AUTUMN 2017 LIGHT UP A LIFE DAY THERAPIES DEVELOPMENT FORTY YEARS (AND MORE!) OF VOLUNTEERING
IN THIS ISSUE 03 WELCOME 04 NEWS FROM THE HOSPICE 06 DAY THERAPIES DEVELOPMENT 08 COMMUNITY FOCUS 11 CHRISTMAS COLLECTION 12 LIGHT UP A LIFE 14 FORTY YEARS (AND MORE!) OF VOLUNTEERING 16 CELTIC CHALLENGE 18 ON THE HIGH STREET IN PORTOBELLO 20 40 YEARS OF ST COLUMBA’S HOSPICE 22 SMALL CHANGE, BIG DIFFERENCE! 23 EVENTS CALENDAR
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
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WELCOME TO THE AUTUMN EDITION OF LIFE MAGAZINE IT IS, AS ALWAYS, AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE TO WELCOME YOU TO THE LATEST EDITION OF OUR MAGAZINE, LIFE. IT’S BEEN A BUSY SUMMER FOR US ALL AT THE HOSPICE AND AS WE LOOK FORWARDS TO THE AUTUMN EVENINGS AND WINTER LIGHTS WE ARE FOCUSSING ON WHAT’S PLANNED OVER THE COMING MONTHS, AND ON THE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES THAT WE SUPPORT THROUGHOUT EDINBURGH AND THE LOTHIANS. Hospice care isn’t just about the support delivered in our inpatient unit and in this edition of Life, you can read about the latest developments in our day therapies department. Yvonne Whitehouse tells us about what the shift to day therapies means and why we are dedicated to ensuring we support people in the way that’s right for them. We’re not a “one–size-fits-all” organisation and we have exciting plans to extend our person-centred care in new ways over the coming months. We’re also looking forward to Christmas and to our wonderful annual event, Light up a Life. Depending on when you’re reading this, Christmas may either feel like a long time away, or worryingly close! Here at the Hospice we take every opportunity to enjoy the festivities, and to make time for precious moments that families can share together. Our annual lighting of our Christmas tree in Charlotte Square Gardens on 11 December is a special time for many of our supporters, with 2,000 of you attending the event last year. This year, as with 2016, we’ll also be lighting a special second tree here at the Hospice on the same evening as our public tree lighting in Charlotte Square. It’s a chance for those staying at the Hospice, as well as staff, volunteers and family members to experience one of the symbolic acts of the season, and hopefully to enjoy a warm mince pie.
In December 1977, the Hospice opened its doors to the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians. This took years of hard work, dedication, commitment and of course vision. 40 years on, I have the privilege of working alongside a workforce of staff and volunteers who embody these founding principles and who deliver something very special indeed for the individuals and families we support. Our care and support isn’t about a building, wonderful that it is, but rather the people who inhabit it. Everyone plays a vital role, and everyone delivers support in their own unique way, whether it be through ensuring the finances are accurate, the rooms are cleaned, the sheets are laundered or the meals lovingly prepared. And then there’s our wonderful supporters; our community of individuals, groups, companies, and more, who dig deep, take on challenges, fundraise in a myriad of ways and ensure that we can be here when we are needed most. From all of us at the Hospice, thank you for your continued support – it quite simply makes all the difference. With best wishes for the coming months.
Jackie Stone Chief Executive WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK
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NEWS FROM THE HOSPICE CELEBRATING VOLUNTEERING! In June of this year, we were delighted that three individual volunteers and one volunteer team received Inspiring Volunteering Awards from the Lord Provost. Chris Graham, who has been a volunteer with us for 40 years this year, and Rosemary Addison were invited to receive their awards from the Lord Provost at the City Chambers on 7th June. George McEwan, one of our drivers, and our Can Collecting Team also received certificates, which were presented to them during our own Volunteers Week celebration team parties. Well done to all of them!
