the campaign exceeded its target,
raising a wonderful £605,078.
We would like to thank everyone
who supported the campaign and
helped to make it such a great
success.
Silver Draw
Congratulations to Fraser Watt from Aberdeen who won the top prize
of £2,500 in our Silver Draw, to Pat MacArthur from Symington who
won our second prize of £1,000 and to all our other prize winners.
We were joined by Provost Helen
Moonie who kindly drew the
winning ten tickets. Thank you
to Slaters Menswear, Seamill
Hydro Hotel and Resort, Enterkine
House Hotel, The Cook School
Scotland, Barrhead Travel, Tropic
Pure Plant Beauty, Frankie and
Benny’s and Tesco who all kindly
donated prizes to our raffle. Thank
you also to all of our raffle donors
for making today matter and
supporting our 25th anniversary
raffle.
Following the success of
Terramundi money pots during
our 25th anniversary year, we
have decided to continue
offering them in 2015.
Each pot is available
at no cost - all we
ask is that you fill the
pot best you can!
The pots have the
potential to hold up
to £800 in £2 coins
but even the smallest
amounts have the
potential to make a
huge difference. To
order your new pot or
for more information,
please contact Ron at
the fundraising office
on 01292 288488 or
email ron.swanson@
ayrshirehospice.org.
If you
still
have
a 25th
anniversary
Terramundi pot, we
would be grateful if
you could return it
as soon as possible
so that we have
these funds in time
for the end of our
financial year. Please
return all pots to the
fundraising office, 29
Miller Road, Ayr KA7
2AX or to your nearest
hospice shop.
Online auction wedding
The winners of our fabulous grand online auction
wedding package are now officially Mr and Mrs, enjoying
a ‘beautiful and perfect day’ courtesy of the Savoy Park
Hotel in Ayr’s Racecourse Road.
David Keenan and Christine
McElvie had been together
almost nine years when
they put in a last minute bid
for the star prize in our May
auction and couldn’t believe
their luck when they won!
The couple exchanged
vows in front of 40 family
and friends and were over
the moon with the VIP
treatment they received
from Savoy Park Hotel
owners Roddie and AnnMarie Henderson, their staff
and their wedding suppliers.
“Everyone was absolutely
brilliant, bending over
backwards to make sure
our day was truly special for
us,” said Christine. “We’re
so grateful to the Savoy
Park Hotel and all their
suppliers for giving us a truly
wonderful wedding day.”
The Savoy Park Hotel
wedding package included
a wedding cake by
Sugercrumb Fairy, flowers
by Hollowpark Florists,
photography by Robert
Clark, DJ and Disco by
Bobby Bushell Flashdance
Disco, Kilt Hire from
MacGregor and MacDuff,
bridal car from Butterfly Cars
and Mancini’s Ice Cream
Factory Cart - all of whom
donated their products and
services free of charge to
the hospice.
Roddie Henderson said: “We
were delighted to support
the Ayrshire Hospice in this
way. The hospice provided
wonderful care for my mum
and so we were keen to give
something back in return.
Mr and Mrs Keenan
When we first had the idea,
I called round our suppliers
and was overwhelmed by
their response to contribute
to the package. We’re so
pleased to have helped the
hospice, while giving David
and Christine a wedding day
to remember.”
9
10
| Past events
Burns Supper
By Graeme Strawhorn, Senior Fundraising Officer
We recently celebrated the bard’s birthday at our annual
Burns Supper at Brig o Doon Hotel, once again kindly
sponsored by UTC Aerospace Systems.
It was a wonderful evening
in the perfect setting in
the heart of Burns country.
Our speakers for the night
were Sandy Strang, Annabel
Goldie MSP and Ian Lyell who
were most entertaining, ably
kept in line by our excellent
chairman, Robbie Glen.
Maybole Pipe Band and Ron
Swanson provided superb
musical entertainment and
Margaret Cook and Cameron
Kerr delivered memorable
recitations made famous by
the bard. We are delighted
to announce that we raised
£16,500 on the night.
Light up a life!
By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager
and Ian Stirling, Chaplain
We would like to thank all those who attended our Light up
a Life service on Sunday 7th December 2014.
