AN AYRSHIRE charity that cares for people with life-limiting illnesses is facing a "perfect storm" of rising costs and increased demand, an MSP has warned.

Sharon Dowey issued the alert after meeting members of the Ayrshire Hospice team to find out about the charity's present-day challenges - and its plans for the future.

The charity was established to enhance the quality of life for those suffering from any life-limiting illnesses such as cancer and lung disease, and to support families and carers facing the loss of a loved one.

Ms Dowey, a Conservative MSP for the South Scotland region, said it was important to see a big turnout of Ayrshire residents at the charity's fund-raising events planned for later this year.

Construction work on the charity's £17 million 'capital build' project - which will see a new hospice and administrative base built at the organisation's home in Racecourse Road, Ayr - began last month.

In the midst of a difficult fund raising environment, Ayrshire Hospice are holding a Shining Star Memory Walk, a Summer Ball and a Golf Day all in the coming months to help them raise the funds they need to deliver services.

Ms Dowey said: “Ayrshire Hospice do a fantastic job at enhancing the quality of life for those suffering a life-limiting illness, and it was great to meet with them last week to hear about their plans for the future.

“During the meeting, the team mentioned that hospices are facing a ‘perfect storm’ of rising staff and energy costs, an increase in demand for palliative care, and a tough fundraising environment.

“That’s why it’s so important that we all support Ayrshire Hospices’ shops and their fundraising events when we can, to help them carry out their important work.

“With Ayrshire Hospice's Shining Star Memory Walk, the Summer Ball and the Golf Day all coming up, there’s a lot to look forward to.

“All of the money raised by these events will go a long way in supporting the charity to deliver palliative care, and it would be great to see a big turnout at all of the fund-raisers.”

The hospice's in-patient unit and associated ancillary functions are temporarily based at East Ayrshire Community Hospital in Cumnock.

The charity's community services operation also has a temporary admin base in the Lochranza Ward at Ailsa Hospital in Ayr.