St Andrew’s Hospice is launching a “thanksgiving thistles” celebration of life event which will help to raise funds for its vital work.
Lanarkshire residents are being invited to dedicate a thistle marker, which will be planted in a special display in the hospice’s Airdrie grounds, in memory of a loved one.
The hospice will also hold a thanksgiving service next month to bring people together and to remember and honour those who have passed away.
Each dedicated thistle will display the name of a loved one and will form part of a display outside the Henderson Street hospice.
All proceeds from the summer fundraising campaign will go to support the work of St Andrew’s in expertly caring for people from across Lanarkshire who have life-limiting illnesses.
Supporters are also invited to attend a thanksgiving service at the hospice on Thursday August 18, at 7pm – which will “bring people together in celebration of those who are no longer with us” and will then see the thistles distributed to those who have dedicated them.
Rehabilitation support worker Caroline Jack Mortimer, who has been a member of staff at the hospice for 17 years, has experienced its support at first hand after both her dad Alex and uncle Alan were cared for there.
She described “the privilege of helping to care for and support many families” in her job, and said of her father’s experience at the hospice in 2007: “My family and I have experienced the excellent care and compassion that the staff give.
“Dad was diagnosed with cancer and came into the hospice that October for pain management; initially, he was very reluctant as he thought it was simply a place to die but within five minutes of arriving, he realised that his perception was wrong.
“Once his pain was under control, he went home and continued to be supported by the outpatient and wellbeing team.
“Unfortunately, Dad’s condition deteriorated and he was readmitted to the hospice in December. For myself and my family it felt like a weight had been lifted from our shoulders, knowing that he was receiving excellent 24-hour care.
“The whole family visited on Christmas Day and my Mum and Dad had their last Christmas dinner together; she was able to stay with her husband during his stay which meant so much to us all.
“At new year, all our family were allowed to bring in the bells together and Dad was able to have a wee drink.
“He also enjoyed complementary therapy treatments which helped relieve his pain and anxiety; the staff were all amazing and were like extended family.
“Even after Dad’s passing, the care didn’t stop for our family and the hospice counselling team supported both my Mum and myself.”
Thistles can be dedicated at www.st-andrews-hospice.com/thanksgiving-thistles; with this year’s initiative being supported by Barratt West Scotland and Airdrie firm Benson Wood & Co.
Suzanne Craven of Barratt said: “We’re proud to support St Andrew’s Hospice – the team provide amazing care and support for patients, families and the local community.”
Benson Wood & Co managing director John Moffat added: “Many of our team have experienced first-hand the care provided to colleagues, friends and family over the years – our support is a way of saying thank you for the care provided to the people of Lanarkshire and we wish the appeal every success.”
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