Hospice marks 30 years of care
For 30 years it has touched the lives of thousands in Ayrshire and far beyond.
Its mission? To enrich the remaining days of those facing lifelimiting illness.
The work of the Ayrshire Hospice, irreplaceable since February 1989, has formed part of the region’s fabric over three decades.
But at £ 21,000 per day to fund bosses admit they owe their biggest debt to the public.
Reflecting on the landmark birthday, chief executive Mandy Yule said: “Our message to the wonderful people of Ayrshire is ‘ thank you’.
“We wouldn’t be able to deliver the level of care we do if it wasn’t for their support.
“We have an incredible group of volunteers and fundraisers across Ayrshire, some of whom have given their time for over 30 years, and without the fundraising efforts the hospice wouldn’t be here.”
Since opening its doors on Racecourse Road the base has become a centre of care, comfort, compassion and dignity to more than 25,000 patients.
But its true origins go back even further to a group of hard- working volunteers who set up their own trust in 1983. Their goal was to raise the necessary funds to open a hospice in Ayrshire.
After as initial target of £ 400,000 was met within 21 months the next task of finding a suitable location threw up Racecourse Road.
Building work began in 1987 and, with it, the hospice service was launched with the appointment of two home care nurses.
From its earliest days fundraising has served the heart of the hospice.
And it is that invaluable support that the hospice – which has almost 800 staff and volunteers – is recognising during its 30th year.
Mandy said: “Because of their efforts we have access to some of the best palliative care treatments available, allowing us to give our patients comfort and quality of life.
“We have been privileged to give thousands of patients and their families the care and support they need, both at the hospice itself or wherever they have lived in Ayrshire, over the last 30 years and we take great pride in that”.
To help mark the anniversary a special memory tree has been created giving the opportunity to leave reflections and memories of the hospice.
Mandy said: “We never take the compassionate and continued support of the hospice by the people of Ayrshire for granted.
“The memory tree gives people the chance to leave their own memories or thoughts about the hospice and be part of our celebration.”
Our message to the wonderful people of Ayrshire is ‘ thank you’