St Columba's Hospice Life magazine winter 2015

WINTER 2015 LIGHT A LIGHT & LIGHT UP A LIFE 40 YEARS OF FUNDRAISING MEET OUR PATIENTS RONA’S CELTIC CHALLENGE MAKING THE DROP

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IN THIS ISSUE 03 WELCOME 04 NEWS FROM THE HOSPICE 06 LIGHT A LIGHT... & LIGHT UP A LIFE 08 MEET OUR PATIENTS 10 RUN FOR IT! – ANTON’S HALF MARATHON 11 THE ARCTIC TREK 12 MAKING THE DROP 13 BALLOON RACE 14 THE CELTIC CHALLENGE 16 STAND UP FOR COLUMBA’S 18 40 YEARS OF FUNDRAISING 19 CHRISTMAS FAIR 19 VOLUNTEER’S WEEK 20 OUR INTERNS! 23 EVENTS DIARY 24 BURNS SUPPER

Keep in touch with us online for our latest news: www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk Find us on Facebook facebook.com/stcolumbas Follow us on Twitter @StColumbas

St Columba’s Hospice 15 Boswall Road Edinburgh EH5 3RW T: 0131 551 1381 E: fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk Scottish charity number: SC003634 Registered in Scotland No. 48700 Design by teviotcreative.com

If you would like to receive your edition of Life via email rather than post, please let us know by contacting fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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WELCOME TO THE WINTER EDITION OF LIFE My goodness doesn’t time fly… I can scarcely believe it is a whole year since I joined the Hospice team – and what a year it has been!

When I first arrived it was barely six months since the new building was completed, and everyone was still finding their feet and getting used to new ways of working. In the past year however, we have come an incredibly long way.

We have spoken at length with our patients and their families about how they use the building, and we also asked for feedback on patient’s bedrooms and on the facilities that are available for families. As a result of what we heard, between now and Christmas we will be providing more communal seating areas where patients can spend time with each other or with their families, and we will be creating two additional lounges. Patient’s bedrooms will also be given a make-over so that they look and feel more like hotel rooms than hospital rooms!

Our Board of Governors tasked us with developing a new 5 year strategy and we have also been very busy working on this. I am delighted to report that following lots of consultation with patients, supporters, staff and volunteers we will be launching this before the end of 2015. Yes, it has definitely been a busy

year, but it has also been a very productive one and I look forward to letting you know in future editions of LIFE, how our plans are coming together as we further develop our services for our patients and families.

In this edition of LIFE you can read very moving accounts of time spent as an in-patient here at Hospice from two of our patients, and you can also find out about some of the more extreme things our supporters have done this summer to raise funds to support our care.

And of course, Christmas is just around the corner, so once again we would like to invite you to Light up a Life with Light a Light, our annual Christmas appeal.

Thank you for your support and for making me so welcome. With your help I know we will continue to lead the way in providing the best care possible for our patients.

With kindest regards and best wishes,

JACKIE HUSBAND CHIEF EXECUTIVE WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK

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NEWS FROM THE HOSPICE DEMENTIA AWARENESS: MAKING ALL INTERACTIONS MEANINGFUL Members of the Hospice Dementia Group held two Dementia Awareness study days recently to help staff develop the skills they need to be able to communicate effectively with people living with dementia. During the day a table was set up to look like a table in a coffee shop and participants were invited to sit and enjoy their drinks and conversations in relaxed and appealing surroundings. This helped to emphasise how important it is for people with dementia to feel comfortable in their surroundings, especially when they do not fully understand what is happening or where they are.

BARBARA RUBS SHOULDERS WITH ROYALTY! In our last issue you met Barbara Purdie – our longest-serving volunteer – who chatted to Life about the different work she has done for the Hospice over the years, and her invitation to the Queen’s Garden Party at Holyrood. Here she is, ready to go – we think she will have fitted in nicely!

GRADUATION Fifteen St Columba’s Hospice students graduated during the Summer from several of our Education Centre courses – here are five of the hard-working graduates with Lecturer Janice Logan (R) before the ceremony at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall – congratulations!

WEBSITE Our Hospice website has now been re-designed so that all of our information is in the one place, making it easier for patients, relatives and members of the public to access. You can find us at the same address: www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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ART FRIENDS Our Annual Art Friends Exhibition was a huge success, thank you to everyone who attended, and to all of the wonderful artists who displayed their work.

If you missed our arty event in June, fear not!

On November 6 and 7 we will be hosting a new event in the Hospice, where you can come along and buy lots of goodies, from arts and crafts to Christmas gifts. See Page 19 for more info.

CARE & COMPASSION MATTERS Our new five year strategy – Care & Compassion Matters – has now been finalised and the printed document will be available within the Hospice or to read online from mid October. This will detail our plans for the next five years and will outline the direction our services will take.

THE SEAL OF APPROVAL We were delighted recently to be the beneficiaries of a beautiful and unusual gift from local business Waterston’s Wax. Based locally in Leith, the company, which has been in the sealing wax business since 1762, has presented us with a beautiful seal bearing the Hospice dove logo. This means that from now on our prizes and auction lots really will come with a seal of approval. This just proves there are many ways of supporting us, and everyone has something to offer. Our thanks go to the team at Waterstons for this lovely gift.

