Ayrshire Hospice has launched their Christmas campaign as they urge residents to help “make someone’s last Christmas a special one”.

The money will help the charity to deliver a meaningful festive period to all patients in their care – many of whom won’t get to experience Christmas again.

Clinical Manager Chris Rodden 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.

“Our team will be working hard to make every patient experience as homely and festive as possible.”

The appeal comes amidst the rebuild of the Hospice’s main building on Racecourse Road in Ayr which has seen the In-Patient Unit relocated to East Ayrshire Community Hospital in Cumnock.

Chris added: “The hospice’s vital work throughout Ayrshire and Arran continues and we are innovating, growing and continuing to reach more patients and families.

“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.”

As well as providing care to palliative patients, the Hospice also provides emotional support to patients and their loved ones.

1,261 people were referred to the charity for care and support during the 2010-2021 period.

You can donate to Ayrshire Hospice phone by calling 01292 288488, by cheque payable to ‘Ayrshire Hospice’ addressed to Ayrshire Hospice Fundraising, 29 Miller Road, Ayr KA7 2AX, or through their website www.ayrshirehospice.org.