It was lovely to see so many
families at the event and to
share in remembering loved
ones at what can be a very
poignant time of year.
Thank you to Dunaskin Doon
Band, Hospice Voices and all
those who volunteered and
helped to make the event
a special and memorable
evening - despite the wintry
weather conditions!
Special thanks also to The
Co-operative Food who
generously donated the
delicious mulled wine and
mince pies.
We still have some donations
to be counted however we
hope to have raised over
£7,500 from our 2014 Light
up a Life appeal. Thank you
for making today matter and
giving your support.
Burns Supper 2015
Christmas cards
By Lyn Bateman, Senior Fundraising Officer
A huge thank you to everyone who purchased our 2014
Christmas cards or calendars.
Thank you also to the vast
number of loyal supporters
and volunteers who sold
them on our behalf in
offices, church halls, banks,
businesses, hospitals,
schools, supermarkets and
friends and families. Thanks
also go to our wonderful
Friends groups for
holding all their individual
sales within their local
communities.
The final total raised
from Christmas cards
and calendar sales will
be published in the next
newsletter.
Past events |
11
Fit Feb
By Amanda Harris, Fundraising Officer
We launched a new fundraising campaign at the start of
2015 called Fit Feb. Whether it was walking, swimming,
cycling or playing a favourite sport, we invited participants
to do something to get fit in February, whilst raising funds or
sponsorship for the hospice.
KA Leisure North Ayrshire,
Bannatyne Health Club,
Curves and Lifestyle Fitness,
all climbed on board and
were very creative in helping
their members to support the
campaign.
Curves Kilmarnock held a
sponsored circuit with
each participant doing a
minimum of one hour.
Five coaches at Curves
also took additional classes
throughout February and
asked for donations rather
than taking a fee.
Mhairi Tindall, a fitness
instructor also held a
dance-a-thon alongside
other fitness instructors
and gave participants the
opportunity to try Zumba
Gold, Just Jhoom and
Fitsteps.
If you fancy keeping the
fitness focus going, did you
know that you could run a
marathon or half-marathon
in aid of the hospice?
The Great Women’s 10K will
take place on Sunday 17th
May while the Edinburgh
Marathon Festival will take
place on Saturday 30th and
Sunday 31st May. Why not
run these marathons in aid
of the hospice? Once signed
up, we can provide you
with sponsor forms, t-shirts,
vests, posters, banners
and balloons to promote
the fundraising. For more
information on how you can
run a marathon and make
today matter, please contact
Amanda on 01292 288488
or email amanda.harris@
ayrshirehospice.org.
Or if hill climbing is more
your thing, one of our avid
community fundraisers,
Eddy Gemmell is also
organising two expeditions
in aid of the hospice. Eddy
will be climbing Goatfell on
Saturday 30th May and Ben
Nevis on Sunday 21st June.
If you would like to join Eddy
on either of these events,
please contact Eddy on
07869 929748 or email eddy.
gemmell@btinternet.com.
Curves Kilmarnock
KA Leisure North Ayrshire
Bannatyne Health Club
Lifestyle Fitness Kilmarnock
Individuals also signed up
to Fit Feb including Sara
Warden and her dad who
did a 22 mile cycle from
Kilwinning Abbey to Burns
Cottage in Ayr in aid of the
hospice.
Thanks everyone for
getting Fit in Feb!
12
| Past events
Save the date!
By Amanda Harris, Fundraising Officer
cash for a good cause.
We are delighted to announce that Go Purple
2014 raised over £15,400 thanks to all the
individuals, schools and organisations from across
Ayrshire that joined in a generous effort to Go
Purple and raise vital funds for the hospice.
Of course it’s never too
early to start thinking about
this year's Go Purple day
which will be held on Friday
9th October 2015. We are
delighted to announce that
Brownings the Bakers have
pledged their sponsorship
to Go Purple for the
second year running and
we are greatly indebted for
their fantastic support.