FORGET-ME-NOT Thank you to everyone who supported our 2015 Forget-me-not spring appeal, the money donated will go towards creating more spaces for family to spend time together with their loved ones when they are inpatients in the Hospice. As promised we have planted a forget-me-not seed in the Hospice grounds for every gift we received. A flower bed in the shape of a forget-me-not flower has been created in the lawn beside the cedar tree in the garden and next year we look forward to seeing thousands of tiny forget-me-nots burst into flower. Thank you!

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Remember a loved one this Christmas and support your local hospice.

Light A Light & Light Up A Life Christmas is a very special time of year for many of us, and all the staff and volunteers at the Hospice work extremely hard to make Christmas a very special, memorable and enjoyable day for everyone in our care.

This is particularly important for our Chaplaincy volunteers because Christmas is a Christian festival, but it also has a universal appeal and for many of us it is an opportunity to spend time with those we love and cherish. For patients in the Hospice, Christmas Day is all the more precious and can be very emotional because it may be the last time a family can celebrate Christmas together.

Suzie Stark, a volunteer Chaplain, has joined us at the Hospice for Christmas in previous years and has also led the Light a Light service for us in St John’s Church.

“The chaplains organise the Christmas Service which takes place in the morning. Christmas Day in the Hospice is incredibly busy and a great deal of effort and planning goes into making sure that everyone who wants to is able to attend the Christmas service in the Columba Room. We put up posters and chat with all the patients to find out who wants to come along. The staff make an enormous effort to support patients who want to attend the service. Even if they are bedridden, we will do everything we can to get them there.”

As an ordained minister, Suzie is very clear that her role at Christmas is about providing spiritual care, and making sure that the Christmas

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Rev. Suzie Stark, Volunteer Chaplain

message is available and accessible is a very big part of that commitment.

“We want to make sure that our message on Christmas Day is one of hope and comfort and we are there for all patients that need us, regardless of their faith. Coming together to hear the Christmas story and sing familiar carols is a big part of the day for many people and everyone is made welcome.

“Sharing part of Christmas Day with our patients and their families is a very great privilege and honour, something that we look forward to doing if we can.

“It is also a big responsibility as we are always aware that even as some families are celebrating their last Christmas together, other families are grieving for the loved one they have just lost.

Although it is a very special time for many it can be a very difficult time. To be there for our patients and their families and loved ones who need comfort and is solace is such an important part of our job.

“After the service there is the opportunity to have a chat with patients and their visitors before the important business of Christmas lunch begins! We get to know many of the patients very well. it is lovely to spend a bit of time with them. Some of the patients really get into the festive spirit and bedrooms are often festooned with cards and tinsel. Last year one of our patients brought the family Christmas tree in and put it up in a corner of her bedroom. All of her

family’s presents were wrapped and underneath that tree ready for Christmas morning... it made that corner of her bedroom quite crowded but in the loveliest way!

“The nurses went to great lengths to make sure that she had the Christmas she wanted with her family and they go to those lengths for everyone – we all do because it is so important to make sure we get it right for all of our patients. One of our nursing staff once told me ‘if a patient wishes something, then we will do our utmost to make it happen’ – a sentiment that we echo, most especially at Christmas.

“Christmas is about celebrating the birth of a child who came to bring hope and light in the darkness. It is a time for peace, love and understanding and we extend that to everyone regardless of their faith. The message is one of hope and we want to make sure that everyone who wants to can hear that message and be part of this special day.”

Christmas at the Hospice starts with our annual Light a Light appeal, when we ask you, our supporters, to dedicate a light on our tree of remembrance in memory of someone you have loved. Sir Tom Farmer calls it our memory tree because each light is a memory we cherish and hold dear. So, this year for the first time we are asking everyone to Light up a Life – because it is the life of someone special, someone who we have we have loved and cherished, that we want to light up in our memories.

As well as having our tree in Charlotte Square, this year we will also be having a beautiful Christmas tree in the Hospice gardens. This will enable us to have a short tree lighting ceremony for our patients, in addition to the tree lighting ceremony in Charlotte Square, so that everyone can be part of this special event.

Our Tree of Remembrance will be in Charlotte Square Gardens until Monday 4 January 2016.

The lights will be switched on at our annual Tree lighting ceremony on Monday 14 December.

If you would like to make a gift and Light up a Life, please call 0131 551 1381 or go to www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK

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MEET OUR PATIENTS We want to challenge pre-conceived notions of what hospice care is about. St Columba’s Hospice not only provides Day Hospice, Outpatient, Community and Inpatient services to those with life-limiting illnesses, we also provide short periods of relief to patients by providing support with symptom management, pain relief and nausea control.

We met two patients – Pat and Allen – who benefitted from a short stay in the Hospice.

Thank you to the families of Alan and Patricia for allowing us to tell their story.

I was diagnosed with cancer in January 2015. The doctors’ surgery got in contact with the Hospice’s Community Palliative Care Team and everything sort of stepped into place.

ALAN ELDER, 58 Length of Stay: 1 week “In November/December 2014 while I was pulling out a fireplace I thought I’d pulled a muscle. I left it for a week then I went to the doctor, who sent me for a blood test and an x-ray. That’s when they found the scar tissue on my lung. It was very small but then the pain started elsewhere too.

PATRICIA KANE, 63 Length of Stay: 3 weeks “I was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in January 2014. The prognosis from the outset was very gloomy – it was at an advanced stage, it had broken through the

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I dealt with the Hospice’s Occupational Therapist just to organise a specialised bed for the house because I can’t sleep on my back, I’ve got to sit up.