SUMMER BUNTING EVENT Thank you to everyone who supported our Summer to Remember Appeal. Throughout the summer we received personalised pennants with dedications to loved ones and messages of support. On Sunday 20 August we were joined by supporters, families and friends for our first Summer to Remember Event in Lomond Park, Edinburgh. Over a relaxed couple of hours with music, cake and afternoon tea, we took time to celebrate, share memories and remember loved ones. The personalised pennants formed part of a wonderful bunting display and were a tribute to all those who have given us such lovely summer memories. We had over 500 donations, 380 dedicated pennants, 77m of personalised bunting and quite a lot of tea and cake! After the event the bunting adorned the grounds of the Education Centre where the display and dedications provided inspiration and moments of quiet reflection to staff and visitors alike.
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Volunteer Chris Graham with our Medical Director Dr Duncan Brown.
RESEARCH MATTERS In August this year we were delighted to welcome Dr Charlie Hall to the team as Medical Research Fellow. Here, Charlie shares a little about his role and why he’s so excited to join the Hospice team for two years. “I graduated as a doctor in Edinburgh in 2008 and have always aspired to specialise in Palliative Care. I undertook my junior doctor training in Scotland and Northern Ireland and became a specialist registrar in Palliative Medicine in August 2016. Prior to this I worked for two and a half years as a Specialty Doctor in Palliative Medicine in Edinburgh and West Lothian, where I gained a variety of research experience from policy development, to Anticipatory Care Planning and improving access to the Key Information Summary (KIS) in hospitals. I jumped at the opportunity to apply for this post, as a Medical Research Fellow with St Columba’s Hospice. During my time here I will be working alongside the already established Research Team to support the implementation of the Hospice Research Strategy, while working towards attaining an MD in Rehabilitative Palliative Care. I will then return to my training to become a consultant in Palliative Care. My role includes the planning, management and analysis of our exciting ENeRgy trial (Exercise and Nutritional Rehabilitation) alongside Dr Barry Laird, the Principal Investigator, Jane Cook, our newly appointed Research Nurse as well as the Hospice Physiotherapy Team and many more. The ENeRgy trial is a Randomised
Control study looking at the feasibility and benefits of a rehabilitation programme for hospice outpatients across Edinburgh, which will be starting to recruit soon. We will be running clinics in the day therapies area for trial patients who will have their own individualised exercise and nutrition programme for eight weeks. I will also be working on the wards one day per week. We want to foster the culture of research within the Hospice, as it is hugely beneficial to both patients and families, as well as interesting and rewarding for staff members who are involved. I look forward to working within the Hospice team to help put St Columba’s Hospice firmly on the map locally, nationally and internationally as a centre for high quality research”.
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DAY THERAPIES DEVELOPMENT You may remember in the last edition of Life, we announced our plan to update the care and support provided by our day hospice. The service is an integral part of the care we offer to people living with palliative care needs at home. However, advances in medical care and earlier diagnosis means that more people with serious long-term illnesses are living longer. For this reason, we spoke to people and families supported by our service, as well as specialist staff and volunteers at the heart of what we do, to find out how we could best meet the changing needs of those we care for. In response to this we redesigned our day hospice, and in early October, launched our new Day Therapies service. The purpose of the change is to allow us to support the increasing number of people who would benefit from earlier access to palliative care. As the new Day Therapies Manager, I have spent the past few months speaking to people about my role and introducing our new service. During this time, I’ve found that many patients, volunteers and members of the public find that terms used by health professionals in relation to health and palliative care can be confusing.