People baked purple cakes,
held "wear it purple" days,
wore purple wigs, held
purple ice cream making
contests and enjoyed
purple themed afternoon
teas! A couple of purple
sheep even got in on the
act and our brave Senior
Management Team even
got "gunged" in purple
and raised gunge loads of
Winter Fair
By Tracey Corrigan, Assistant Fundraising Manager
We are delighted to announce that our Winter Fair on Saturday 14
November 2014 raised in excess of £10,000!
There was a wide range of stalls
from Christmas crafts, handbags
and teddy bears to jewellery and
delicious home baking. Santa
was very busy taking letters from
the children to make sure he
delivered all the correct toys on
Christmas eve. The stars of the
Palace Theatre Aladdin panto
even came along, to show their
support too. A great day was had
by all and a big thank you goes
to everyone who came along
and supported us.
This year's Winter Fair will
be held on Saturday 14th
November and stalls are
now available to book. If you
would like a stall at this year's
fair you can register online
at www.ayrshirehospice.
org or call Claire on 01292
288 488 or email retail@
ayrshirehospice.org for an
application form. We look
forward to hearing from you.
Go purple!
We would love as many of
you to Go Purple with us
again this year and it’s never
too early to start planning.
For more information or
to discuss your fundraising
activity, please contact
Amanda Harris on 01292
288488 or email amanda.
harris@ayrshirehospice.org
Coming
Past events
up |
Land o' Burns Starlight Walk
By Graeme Strawhorn, Senior Fundraising Officer
Calling all honest men and bonie lassies!
Back by
popular
demand our
Land o' Burns
Starlight Walk
will take place
on Saturday
16th May
with a 10pm
start from Ayr
Racecourse
Some of our fantastic
and we would
walkers from last year!
be delighted
if you could join us!
way snacks, a medal,
well deserved tea and a
There are three routes to
bacon roll at the end.
choose from, 4, 9 or 13
miles so there’s a route
We are delighted to have
to suit the whole family!
the following supporters:
The atmosphere is always
Healthy Working Lives, Suck
fantastic. We’ve got some
It Up Buttercup, Tesco,
great entertainment lined up
Ayrshire Post and The
to get you in the party spirit
Cook School Scotland.
beforehand and then along
If you would prefer not to
the route to make you smile
walk, but would still like
on each passing mile! Why
to help, we need lots of
not get into the spirit and
stewards on the night to help
come in fancy dress too?!
with registration, medals,
You can register online
and stewarding along the
at www.ayrshirehospice.
route. If you can spare a
org, pop into the office at
few hours please call us on
29 Miller Road or call us
01292 288488 or e-mail
on 01292 288488. The
events@ayrshirehospice.org
registration
fee is £20 for
adults and £10
for under 16’s
(who must be
accompanied
by an
adult) and
includes your
Vintage Vixens
t-shirt, half
13
14
| Coming up
Summer Ball
By Mary Drummond and Justine Cullen,
Senior Fundraising Officers
An evening of glitz and glamour!
We are delighted to
announce that our Summer
Ball will once again be
held in a grand marquee in
the grounds at Lochgreen
House Hotel, Troon, the
beautiful flagship venue
of the Costley & Costley
group. The date for your
diary is Saturday 30th May.
On arrival you will be
welcomed to a drinks
reception before being
served a sumptuous three
course dinner prepared by
Guests in the grand marquee
Dancing the night away!
Costley & Costley’s award
winning chefs. Music to
dance the night away will
come from the fabulous
musicians of Glasgow’s
Soul Band Counselled Out.
There may even be a few
surprises too!
For further information or
to book a table call our
events team on 01292
288488 or e-mail events@
ayrshirehospice.org. Tickets
are £85 each and tables
seat up to 12 guests.
Coming up |
The Royal Troon experience
with golfing legend Colin Montgomerie OBE
By Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager
Royal Troon Golf Club is holding a golf event on Sunday
5th July, in aid of the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation
and the hospice.
This special day will begin
with a shotgun start at
10am where you can play
in ladies, gents or mixed
teams. A welcome pack will
be given on the course at
this time and competition
prizes for the day will be
unveiled. There will then
be an opportunity to enjoy
a bacon roll and coffee
before playing a round of
golf on the Royal Troon
Championship Course and
playing the Postage Stamp
(8th hole) with golfing
legend Colin Montgomerie
OBE.