The pain is tremendous because there’s a part missing inside the bone so every time I cough the rib bends.

The Community Team have been coming out once a week and my nurse Marianne Murray had been trying to get me to come into the Hospice for pain management since February oesophageal wall and there was a very good chance the cancer had spread. The surgeon said without treatment, I could have two months, with treatment, maybe a year. So I was plunged into a very quick confrontation with the disease and had to accept the situation early on.”

Diagnostic tests were carried out in February and they didn’t show evidence of any spread, so I was offered the Ivor Lewis procedure which is a major operation. When the results came back the surgeon said he assumed cells had escaped, so he suggested radiotherapy as a

but I kept refusing. I was terrified. I was in the old mind-set that other sick people would be left, right and centre, and dying around me during the night. I’ve been in here for a week now and the single room is great – it’s made a big difference. You should put that on the website – show what’s available so people know it doesn’t have a revolving door! I can’t fault it now, I’d come back.

The nurses are very good.

I understand my pain better now so it’s more or less under control and they’re doing their best – they’re really, really trying. They’ve set up a care package so I can go home and try that.” ‘belt-and-braces.’ I agreed and had six weeks of radiotherapy.

During this treatment I had a scan which showed a nodule in the lung. The oncologist decided to continue with radiotherapy and arranged to do a further scan in three months. When he called me for the appointment he took me into the room and said, ‘I’m really, really sorry. I’m afraid the cancer has spread to the lungs and soft tissue in the chest.

Without treatment you could be lucky, you could have six months, with treatment you could gain an extra three months.’ That was in September 2014.

My husband, Bruce, was in shock but it’s what I had expected. I’ve never felt alarmed by it and I certainly didn’t feel it then. I went into a very practical mode – what do I need to do, who do I need to see, what are the options? We went to the Maggie’s Centre and I explained to them I wanted to make contact early on with whoever would be responsible for the management of my care, as I didn’t want to be crisis managing down the line. They told me to go to my GP and have him make a referral to the St Columba’s Hospice Community Palliative Care Team. A day after my GP referred me I got a call to say Roni Turnbull, one of the palliative care team nurses, would be contacting me, and that’s how the contact between myself and the Hospice was established.

I had to tell my family which is horrendous, but they were all amazing and supportive of my decision not to have further treatment. And my daughter!

She was incredible. I don’t know how I managed to bring up such a child, she’s coping so well. Before I even found out I was ill she had become engaged and had planned to get married in September.

When I was diagnosed in the January she and her fiancé put it on hold as they didn’t know what the situation was going to be, so when I told her at the beginning of September it was terminal, she and Johnny had a discussion and a few weeks later she said, ‘While you’re well we’re thinking we’ll just get married’. So she organised it all in three weeks! It was amazing, it was the most fantastic wedding. Had I decided to go down the chemotherapy route, I would not have been able to attend her wedding, so I think it was definitely the right

decision for me to not have the treatment but it’s been helped by the community team here.

Having not had that back up, that support and that contact I think it would have been a very different kettle of fish.

Roni has been coming to my house to see me every week to see how things are going, chatting to Bruce and Frankie, getting to know us as a family, and that’s been absolutely great. When the pain escalated and reached a point where it could not be managed at home, Roni consulted with Susie Chater and the team here and they put a package in place for the weekend in the hope a bed would be available on Monday. Luckily there was and I came in at the start of April 2015 for three weeks.

I was in a pretty bad way when I came in but I was aware from the first minute that people are working so hard on your behalf.

It’s a very personal response that people have to your situation – it’s confidence inspiring. You feel totally supported. What very quickly came through to me here was the consummate professionalism of the nursing staff, auxiliaries, cleaners, volunteers, doctors – everyone involved. The nursing staff especially in a way are operating in an environment where they’re able to give free reign to their expertise and professionalism. I think the trust and the communication that goes on between the nursing staff and the medical team at St Columba’s is of such a high quality and high standard that I felt totally involved and never felt anything had been taken out of my control.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my stay here. The experience has been really uplifting – the

atmosphere of the place, the professionalism and the sensitivity of the staff. I love the way everyone knocks before they come in to my room. The cleaners come in the morning and have a chat while they’re moving around – they are so professional and sensitive. The auxiliaries are also absolutely amazing. The lines of communication always seem to be open – people will come in and say, ‘I heard you had a really good day today,’ so I know things are being passed on. They’re working in this very specialised area, building incredibly specialised knowledge and they have the opportunity because of the time to really practice it. It’s been a great experience. I have really enjoyed being here, seeing such dedicated professionals at work.

I love the way Bruce has been included in everything – he was wrecked when he brought me in and now he looks fantastic so it’s done him a power of good as well! The way my family have been welcomed and supported has been fantastic and that’s very, very important. When Frankie came in to see me she was so happy I was in a place that was so restful. My sister and her husband came up last week and they were bowled over.

This is a special place.

Anyone who has any fears or doubts shouldn’t, they’re going to be so well looked after. I feel confident and secure in the knowledge that I can come back here and any issues will be dealt with and they’ll swoop in and solve the problem. I’m just sorry I put up with the pain for so long! I’ve had lots of laughs here and good chats, everyone has always had the time to talk and reassure. It’s been a very positive experience.”