YVONNE WHITEHOUSE In particular, when working with patients, I often hear how scared or upset they are when they first hear the word hospice. Questions they ask me include 'Does this mean I am going to die very soon? Is this the end? What if I never come out? Isn't it just for people with cancer? What does terminal mean? What is a day hospice?' In thinking about what we want the new Day Therapies to encompass, and who we want it to be accessible to, the first thing I want to do is explain what the different words and terms you may hear or read mean. So let's answer these common questions. When hospices were first set up in the UK in the 1970s, their aim was to care for people with cancer at the end of their lives. However, we now know that hospice care can be beneficial to people from the point of being told they have any type of palliative illness. Palliative diagnosis or illness is any long-term illness which cannot be cured and will lead to death. Broadly speaking, these illnesses can be divided into two categories - malignant (cancer) and non-malignant which includes organ failure and progressive neurological diseases such as motor neurone disease. As mentioned, advances in medical treatments mean that the point of diagnosis to the end of someone's life could be many years. Sometimes a palliative illness is referred to as a terminal or life-limiting illness. However, some health professionals use the term terminal care or terminal stage (or phase) when talking specifically about someone's last days and weeks of life and this can be confusing or upsetting.
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When a person is told they have a palliative, incurable or terminal illness and is being referred to a hospice, it does not necessarily mean that we anticipate the person's life expectancy to be short. In contrast, early referral is often because hospice services are now recognised as being able to support people to get the best out of life and plan for the future while they are still relatively well. Each person who is referred to our Day Therapies service will be offered an individual assessment and goal setting session. This will be followed by an agreed and planned programme of therapeutic activity tailored to address some of the physical, emotional, social and spiritual difficulties people may experience following a diagnosis. The activities timetable has been designed specifically to offer self-management strategies that have been scientifically researched to help people manage the symptoms of a palliative
illness and to improve people's sense of wellbeing. Some of the activities on offer include a walking group, a singing group, a class teaching people how to cope with fatigue, anxiety and breathlessness and a creative group - this timetable will grow as we become more established. Day Therapies runs on a Tuesday and Thursday from 10-3pm but there is also the option to attend shorter group sessions or see a specific team member on a one-to-one basis. It is a 12 week rolling programme and attendees have a review meeting at six and 12 weeks. After 12 weeks, it may be appropriate to be discharged from Day Therapies and we see this as a really positive step in helping people to live well with a palliative illness. If you have a palliative illness and are interested in being referred, please speak to your health care professional.
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COMMUNITY FOCUS
ANNA KACHKOVA FORT WILLIAM MARATHON Anna chose to take on the Fort William Marathon
to do my best for David and his family, kept me
for the Hospice earlier this year – no mean feat!
going. I finished in 4:06:54, which I was delighted
Here, she describes the motivation that kept her
with. I thought of all of you while I was running
going and thanks her supporters.
and dedicated parts of the course to you. The
“They weren't joking about it being a tough race, but your support, your words of encouragement and very generous donations, as well as the desire
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amount I have raised is unbelievable and so far above my target! Thank you, thank you so much all of you. I know what a great help it will be to St Columba's.”
GLORIOUS GALA IN LOMOND PARK St Columba’s Hospice was pleased to be invited once again to be part of the biennial Trinity Community Gala organised by Wardie Church. The Gala took place on the last Sunday in August and turned out to be a glorious day. Lomond Park was filled with people of all ages enjoying the various stalls and entertainment on offer. The Hospice was lucky enough to have a prime site with a gazebo provided to us in our corporate colours! Goods on offer included our popular
RAVELSTON GOLF CLUB GET IN THE SWING OF THINGS FOR THE HOSPICE
cuddly teddy, some luxurious handmade candles
Ravelston Golf Club decided to mark St Columba's
towel. It was a worthwhile day for the Hospice and
40th anniversary by selecting us as its charity of the year! The group raised £900 for the Hospice
and diffusers, some more practical items on sale were our hospice shopper, trolley keyring and tea a pleasure to be part of the Trinity community.
through raffles in their Invitational and Open Golf Competitions which took place earlier in the year. Yvonne Barrie, Lady Captain, on behalf of the club, said: "Thank you for all you do. Please accept this gift with our love and very best wishes for at least another 40 years!!" The two ladies in the photo are Yvonne Barrie and Diane Ross.
