Hospice hails the public’s support
Kilbryde Hospice boss Gordon Mchugh voiced his gratitude for the help shown during the coronavirus lockdown.
Individual donations from the Lanarkshrie public have totalled a whopping £400,000 during this difficult time.
Meanwhile, Bothwell woman and hospice director Christine Sherry raised over £ 47,000 doing a My Kilbryde Challenge.
Musical duo Robert and May Miller held online fundraisers that gathered in over £21,000.
And Brain Haughey of Rutherglen has raised over £ 3000 so far by walking from his home to Celtic Park every time his team play at home.
Gordon and the hospice team have been overwhelmed with the support, and he said: “Our community has been absolutely incredible supporting us in the most innovative ways they possibly could during the lockdown period. We are all so proud of what our community has achieved on our behalf and in turn we are proud to be able to continue to serve them.”
In July of this year the Advertiser reported how the future of the hospice was in doubt after suffering losses of up to £90,000 per month from the beginning of lockdown.
However, the hospice has bridged the gap in its losses through the support of community lockdown challenges.
Gordon continued: “To every single person who has responded with generosity, fundraised on our behalf or kindly donated to our urgent appeal, we thank you.
“Every penny you have donated will help us to protect the future of your hospice.
“The importance of our care at Kilbryde was also recognised by the government, which supported us with a grant to assist us when our income was plummeting.
“Together you have made a significant contribution to keeping our hospice safe and we are extremely grateful.”
Gordon was keen however to highlight that with restrictions on fundraising events continuing, they still need to find new ways of bridging the gap going forward.
He added; “Our retail shop in Hamilton is now open and we are delighted to announce that our flagship store at Kingsgate Retail Park has now moved into the store that was formerly Halfords. We will look to extend our retail activity over the coming months to assist us in increasing our income.
“At the moment we are surviving, and, with your ongoing support and generosity, we hope to maintain a long- term presence within the South Lanarkshire community. As you would expect, we spend money very carefully at the hospice. We will always protect our services and put our patients first.”
To continue to help the hospice, you can become a regular giver at www.kilbrydehospice.org.uk/howyou-can-help/donate/