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ANTON’S HALF MARATHON ANTON HARTE, 34, FROM BATHGATE, RECENTLY RAN THE EDINBURGH HALF MARATHON IN AID OF ST COLUMBA’S HOSPICE. WE CAUGHT UP WITH HIM TO SEE HOW HE GOT ON… WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ST COLUMBA’S HOSPICE?

My Father-in-law Martin sadly passed away from cancer in May 2015 and the excellent care and attention he received in his final few weeks from St Columba’s Hospice is something that we will always be grateful for.

I had always intended to run the Edinburgh Half-Marathon and it only felt right that I should take the opportunity to try and give something back to the Hospice, in order that they can provide the same level of care to others in future.

HAVE YOU EVER FUNDRAISED FOR THE HOSPICE BEFORE?

WHAT WAS THE DAY LIKE?

It’s always a great day and the event is extremely well supported and organised. The weather was ideal on the day, with the rain staying away, and the support from the crowd and volunteers really pushes you on towards the finish line.

HOW DID IT FEEL CROSSING THE FINISH LINE?

Given the recent injuries I’d had, the satisfaction on crossing finishing the finish line was huge.

I also have to admit that it felt quite emotional knowing that I had raised funds for the Hospice, especially as my wife Clare (Martin’s Daughter) was there to see me finish.

I have only ever fundraised through my work and this was the first time I had fundraised on my own. I’m so pleased I decided to do so as they support from everyone has been fantastic.

With matched-funding from my employer Lloyds Banking Group, I managed to raise a total of £1,020.

HAVE YOU EVER COMPLETED A HALF MARATHON BEFORE?

Absolutely – I have already signed up for next year’s Edinburgh Half-Marathon!

This was my third Edinburgh Half-Marathon, it’s a great race to be part of and one of the best tracks in Europe (i.e. very few hills).

YOUR TIME (2 HOURS 1 MINUTE) IS FANTASTIC – HOW MUCH TRAINING DID YOU DO?

I actually strained both my calves a month before the race so my training schedule was minimal. I managed a few short runs of 7k a few days before the race then maintained a steady pace on the day to ensure I could finish and my injuries wouldn’t flare up again.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to take part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival, get in touch with the Hospice on fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?

WHAT TIPS WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER PEOPLE THINKING OF TAKING PART?

Just go for it! While you may have second thoughts when you start training, you really don’t need to have run the full half-marathon distance before the race as the crowd, volunteers and supporters really help to get you through to the finish line.

The sense of pride and achievement you will feel at the end of the race makes it more than worthwhile.

SO YOU THINK YOU FEEL THE COLD?

HARD TO IMAGINE HOW TREKKING 100KM IN SUB ZERO TEMPERATURES COULD CONSTITUTE THE BEST WEEK OF YOUR LIFE?

When you throw in glistening snowdrifts, the Northern Lights, Mr Claus and a snug night at the Arctic Snow Hotel, it all begins to make sense. On this unique challenge you will head to Rovaniemi (official home of Santa) in Finland and spend three days trekking 100km into the Arctic Circle. After a training weekend in Scotland, as well as several briefing evenings and a structured training plan, you will be more than ready for the challenge of a lifetime!

If you would like to find out more about this once in a lifetime experience, please get in touch with the fundraising team by emailing Alex at asharp@stcolumbashospice.org.uk Go on… Make 2017 AWESOME!

With flights from Scotland, accommodation including a night at the spectacular Arctic Snow Hotel, all meals in town and on the trail, three information evenings, one training weekend and a night walk, provision of tents and pulks (that’s sledges to normal people!) you’ll be well looked after by our Event Team.

This amazing experience, with all this included costs £2,150, and we ask you to raise £1,200 in sponsorship over and above the cost of the trip.

There are various payment options and as the trek will take place from 3 – 8 March 2017, there is plenty of time for you to pay for the trek and also achieve your fundraising target.

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MAKING THE DROP! SOME OF OUR MORE ADVENTUROUS PARTICIPANTS RECENTLY TOOK PART IN THE ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTH QUEENSFERRY’S ANNUAL FORTH BRIDGE ABSEIL IN AID OF ST COLUMBA’S HOSPICE! READ THEIR STORIES HERE…

, 28 CLEAN PAUL M ast Lothian ,E Ormiston “I was interested in the abseil and when I discovered that St Columba’s was one of the charities it supported I thought it was very appropriate. I completed the abseil with my grandson Simon. I was surprised that I had to pull myself down and this occupied my attention during the descent. I raised my sponsorship money with the help of my wife using sponsorship forms – the

ELFER , 2 SIMON H Edinburgh 12 |

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“St Columba’s Hospice cared for my Gran in her final days and the level of care was second to none. I had never raised money for the Hospice before but the abseil appealed to me. The day went well and the weather was

support and encouragement of family was enormously helpful.

I was greatly impressed by the skill and care of the team organising it. The whole operation was done skilfully and slickly and the use of the Hawes Inn and garden added to the pleasure of the day.

The outstanding helpfulness of all the team members involved helped to make it a memorable experience.”

“I had abseiled before but hadn’t raised money for St Columba’s Hospice. I chose St Columba’s because of the abseil – it was something I had always wanted to do and it gave me a good cause to do it for! My grandfather Donald and I took part – it went very well and was even more fun than I

very good. I was excited but emotional, and would definitely do it again. I raised the sponsorship money from family, friends and work colleagues, and would tell anyone thinking of taking part in future – do it!”