DOG JOG DEDICATION ‘Myself and my dog Cara took part in the Edinburgh Dog Jog for our local hospice, St Columba’s Hospice. It is the fortieth anniversary of the Hospice and we wished to help raise funds and awareness for the remarkably supportive and caring work the staff do. Having worked in the health service in the 1970's when the Hospice commenced I was aware of the much needed care and compassion provided by them. Now I am retired I thought it was the least I could do to share in their milestone. From speaking to people and families involved in the charity it is absolutely clear what a hugely positive difference the Hospice makes to so many people.’
DEDICATION Sienna chose to cut her hair in support of the Hospice, also choosing to donate her hair to the Little Princess Trust. Both of Sienna’s great grandfathers died in the Hospice and so Sienna chose to do something for us in their memory. Thank you Sienna! WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK
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The Giant
PUB QUIZ THURSDAY 9 NOVEMBER, 6.30PM AT EDINBURGH CORN EXCHANGE
fantastic
prizes to be won
1S T, 2N D, 3R D P LAC E PR IZE S U P F O R GR ABS
For Tickets
FUND@STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK or call 0131 551 1381
A PIE A N D A pint BEER, GLASS OF WINE OR A CIDER
INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE £75 for a team of 6 OR £15 PE R H E AD
St Columba’s Hospice is a registered charity. Charity No. Sc003634
CHRISTMAS COLLECTION We’re proud to showcase our Christmas Collection for 2017. We have some new and exciting Christmas gifts on offer, along with our popular regular staples such as the Artist’s Calendar and Diary. We have a wonderful selection of Christmas cards this year, including our bestselling card of 2016, ‘Edinburgh at Christmas’ by local artist John F Martin. Two further Edinburgh design cards are available which are always popular and ideal to send at home or abroad, featuring some famous Edinburgh landmarks. Other cards have a more contemporary feel and we also have traditional festive Robins or Santa cards, so something for everyone! The Artists’ Calendar this year has some beautiful vibrant paintings, all from local artists who are regular supporters of The Art Friends of St Columba's Hospice Exhibition. The desk calendar has been printed in the usual style ideal for monthly planning at a glance with the added benefit of a tear off postcard of the image. Our 2018, branded slim line pocket diary comes in Aqua or Grey and has a quality newhide cover, the perfect gift for a traditional planner. We have a selection of gift bags on offer in two designs and in various sizes, including a bottle bag! New Christmas gifts for children this year include Elf Snap Cards, Santa’s Glasses and much more. The Hospice branded goods continue to be popular and feature some practical items such as a handy cotton shopper, trolley coin keyring and new this year, a tea towel. Other gift items include a cute and cuddly teddy bear or scented candles and diffusers handmade in Scotland. Our Christmas collection is available for sale through our catalogue, online at www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk/online-shop and in our Iona Café in the Hospice. Christmas cards will also be on sale through our charity shops across Edinburgh, details of which can be found on page 19.
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LIGHT UP A LIFE AS CHRISTMAS APPROACHES, MANY OF US WILL START LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING TOGETHER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. SPENDING TIME WITH OUR LOVED ONES IS A CORNERSTONE OF THE FESTIVE SEASON BUT FOR MANY, IT CAN ALSO BE A TIME OF REFLECTION AND A TIME TO REMEMBER FAMILY AND FRIENDS NO LONGER WITH US. Every year, nestled in Edinburgh’s Charlotte Square Gardens, and surrounded by the bustling city centre festive displays and activities, our Tree of Remembrance stands proud. It has become a staple in our diary and marks the beginning of the Christmas celebrations at St Columba’s Hospice. Each and every light on the tree shines bright against the night sky and is dedicated in memory of those we have loved and lost. For many, coming along to our Light Up a Life service and dedicating a light on the Tree of Remembrance is a very special occasion and can be a wonderful way of showing that just because someone is gone, they are not forgotten. The ceremony brings together family and friends and many find comfort in sharing their memories with others. The annual appeal supports the work of the hospice and helps us to provide specialist palliative care and support to people across Edinburgh and the Lothians, when it is needed most. Christmas is a special time for family and one of the greatest gifts we can give is bringing friends and family together to share and celebrate this precious time together. Our community team works hard to ensure that the patients in their care can have a memorable Christmas at home, whilst the staff and volunteers at the hospice do everything they can to make the festive season as special as possible.