Afterwards there will
be a drinks reception in
the smoke room before
enjoying dinner in the
Club House dining room
overlooking the 18th
Green. There will also be an
auction, raffle, prize giving
ceremony and a photo
opportunity with Colin
Montgomerie.
Royal Troon’s Championship Course
£1,200 for a team of four
and proceeds will be
donated to the Elizabeth
Montgomerie Foundation
and the Ayrshire Hospice.
For further information,
please contact Royal Troon
on 01292 311555 or email
admin@royaltroon.com
Get on yer bike!
By Graeme Strawhorn, Senior Fundraising Officer
It’ll be time to look out the lycra on Saturday 20th June 2015
for our annual Arran Cycle.
Last year we had over 80
cyclists and we hope you
can ‘get on yer bike’ in 2015
for the hospice. Registration
fee is £25 which includes
ferry fees, cycle support and
vehicles, lunch, snacks and
drinks throughout the cycle.
We also ask that you take
a sponsor form and raise a
minimum sponsorship of
£100. There are two routes to
choose from - 35 miles and
Last year’s Arran Cycle team
56 miles. Please note both
cycle routes around Arran
have their ups and downs
and adequate training should
be considered beforehand.
For further information or
to register contact Graeme
Strawhorn on 01292
288488 or email events@
ayrshirehospice.org
15
16
| Coming up
Point, press and click!
Overseas
trek
By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraising Officer
Calling all budding, amateur photographers! We are running
a photographic competition to find stunning images from
across North, South and East Ayrshire for our 2016 calendar.
Inspired by the title ‘Mother Nature at work in Ayrshire’,
the calendar theme is open to individual interpretation but
entries must feature an Ayrshire landscape, landmark or
building with some kind of weather clearly featuring in the
picture.
Traditionally the hospice
calendar has been produced
with kind assistance from a
small number of talented
local photographers who
have offered their images free
of charge. This year, we have
decided to change things
around a bit, introducing a
fun, competitive element!
We know there are lots
and lots of amateur
photographic societies,
student photographers and
camera enthusiasts across
the whole of Ayrshire and
we’d encourage them all to
get involved.
Twelve calendar photographs
will be chosen by a judging
panel of representatives
from the hospice then put
to the public vote for the
overall winner - the winning
photograph will then feature
on the front cover of the
calendar. A big thank you to
Vennal Cameras in Ayr for
supporting the competition
and offering a very generous
£200 voucher to the overall
winner. In addition, three
photographs will be chosen
to be printed as part of the
popular range of hospice
Christmas cards.
The hospice calendar has
been running for eight
years and sells over 2,000
copies each year, raising over
£9,000 for the hospice. Claire
adds “We’ve heard that our
supporters send the hospice
calendar to all four corners
of the globe - to friends and
families abroad who love
seeing pictures of Ayrshire.
So, if you want your work to
be showcased across the
world, get involved now and
don’t be camera shy!”
The closing date is Friday
24th April 2015 and the
competition is only open
to amateur photographers.
Images must be in colour, of
a high quality, high resolution
(300dpi) and in landscape
format. Full terms and
conditions can be found at
www.ayrshirehospice.org or
you can call Claire on 01292
288488 or email claire.
stuartpaulin@ayrshirehospice.
org if you require more
information.
We can’t wait to see what
talented photographers we
have in Ayrshire!
We are in the
process of
planning our
next overseas
trek and have
a few ideas at
the moment!
From Husky
dog sledding
in Lapland
to challenge
events in China
or the Sahara
Desert, if you
are interested
in any of these
options or have
any other ideas,
please contact
Tracey Corrigan
or Graeme
Strawhorn on
01292 288488
or events@
ayrshirehospice.
org
Coming up |
17
Blingo @
Enterkine House Hotel are generously holding a Blingo
evening in aid of the hospice on Friday 5th June.
Arrive for a glass of chilled
fizz followed by a two
course gourmet menu
accompanied by a glass of
house red, white or rose
wine. There will be a variety
of bingo games throughout
the evening, as well as some
fantastic music and dancing!
