Ayrshire Hospice has launched a Christmas care appeal to help make this festive season an extra special one for its patients and their families.
For many, Christmas is an exciting time to spend with loved ones but, sadly for some patients living with a life-limiting illness, it will be their last one spent with their family.
That’s why, with the help of the community, Ayrshire Hospice is determined to make it as homely and festive as possible for patients, ensuring it is a special one to remember.
The hospice’s appeal comes as rising costs see the charity fork out £22,000 per day to run their vital services, including providing physical, emotional and social support to those with any life-limiting illness including cancer, neurological conditions and lung disease.
Chris Rodden, clinical manager: in-patients, care and quality at Ayrshire Hospice, said: “It costs £22,000 per day to run the Ayrshire Hospice.
“As an independent charity, we only partner with the NHS and are only partially funded by them – two thirds of income is made possible due to voluntary donations from communities across Ayrshire and Arran.
“The hospice’s vital work throughout Ayrshire and Arran continues and we are innovating, growing and continuing to reach more patients and families.”
The Ayrshire Hospice team is currently rebuilding its permanent home on Ayr’s Racecourse Road as the existing facility is tired and now no longer fit for purpose.
While the work is being completed, the in-patient unit has been relocated to operate in a self-contained bubble at East Ayrshire community hospital in Cumnock.
Chris added: “Our team will be caring for patients this Christmas season in our in-patient unit, at home with patients’ loved ones and with patients wherever they see their home as being.
“Our team will be working hard to make every patient experience as homely and festive as possible.”
To support Ayrshire Hospice’s Christmas appeal, you can donate at www.ayrshirehospice.org or call the hospice team on 01292 288488. Alternatively, send a cheque payable to ‘Ayrshire Hospice’ to Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising, 29 Miller Road, Ayr KA7 2AX.
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