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Richard Mackay, our Inpatient Unit Manager at the Hospice, explains how your donation will help us to support patients and families at such a special time of year: “The festive season is almost upon us and over the coming months, the Hospice will transform into a spectacular winter wonderland both inside and out. Our staff and volunteers will deck the halls with beautiful garlands, decorations and thousands of fairy lights to bring sparkle and a touch of magic to St Columba’s Hospice. Presents are wrapped, cards written and homemade mince pies and festive treats prepared with care by our catering team. We will also have a beautifully decorated 12ft tree in our garden courtyard for patients and families, and throughout December we will be joined by carol singers from local schools and communities. “As the Hospice’s Inpatient Unit Manager, I have the privilege of managing the unit’s nursing team, made up of four charge nurses and 75 registered and auxiliary nurses. We work in partnership with the wider hospice team to care for 30 inpatients, their families and loved ones. The Hospice is at any one time an extra special place to work at Christmas time and together,
we put a big focus on making sure everyone in our care has a very personal experience so that families and loved ones can celebrate being together and enjoy their own special family traditions.
“We are very fortunate to have beautiful accommodation for relatives, including family sitting rooms, kitchens and bedrooms. This helps us to facilitate what patients would like too. It helps make amazing memories.
“For some patients last year, who were nearing the end of their life, it became apparent that they may not make it to Christmas day. Your donations made it possible for us to allow these patients to enjoy the precious time they had with the people most important to them.
“Our Chaplain leads a Christmas morning service in both the Pentland and Cedar wards. Each patient receives a present and can enjoy a fantastic homemade Christmas lunch prepared by our excellent kitchen staff.
“We see a rollercoaster of emotions including sorrow, joy, fun, love and laughter. No matter what an individual’s situation may be, we focus on celebrating life and we bring as much warmth and light to those spending Christmas with us as we can.
“Thank you for your continued support. Every single donation really makes a difference.” Light up a Life is a very special annual event, full of the warmth and love that St Columba’s Hospice has been bringing to our local community for the last 40 years. It is a chance to pause and remember the lives of our loved ones, in the company of others who understand. We welcome you to join us at this year’s Lighting Ceremony and support us as we continue to support our local community. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supports our Light Up A Life appeal, which enables us to provide care and support to the hospice’s patients and their families throughout the festive period. This year's ceremony is taking place on 11 December at 6.30pm in Charlotte Square Gardens in Edinburgh. We hope you can make it along. If you would like to Light Up A Life on the Tree of Remembrance, you can make your dedications and donations online by visiting our website: www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk. Any contribution you can make is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK
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FORTY YEARS (AND MORE!) OF VOLUNTEERING… THIS YEAR, ST COLUMBA’S HOSPICE ISN’T JUST MARKING 40 YEARS SINCE IT OPENED IN 1977. WE ARE ALSO CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS OF VOLUNTEERING! St Christopher’s in Sydenham in 1967, she made a deliberate commitment to involve volunteers.