All proceeds will go towards
the hospice. Individual
tickets cost £37.50 per
person or you can purchase
a table - contact Enterkine
House on 01292 520580 for
more information.
Bella’s Bawl 3
By Amanda Harris, Fundraising Officer
This year, BB3 will take place over two days, with live
music from nine different bands!
The event will take
place on Friday 1st
May 2015, 7.30pm
till late and
Saturday 2nd May,
3pm till late at the
Ambassador Indoor
Bowling Centre
Prestwick.
For further details please
visit the Bella’s Bawl
Facebook page, or
contact Amanda Harris
in the fundraising office
on 01292 288488 or
email amanda.harris@
ayrshirehospice.org
Lunch with a Legend
By Amanda Harris, Fundraising Officer
Ignite Promotions have kindly donated four tickets and a sports
auction prize to the hospice for their much anticipated lunch
with legendary boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard!
The lunch takes place on Saturday
15th March at the Fenwick Hotel.
Drinks reception, professional
photo opportunity, delicious three
course lunch, sports auction,
raffle and a Q&A with Sugar
Ray Leonard. Black tie or tartan
dress code. If you would like to
purchase the donated tickets at
£95 each, and help raise money
for the hospice please contact
Amanda Harris on amanda.harris@
ayrshirehospice.org or call 01292
288488.
Additional tickets can also be
purchased by calling Ignite
Promotions on 07715 683448.
18
| Coming up
Tea t 3
By Lyn Bateman, Senior Fundraising Officer
Throughout June we’ll be encouraging everyone to take
part in Tea @ 3, and we are delighted to announce that our
own Tea @ 3 launch event will be held on Tuesday 2nd June
at Lochgreen House Hotel, Troon.
Arrive at 1pm, relax and be
spoiled in the luxurious
atmosphere and enjoy
the beautiful surroundings
as you indulge in a truly
memorable afternoon. You
will be welcomed with a
glass of bubbly and musical
entertainment followed by a
scrumptious afternoon tea
served at 2pm and a walk
through fashion show by
Belle, Prestwick. There will
also be a chance to do some
retail therapy at our lovely
stalls before and after the
afternoon tea. Tickets cost
£26 and are available from
the fundraising office.
On Sunday 14th June from
1-5pm, hospice supporter
Ron Berretti has kindly
offered the hospice the use
of his beautiful garden in
Bellevale Avenue, Ayr for the
second consecutive year.
Ron will be hosting a garden
party in memory of his
beloved wife, Liz. Afternoon
tea will be served in the
marquee from 1pm with
live entertainment from the
Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra,
Irvine and Dreghorn Brass
Band and Addiction. There
will also be face painting, a
raffle and various stalls selling
a selection of goodies to suit
everyone.
friends or
colleagues.
We can
give you
lots of
ideas A Mad
Hatter’s
Tea Party;
a Teddy Bear’s
Picnic, ask colleagues for a
donation at their tea break;
run a Tea Dance at your local
club; a garden party; or even
a G&’T’ party! We can help
print tickets and posters for
you too.
For tickets for any of the
above events or for further
information please contact
Lyn on 01292 288488
or email lyn.bateman@
ayrshirehospice.
org
You can also support the
hospice by raising funds at
your own Tea @ 3 party for
Last year’s garden party
Wedding Ball - save the date
By Amanda Harris, Fundraising Officer
Calling all brides, grooms, bridesmaids, best men, mother
or father of the bride or groom, wedding guests, past,
present and future.
This is an opportunity not
to be missed - you thought
you would never wear that
beautiful wedding dress or
outfit again, but yes you can!
You could relive your very
special wedding day all over
again.
Avid hospice fundraiser
Jim Gilchrist is holding
a Wedding Ball on 7th
November 2015 at the
Carlton Hotel, Prestwick.
Guests can attend for the
full day from 2pm with drink
and canapés on arrival,
two course meal, or attend
as an evening guest with
buffet and wedding cake
included. Entertainment,
photographer, and raffle
prizes. Look out your frock!