DONA LD MC KEAN Edinbur , 87 gh

thought it would be. I raised my sponsorship money through Just Giving. The advice I would give to anyone thinking of taking part would be to bring a jacket even if it’s on a sunny day, there is a biting sea wind!”

“Many years ago I did some ‘little rock faces’ but I had never abseiled the scale of the Forth Bridge. Sadly, my wife’s niece Sarah died of cancer, aged 35, in January 2012. Towards the end she spent some weeks at St Columba’s where my wife and I visited her. When I saw the information about the abseil I suggested to my daughter Rachel that we might do it together. We like doing crazy things – last year, just for fun, we had a zip-wire experience in Wales! – so an abseil seemed to offer a bit of a challenge with the added bonus of giving a bit of support to the Hospice.

The day was wonderful and the abseil was fun – hardly scary at all! In fact we hoped that the first time down was just a practice! After the abseil we enjoyed coffee and cake in Queensferry with Andrew, Sarah’s widower, and my brother-in-law David (Sarah’s Dad) who had come to support us. We raised sponsorship by just asking friend and colleagues. My tip to anyone thinking about doing something is – stop thinking and just do it! ‘Seize the day’ is my motto, because you don’t know how many more days you’ve got. The folks organising it know EXACTLY what they

are doing so just decide that you will trust them and go for it – you’ll have a great time!

If you’d like to make the drop in 2016 then please get in touch with the Fundraising Team, email fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk or call 0131 551 1381

RAY GILL , 73 Bridgenorth , Shropshire

BALLOON RACE “UP, UP AND AWAY” OUR VIRTUAL BALLOON RACE LAUNCHES FROM EDINBURGH ON MONDAY 30 NOVEMBER. Build your very own balloon – select a shape, pick a pattern, choose a colour and you’re ready to go!

Each balloon costs only £3 and you can buy more than one balloon if you want more chances to win!

Follow your balloon via our website during its week long journey to the North Pole. Although the balloons are virtual, the weather is very real.

Some will fall or pop whilst some may fly all the way! Will your balloon make it across the Arctic Ocean, passing over arctic foxes and polar bears or will it strike Santa’s sleigh?

Balloons will be on sale from Friday 16 October.

The balloon which has travelled nearest to the North Pole will be the winner.

There are three fantastic prizes up for grabs for the three balloons that travel the furthest.

The race will finish at 9am on Monday 7 December.

To enter, visit www.rabr.co/sch, email fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk or call 0131 551 1381.

BALLOONS ARE ONLY £3 EACH! GREAT PRIZES TO BE WON!

Join in the fun and see if your balloon is the first to reach the North Pole!

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RONA’S CELTIC CHALLENGE

RONA THORNTON, HAS BEEN ONE OF OUR WONDERFUL STAFF NURSES FOR 18 YEARS. SHE TOOK PART IN THE CELTIC CHALLENGE IN MAY, CYCLING OVER 200 MILES OVER FOUR DAYS FROM EDINBURGH TO IONA, TO RAISE MONEY FOR THE HOSPICE. HERE SHE TALKS TO LIFE ABOUT HER INSPIRATION, WELLDESERVED DRAMS AND SORE TEETH… HAVE YOU FUNDRAISED BEFORE? I ran the London Marathon, New York Marathon and also the Edinburgh Relay Marathon raising money for Hospice, but this was my first significant cycling event.

WHAT MADE YOU TAKE PART?

When the new Hospice was being built we decanted to Kirklands House near Ratho.

I chose to cycle the seventeen miles to and from work.

DID YOU DO ANY TRAINING BEFORE THE CHALLENGE?

Yes I trained with three friends who were also talked into the challenge.

As we all cycle regularly, it was a case of putting dates in the diary to plan longer cycles.

We began to regularly do 50 mile cycles, however we all knew the real challenge was going to be cycling 50 miles on four consecutive days which we never did in training.

A patient at that time, Nicholas Stormonth, was a very keen cyclist and he always wanted to hear of my journey to work on my trusty daily commuter bicycle.

Training was very sociable though, in Fife, East Lothian and the Borders – we went everywhere.

He told me to “be brave, be bold, be confident....take on the challenge”. Sadly he passed away, but I did it as he had inspired me.

There is “fun” in fundraising and it’s about just getting started. I chose to hold a raffle within the Hospice, selling tickets to staff, volunteers and patients.

ARE YOU A KEEN CYCLIST?

I love cycling, it is a very enjoyable mode of transport.

I am fortunate to be able to enjoy the many benefits of cycling regularly. It’s a great way to stay fit, mobile and have fun at the same time.

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HOW DID YOU FUNDRAISE?

I wrote to companies and businesses asking for donations as prizes. The raffle raised £1,065. I also had a coffee morning at my house which raised £700. Having a ‘Just Giving’ page also helped. My total raised was £2,205, and as a team we raised just short

of £8,000 – thanks again to all those who sponsored and donated prizes!

TELL US ABOUT THE JOURNEY?

The journey took us through stunning and unspoilt Scottish landscapes.

On Day 1, we started at St Columba’s Hospice and travelled via cycle path to the Falkirk Wheel and then on to Glasgow. On Day 2, we cycled along the bank of Loch Lomond to Balloch and then up to Crianlarich, where we spent the night in a youth hostel. On Day 3 we travelled along the banks of the River Awe to Taynuilt, turning on to a very quiet road which took us through wilderness and on to Oban. After a night of merriment, Day 4 was the final leg crossing over the Island of Mill to Iona.