The Hospice currently has over 650 volunteers, supporting us in everything that we do. We are proud and humbled that over 200 volunteers help in our shops, 70 people service our collecting cans, and many more support fundraising activities across Edinburgh and the Lothians. We have almost 60 drivers in our Patient Transport Team, and in total almost 400 people regularly come into the Hospice itself to help us in all sorts of ways – answer our phones, greet visitors, serve refreshments, arrange flowers, help on the wards, offer counselling, complementary therapy or chaplaincy support, and provide a huge range of behind the scenes office services. One of our volunteers will be marking 40 years of volunteering this year, and we know that others who have joined recently were part of the original group, fundraising for the Hospice before it opened. Hospices have a long and proud history of volunteer involvement. When Dame Cicely Saunders, the founder of the modern hospice movement, opened the first modern hospice,
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Shortly afterwards, Anne Weatherill, who had the original vision to set up a modern Hospice in Edinburgh, was inspired by hearing Cecily Saunders speak here in Edinburgh in the late 1960s. In order to find out more, Anne volunteered at the newly opened St Christopher’s Hospice for three weeks – so she could be seen as not only the founder, but also the first person to volunteer for the benefit of St Columba’s Hospice. Anne pulled together a small team of volunteers, equally committed to a hospice in Edinburgh and together they worked to raise awareness and money. Once Challenger Lodge had been purchased, volunteers furnished it and set it up and when local people living nearby heard about the new Hospice, they also volunteered to help out. The first member of staff was appointed in 1976 – by then, volunteers had already been involved for nine years. Once the Hospice was up and running, volunteers became involved in providing teas, running reception, looking after plants and flowers on the wards, and looking after the Hospice garden. They continued to carry out huge amounts of fundraising in new ways – groups sprang up to run fundraising events, and a trading group grew up, to oversee the selling of items to raise money for the Hospice. The level of support was very strong. Soon after opening, the Hospice had 500 volunteers supporting it, and the first volunteer managers were appointed – Sheana Monteath and Joyce Will. As Hospice services and activities expanded, roles for volunteers expanded too. With the opening of Day Hospice came a need for drivers to bring patients in and take them
If you want to be part of this exciting adventure, ring us on home, and volunteers were asked to run the Murray Room and the Iona Room, where staff, volunteers, patients and visitors could get refreshments. Today, our team ranges in age from 16 to over 90. Our volunteers are drawn from across Edinburgh and beyond – some cross the Firth of Forth to volunteer in the Hospice, others volunteer locally in one of our shops or by servicing local collecting cans, but most come into the Hospice. Many will come because the Hospice has cared for a relative or friend, and they want to ‘give something back’ or to be part of the care given by our staff and volunteers. Some are here because a hospice elsewhere in Scotland or the UK has cared for a relative, and they would like to ‘give back’ through their local hospice. Some are looking to develop their skills or confidence, before starting work, going back into work, or going on to study. And for some, we are simply the most convenient place – just around the corner, and a great local charity! Whatever their reasons, we want to make sure that everyone enjoys their volunteering, and goes home knowing that they have made a difference. As with all things, volunteering has changed. Volunteering now looks very different from the 1970s, when the Hospice opened, and it will continue to evolve. Changing patterns of work, later retirement, and a huge increase in youth volunteering are beginning to affect who approaches us, and the time that they offer. So we need to think smarter! In the last few years, we have developed new roles for volunteers. We now have a small team of volunteers with dogs (and a cat!), visiting the
0131 551 1381 and speak to someone in Volunteer Services.
We would love to hear from you!
Hospice. We have hugely expanded our tin collecting team, more than doubling the amount we raise through this method, and also reminding local people that the Hospice is there for everyone. We are currently reviewing how we can best involve volunteers in our new day therapy services, and on the wards. We have many gifted volunteers already in these teams, with qualifications or working histories as nurses, counsellors, social workers or teachers. We want to find new ways of using their skills to help our patients and their families. We are also more thoughtful about how we involve volunteers with strong skills – we have a volunteer working with us to support the implementation of our strategy and measure our achievements, and another who is working with us to look at how we can best capture and respond to feedback. We are looking at more flexible working patterns for volunteers, and using new technology for communication and support. We have bold plans to modernise and expand the services provided by St Columba’s Hospice over the next few years, and we know that the involvement of skilled and skillful volunteers as part of our staff team is a crucial part of helping us to reach as many people as we can, offer them appropriate support, and ensure that we can be with them, whatever their journey.