Contact Jim on 07849
013296 or email jim_
gilchrist@hotmail.com
Coming up |
19
Diary dates
Jan 2015 - Jan 2016
Terramundi pot appeal
Sun 1st Mar
Annual ladies’ lunch
Brig o’ Doon House Hotel, Alloway
Fri 27th Mar
Cardhu Gifts and Interiors Shopping Night
Cardhu Gifts and Interiors, Troon. 6.30pm
Sat 28th Mar
Hospice Friends Groups
ALDI Saltcoats/Irvine/Kilmarnock/Ayr collection
Sat 28th Mar
Kilwinning Friends Group
Coffee Morning, Erskine Hall, Kilwinning, 10.30-12.
Tickets £2.50
Sun 29th Mar
Auchinleck Friends Group
Easter Raffle
Sun 18th Apr
Darts Exhibition
Taylors Hotel, Kilwinning
Sun 26th Apr
Fashion Show
Aviator Suite, Prestwick Airport
Fri 1st & Sat 2nd May
Bella’s Bawl
Indoor Bowling Centre, Prestwick. (Friday 7pm;
Saturday 2.30pm)
Sat 9th May
Murder in the Wild West,
Murder Mystery Evening
Mauchline Scout Hall. Tickets £22.50. Contact
Graeme Strawhorn on 01292 288488 or email
events@ayrshirehospice.org Yee haa!
Sun 10th May
Sportsman’s Brunch
Taylors Hotel, Kilwinning
Sat 15th May
Ardrossan/Saltcoats/Stevenston Friends Group Sainsbury’s Saltcoats Collection
Sat 16th May
Land o’ Burns Starlight Walk
From Ayr Racecourse
Sun 17th May
Great Women’s 10K
Glasgow
Sat 30th May
Summer Ball
Lochgreen House Hotel, Troon
Sat 30th & Sun 31st May
Edinburgh Marathon Festival
Edinburgh
Sat 30th & Sun 31st May
Goatfell Busking Expedition
Tue 2nd Jun
Tea @ 3 Launch Event
Throughout June
Tea @ 3 Campaign
Fri 5th Jun
Blingo Evening
Fri 12th Jun
Ardrossan/Saltcoats/Stevenston Friends Group Prize Bingo Whitlees Community Centre
Sun 14th Jun
Waggy Tail Walk
River Ayr Walk and Eglinton Country Park, Irvine
Sun 14th Jun
Tea @ 3 Garden Party
Bellevale Avenue, Ayr. 1-5pm
Sat 20th Jun
Ben Nevis Busking Expedition
Sat 20th Jun
Arran Cycle
Isle of Arran
Thu 25th Jun
Parkdean Golf Day
Belleisle Golf Club, Ayr
Sun 5th Jul
Royal Troon Golf Day
Royal Troon Golf Club
Mon 17th Aug
Golf Day
West Kilbride Golf Course
Lochgreen House Hotel, Troon. From 1pm
Enterkine House Hotel, Annbank, Ayr
For more information on any of these events, please contact the Fundraising Office on 01292 288488.
20
| Thank you
Muirhead Plant
Eddy and John Gemmell
As part of celebrating 20 years in business Muirhead Plant
hosted another of their very successful indoor touch rugby
tournaments on 2nd January with all proveeds coming to the
hospice. Thank you to everyone who supported the event and
raised a fantastic £7,468.17!
Thank you to Eddy Gemmell and his father John who have
so far raised over £1,100 through busking plus writing and
producing their own music. Eddy attempted two world
records last year, busking at the top of Goatfell and Ben
Nevis. Not one to rest on his laurels, Eddy will be climbing
both Goatfell and Ben Nevis again later this year in aid of the
hospice. Huge thanks to Eddy and John!
Action from the Muirhead Plant indoor rugby tournament
Knockroon Dental Practice
Knockroon Dental Practice were keen to raise funds for the
hospice during our 25th anniversary year and were collecting
the funds in a Terramundi pot. After the wonderful fundraising
efforts of patients, staff and their families the money was sadly
stolen during a break-in. The patients and staff were so upset
that they decided to start a new collection for the hospice and
presented us with a cheque for £200. A massive thank you
to all the patients, staff and their families for their inspirational
fundraising and turning a negative into a positive!