In short, 200 miles, a few mountains, two ferries, quaint villages and lovely lunch stops along the way!

ANY INJURIES?

I was forewarned I would return with a “guie sair arse” and very sore legs. I didn’t suffer either, but what I did have was sore teeth – my dentist thinks

I was clenching my teeth hard bombing down hills too fast!

good night’s sleep. It took a few days to recover.

WHAT WERE THE BEST – AND WORST! – BITS?

WOULD YOU DO IT AGAIN?

The best bit was being told you are to eat plenty as you are burning off 650 calories an hour. Worst bit was being told to stop eating so much once the event was over!

In all seriousness, the best part was cycling along with really inspiring people, who are testing their endurance, determined to succeed. The worst part was wishing I hadn’t had the “well deserved” dram on the penultimate night as we hit the mountains of Mull in the early morning!

DID YOU ENJOY IT?

I loved it, and I do believe all those taking part really enjoyed it. It is an experience that will never be forgotten.

I cycled with an intrepid band of cyclists of all ages, who were great company. We ate fish and chips, apple pie and cream, and saw Scotland looking at its best along quiet roads, and the weather was kind…yes.

Definitely.

ANY TIPS FOR THOSE THINKING OF TAKING PART IN 2016?

Sports Ecosse who run this event and cycle along with you, give an excellent training programme. Follow their advice and they will get you through this tough, exhilarating, rewarding experience.

“He told me to ‘be brave, be bold, be confident.... take on the challenge’.

Sadly he passed away, but I did it as he had inspired me.”

With each day the camaraderie within the group grew, showing compassion and understanding to each other, and having so many laughs along the way.

HOW DID YOU FEEL WHEN YOU FINISHED?

As a team of four we all felt quite euphoric when we finished. We have a lifetime of knowing we cycled to Iona, a magical island. We also felt very sad, the event was over so quickly.

I can’t deny the fatigue felt after cycling 200 miles, everybody was ready for a

If you are interested in taking part in the Celtic Challenge in 2016, you can register your interest now at: fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk or by calling the Fundraising Team on 0131 551 1381

WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK

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STAND UP 2016 IT REALLY WILL BE A FASCINATING NIGHT! STAND UP 2016 HAS SECURED SOME OF THE BEST COMEDY AND CABARET ENTERTAINMENT AROUND FOR A FANTASTIC NIGHT OUT. Famous for having a dig at everything from Ryanair to Ofsted, the extremely funny, irreverent and phenomenally talented Fascinating Aïda are joining us for what is sure to be a fabulous evening’s entertainment…

Nothing is off limits for these glamourous doyennes of the musical stage. Their 2014 Charm Offensive tour was a smash and we are delighted that they are bringing their talent to Stand Up for some musical comedy, the like of which has never before been seen at one of our events.

We are looking forward to some old favourites (such as Cheap Flights… their infamous budget airline anthem!) and a selection of their topical new songs.

Britain’s Got Talent star, Steve Hewlett, will also be bringing his unique brand of comedy to entertain us for this year’s event. For the uninitiated, Steve is an extremely talented ventriloquist whose anarchic puppets get away with much more than he ever could! We are not sure which of his puppet friends will be joining him on stage but we know you’ll enjoy their company!

… And who will be hosting this year’s event you ask?

We are absolutely delighted that we will have the ever funny and immensely popular Mr Fred Macaulay joining us to host the evening and share with us his unique brand of wry Scottish wit. Rumour has it he used to be an accountant…Really?

The event will take place on Friday 8 April 2016 at the gorgeously opulent Prestonfield House and for a great value £95 per head, you will be treated to a wonderful four course gastronomic feast and a belly full of laughs too. We expect next year’s event to sell out fast, so if you would like to register your interest please call us on:

0131 551 1381 or email: fund@stcolumbashopsice.org.uk

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WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK

FOR ST COLUMBA’S HOSPICE

A NIGHT OF LAUGHTER, DINNER AND DANCING HO

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FA S

B Y AY STED AUL

C

MA

PLUS

STEVE HEWLETT

JOIN US APRIL 8TH 2016 THE STABLES, PRESTONFIELD 7PM WITH CARRIAGES AT 1AM

CIN WITH AT I NG

GARY LITTLE

AÏD

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40 YEARS OF FUNDRAISING WE HAVE MANY SUPPORTERS WHO HAVE HELPED FUNDRAISE FOR US SINCE WE OPENED IN 1977 – SOME OF WHOM STILL CONTINUE TO FUNDRAISE TODAY. Barbara Bayne (left) and Margaret Page (right) may be in their eighties now, but for the past 40 years they have raised tens of thousands of pounds for St Columba’s Hospice – and it’s all down to car boot sales!

The friends began fundraising for the Hospice a few years after its opening, along with other ladies from a local group, based in Fife.

Barbara explains: “I was working for the Dunfermline Building Society and one of the ladies from the group came in one day and said, ‘You’d be good as a treasurer or secretary!’ – so that’s how I got involved!”

“I used to phone Alison Allan [former Project Lead for the new Hospice building] and ask her what she needed – we try to donate goods rather than money, little luxuries for the patients in Day Hospice that the Hospice’s budget wouldn’t cover. It’s a hobby, if you like! I have a double garage where we keep everything that is donated to us, which we then sell to raise funds. You wouldn’t believe what’s in my garage!”

The duo have donated various different things to the Hospice over the years, including portable DVD players for inpatients and even a snooker table:

“A nurse told us that a potential patient who came in with his family for a tour of the Hospice facilities was smiling by the time they finished because he had discovered the snooker table!” says Margaret. “It’s nice to be able to do that but it’s all thanks to the people who donate what they no longer need to us, and those who buy it!”

We think these ladies are truly an inspiration, and a great example of the difference fundraisers can make to the Hospice. Thank you, Barbara and Margaret, from everyone here at St Columba’s Hospice.

“We try to donate goods rather than money, little luxuries for the patients in Day Hospice that the Hospice’s budget wouldn’t cover.”

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CHRISTMAS FAIR Join us for our Christmas Fair where you’ll find unique gifts or treat yourself to a stunning piece of handmade jewellery.

We have brought together a collection of contemporary jewellery, crafts, sculpture and prints from some of Edinburgh’s most talented makers, along with our own selection of traditional Hospice Christmas Cards and gifts.

An array of stocking fillers from the finest local producers completes the selection.

also take advantage of the delicious snacks and lunches available in the Iona Café, or between 6pm and 8pm on the Friday we will also be holding an informal drinks reception – just the thing to get you in the mood for shopping!

So why not avoid the High Street and pop along with family and friends to start your Christmas Shopping in the relaxed surroundings of our Education Centre. While you are here you can

VOLUNTEERS’ WEEK This year’s Volunteers’ Week ran from the 1-7 June 2015, so our Volunteer Department lined up various events and tea parties to thank our wonderful 600-strong workforce of volunteers for all they do.

Our Chief Executive Jackie spoke at some of the events to the volunteers about how important they are to the running of our Hospice – and we couldn't agree more!

Thank you again to all of our volunteers, for the difference you make to not only those who use our services, but also to the staff and our local community.

Volunteers’ Week is organised by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) – you can find out more at:

www.volunteersweek.org WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK

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OUR INTERNS! OUR FUNDRAISING DEPARTMENT IS A BUSY PLACE. FROM TAKING DONATIONS AND SETTING UP ROADSHOWS TO MANAGING CROSS-COUNTRY CYCLING CHALLENGES AND MARATHONS, THE TEAM ARE ALWAYS HAPPY TO GET SOME EXTRA SUPPORT. exhibition I organised was with my colleagues from Flawless Productions UK. It was called Discover Urban Art and we raised over £400 for a small Edinburgh charity called The Teapot Trust, which supports children with chronic diseases through art therapy.

CORRY

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I was born and raised in Poland.

WHAT DO YOU STUDY? Currently I am studying Business and Events Management at Queen Margaret University.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO APPLY FOR ONE OF OUR INTERNSHIPS? When I heard about this internship opportunity, I knew that it would be perfect for me. I am able to gain so much experience by working on The Push event.

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DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE, AND WHAT YOU DO IN THE FUNDRAISING DEPARTMENT. My role involves organising a series of promotional events around Edinburgh for The Push, contacting companies considering getting involved in The Push and general administration work at the office. In addition, I am the lucky guy who gets to drive the Push-branded Land Rover Defender!

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN A CHARITY/ FUNDRAISING BEFORE? Yes I have. The first art

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BEST AND WORST BITS? Every day is different! That is the most exciting part of my job. I enjoy the challenging tasks and the fantastic atmosphere at the office!

WHAT YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNED DURING YOUR TIME HERE? It has been a fantastic learning curve for me. Not only did I learn a lot about events management and marketing but also I got to work with an amazing fundraising team!

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? Going back to university in September.

POLLY

it would be great experience working on such a unique event as The Push but also helping to raise money for such a worthy cause.

HOW LONG WILL YOU BE WORKING WITH US? Corry and I will be here until the end of September, which means we will get to be involved in The Push on the day!

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I’m from Aberdeen.

WHAT DO YOU STUDY? I have recently graduated from Queen Margaret University with a BA Hons degree in Event Management.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR SUBJECT? I studied Event Management as it is an area I have always been interesting in. I enjoy how varied the job is and how no two days are the same.

WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO APPLY FOR ONE OF OUR INTERNSHIPS? I heard about St Columba’s through its links with my university. One of my lecturers told me about the job and I thought it would be a great organisation to get involved with. I thought

DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE, AND WHAT YOU DO IN THE FUNDRAISING DEPARTMENT. For the first few months we were involved in promoting the event through roadshows.

We were out every weekend and during the week with the Hospice branded Land Rover and the orange gazebo.

We were speaking to people and telling them more about the event and the Hospice. It was always nice when people came up to us and told us they had heard about the event as it made it feel like all our work was paying off.

Now that we are getting closer to the event we have reduced the number of roadshows we are doing and now focusing more on helping with the organisation of the event.

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN INVOLVED IN A CHARITY/ FUNDRAISING BEFORE? I have been involved with charities since I was 13 when I started volunteering for my local Riding for the Disabled Group for my Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold awards.

Ever since then I have regularly given up my weekends to volunteer at local charity events in Aberdeen. This is the first charity I have worked for in Edinburgh and after speaking to many people it has shown me how highly valued St Columba’s is in Edinburgh.