Knockroon Dental Practice
Eddy Gemmell
KAOS 50:50 Concert
Thank you to the Kilmarnock Amateur and Operatic Society
(KAOS) who impressively raised £3,569.67 through their
50:50 concert in November of last year and held in aid of the
hospice. It is hoped that the funds raised will also be match
funded enabling the support of KAOS to make an even greater
impact.
KAOS
Thank you |
Rikki Black and his team Golf-a-thon, have once again
supported the hospice for the third year running. They
raised a whopping £13,892.39 during a variety of events,
including their annual Golf-a-thon and sportsman’s brunch.
They’re now set to do it all over again, so watch this space!
Fitness Instructor Mhairi Tindall held a three hour
Dance-a-thon in aid of the hospice, and raised £454.
Over 80 people took part in a 24 hour triathlon organised
by Claire Houston, supported by Seamill Hydro. Participants
pulled out all the stops and family and friends gave great
support. An outstanding £9,454.80 was raised!
Aly Boswell held a series of evening markets at Boswell
Coach House, Auchinleck Estate. Customers enjoyed
evenings of food, shopping and music with the Ayrshire
Fiddle Orchestra. Aly raised a fantastic £1,218 for us!
Alistair Hall and his family raised £615 in memory of Shona
Sanderson. Shona’s grandchildren Kiah, 2 and Arran, 3
present a cheque to Amanda Harris.
21
22
| Thank you
The Company and Senior Sections of 1st Stewarton Boys
Brigade raised £200 by donating their change from the
weekly tuck shop.
Charity night organised by Irvine Golf Club raised £810 for
the hospice.
One of our Silver Friends, Viewfield Manor Leisure Park
raised £1,396.55 as part of last year's 25th anniversary
appeal. Thank you Viewfield Manor!
Thank you to Margaret McDougall MSP who donated £150
to the hospice.
Friends Laura McKinnon
(right) and Leann
Robertson, organised a
very successful charity
night at the Water Sports
Club, Irvine.
Through their event they
raised £920.34, which
was later very gratefully
topped up to a whopping
£2,520 by Laura’s
employer ACE Group.
Heather Rudduck held a charity day and psychic evening at
Ayr Railway Club. With the help from her friends, and family,
Heather raised a fantastic £1,622.95.
Thank you |
Customers of The Commercial Bar, Kilbirnie enjoyed a fun
packed Halloween party, organised by staff, and raised
£450 for the hospice.
Royal Troon Golf Club, the Ladies Golf Club of Troon and
Portland Golf Club have raised £3,300 in aid of the hospice
and have also donated £3,300 to their other chosen charity,
the Elizabeth Montgomerie Foundation.
Isobel Marshall kindly asked for donations to the hospice
in lieu of presents at her 80th birthday party and raised a
fantastic £390. Many happy returns Isobel!
Thank you
Cunninghame Housing Association (CHA) celebrated their
30th anniversary last year and held a variety of fundraising
events, including a raffle and a darts competition, in aid of
the hospice and raised £1,116.50. Chair John Steele (left)
and Chief Executive Frank Sweeney (centre) presented the
cheque to Amanda Harris.
Thanks also to the Rusty Nail Bar in Ayr who
hosted a psychic night and raised £392 for the
hospice and to Tony Scott who took part in the
Glasgow Great Scottish Run and raised £220
in memory of Sammy Conn. Thanks guys!
23
Can you help us to save money?
We are working hard to update and streamline our newsletter distribution list, to ensure that only one
is sent per household. We are also trying to increase the number of central distribution points where
you can pick up a copy, but we do need to reduce our costs still further.
Our newsletter is also now available online and by email. If you would be happy to receive our newsletter
electronically, please email newsletter@ayrshirehospice.org with your full name, address, postcode and
email so we can update our records accordingly. Or you can visit www.ayrshirehospice.org.
Ayrshire Hospice
35 Racecourse Road, AYR KA7 2TG. Tel: 01292 269200 Fax: 01292 294401
support@ayrshirehospice.org www.ayrshirehospice.org
Registered Charity No. SC011390