WHAT YOU FEEL YOU HAVE LEARNED DURING YOUR TIME HERE? I feel I have learned a lot from my time here, it has taught me a lot about fundraising and how crucial these events are to raise money for the Hospice.

WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU? I am now applying for jobs in sport Event Management as this is the area in which I aim to pursue a career.

If you would like to volunteer with us, contact: vol@stcolumbashopsice.org.uk or call 0131 551 1381

WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK

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Cycle 200 Miles in 4 days EDINBURGH TO IONA 11-15 MAY 2016 To sign up today or for more information visit www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk or call 0131 551 1381

EVENTS DIARY 2015/16 CHRISTMAS FAIR 6 – 7 NOVEMBER 2015

CELTIC CHALLENGE 11 – 15 MAY 2016

A WALK TO REMEMBER JUNE 2016

Visit the Christmas Fair and find perfect gifts for friends and family. The Fair brings together a unique collection of contemporary jewellery, crafts, sculpture, and prints, as well as cards and gifts supporting the Hospice.

If you love cycling and are looking for a fantastic challenge that will put your fitness and stamina to the test, the Celtic Challenge is for you!

From 11 – 15 May 2016, you will cycle for 4 days over 200 miles from Edinburgh to Iona, passing through some of the most stunning and unspoilt landscapes in Scotland. Visit our website for more details.

Whether you are walking to honour or celebrate a life well lived and much loved, join us on A Walk to Remember.

On the 13 mile or five route through the hidden heart of the city of Edinburgh, we will take time out to reflect on the good times we’ve had with those no longer with us.

LIGHT A LIGHT & LIGHT UP A LIFE 14 DECEMBER 2015 Join us as we light the lights on our Tree of Remembrance in Charlotte Square Gardens, and afterwards at St John’s Church for Christmas Carols.

BURNS SUPPER 29 JANUARY 2016 Keep the festive party season going and book your table at our Burns Supper at the Edinburgh Corn Exchange!

Enjoy an evening of traditional Scottish food, live music and ceilidh – with a comedy twist – and help raise money for St Columba’s Hospice.

STAND UP FOR ST COLUMBA’S 8 APRIL 2016 Save the date for next year’s ‘Stand Up For St Columba’s!’

Expect a fantastic night of laughter, live music, dinner and dancing at Prestonfield House on the 8 April 2016 – perfect to enjoy with family, friends or work colleagues! Keep an eye on our website for more details.

GIANT PUB QUIZ 12 MAY 2016 Test your knowledge and get quizzical for a night of fun!

With a £600 first prize fund up for grabs, as well as excellent prizes for the teams in second and third place, this is the perfect event for quiz fiends!

Tickets include a pie and a pint.

EDINBURGH MARATHON FESTIVAL 28 – 29 MAY 2016 Take to the streets of Edinburgh and run for St Columba’s Hospice! As well as the marathon there’s also a half marathon, 10k, 5k, junior races and a relay to choose from – with plenty of support from the other runners and spectators.

ART FRIENDS 3 – 5 JUNE 2016 Art Friends returns for 2016 and will see more stunning local art on display at the Hospice. The exhibition will include contemporary painting, sculpture and jewellery from some of Scotland’s most established artists alongside emerging talent.

FORTH RAIL BRIDGE ABSEIL 26 JUNE 2016 Test your head for heights in an abseil off the iconic Forth Rail Bridge! As well as raising funds for St Columba’s, you will enjoy incredible views across Edinburgh, the Lothians and Fife on your way down from the top of the Bridge.

WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK

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Burns Supper

Friday 29 January 2016 7PM-1.30AM Edinburgh Corn Exchange

A twist on the traditional Burns Supper, the evening includes a four course dinner, ceilidh and a fabulous line up of top Scottish comedy talent.

The evening will be hosted by Scott Wilson, featuring renowned Burns performer Sandy Strange who will raise a Toast Tae the Lassies. BBC Comedienne and Burns enthusiast Keara Murphy will propose the Immortal Memory. The evening will finish with a Ceilidh and music from band Corra into the wee sma’ oors…

YOUR TICKET WILL INCLUDE: •

Fizz on arrival

•

Four-course traditional dinner

•

A nip to toast the Bard

•

Entertainment and live music and Ceilidh from Corra

YOUR BOOKING Please reserve:

Table(s) of 10 @ £550

Please reserve:

Ticket(s) @ £55

Please reserve:

VIP ticket(s) @ £69

Number of vegetarian options required: Booking Name:

VIP £69

There a re a lim ited nu of VIP mber tickets • Acce offering ss to th : e priva te pre-e recepti vent on from • The o 6PM pportu nity to meet th evening e ’s spea • Welc kers ome dri nk and canapé s

PAYMENT I enclose a cheque for total payment to £ ‘St Columba’s Hospice’ for the value of: I would like to pay by VISA/MASTER CARD/SWITCH and authorise you to debit my card for the total amount of:

£

DONATION Card Number

Address: Start Date

Issue No. Expiry Date

Signature

Date

Postcode: Phone: Email: Please send this completed form to: St Columba’s Hospice, 15 Boswall Road, Edinburgh EH5 3RW For all enquiries please contact:

fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk or call: 0131 551 1381 24 | WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK

I am unable to attend but would like to make a donation to the Hospice of:

£

Please treat the enclosed gift and any future gifts as a Gift Aid Donation. I confirm I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that the charity I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year.

I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Council Tax do not qualify.

I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give.