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CELTIC CHALLENGE The Celtic Challenge has been a mainstay of the Hospice events calendar for 8 years, with our fantastic participants now having raised over £230,000 for the Hospice through their fundraising efforts. Departing from the Hospice in Edinburgh and finishing on the tiny island of Iona, the Celtic Challenge takes in some of Scotland’s top rated and most scenic cycling routes. The Celtic Challenge covers a 200 mile route over 4 days and sees participants forming friendships, testing their limits and undertaking a highly rewarding way of fundraising for the Hospice. Keith Hatton completed the Celtic Challenge in 2017 with his son, Andrew, and has shared his experience with us.
to give "something" back and fundraising for the Hospice was the least we could do. What appealed to you about the Celtic Challenge? While Elizabeth was in the Hospice, she told us about one of the staff nurses on her ward who had taken on the Celtic Challenge in 2016 (and who we would meet on the ride in 2017!). So when I enquired about fundraising activities at the Hospice, and was reminded about the Celtic Challenge, it seemed like the natural thing to do – and it also meant I had to commit to a training regime! Getting my older son Andrew involved was easy as he too wanted to remember a very special member of the family – although he did find committing to the training difficult! Did you have any prior cycling experience?
Why did you choose to support St Columba’s Hospice? My late sister-in-law Elizabeth Will spent her last months at the Hospice up to May 2016 and, as a family, we were extremely impressed by the compassion, support and care that all of the staff and volunteers offered not only to Elizabeth but to the whole family. Nothing seemed to be too much trouble and the Hospice staff and nurses made Elizabeth's final months as comfortable and full of dignity as possible. We simply wanted
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I had undertaken a charity bike ride from London to Paris for the Royal British Legion in September 2016 - so that gave me a good grounding - but Andrew had not been on a bike before other than as a child and then only covering short distances. His inability to commit to any training rides meant that as the day of the start from the Hospice approached he had been on just 3 training rides with the longest of those being just 9 miles and so we were both quite concerned about what lay ahead given we would be
averaging 50 miles per day – particularly in terms of sore limbs (etc!!) - but he did (does) have youth on his side (he is 27) and benefits from a good level of fitness from his other sporting activities. How did you your training for the challenge go? Training needed to be structured and also needed to reflect the fact that riding in Scotland meant some pretty hilly terrain and, given it was taking place in May, some potentially changeable weather! What was it like setting off from the Hospice? In a word - wonderful! The volunteers at the Hospice offered all the participants a hearty breakfast of porridge and/or bacon/sausage rolls to help us on our way. There were plenty of introductions not only as most of the participants were meeting each other for the first time but we were also introduced to the Cycle Ecosse team – who were all absolutely brilliant throughout. A local primary school turned out to wave us off and a good luck banner was unfurled and we were all applauded up the road as we made our way on our bikes to our first rendezvous point at Cramond.
rewarding part is difficult but for me it was the cycle on Mull at the start of the last day. Andrew and I rode this leg almost exclusively together and the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. How did you feel crossing the finish line at Iona Abbey? Crossing the line at Iona Abbey was a mixture of relief and exhilaration and it was a very emotional experience. Some of us had family and friends there who had made the trip to greet us as we came across the line. We were also met by some very kind and hospitable people at the Abbey who fortified us with cups of tea and homemade cakes. How was your overall experience of the Celtic Challenge? Andrew and I really enjoyed the overall experience. The camaraderie we enjoyed from what was a relatively small group was outstanding and having a common goal gave us all a focus. There were people of all abilities and with lots of different life experiences and of very different ages - almost from 18 to 80!! There was something for everyone and nobody ever felt like they were being left behind or were holding up the group and for that we were all extremely thankful
What were the hardest and most rewarding parts of the route?
What advice would you give to someone signing up for the 2018 Celtic Challenge?
The hardest part was trying to cycle up the "Rest and be Thankful" – as anyone who has tried to get up it will know. Choosing the most
Structure your training rides, embrace the personal challenge and enjoy the experience.
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ON THE HIGH STREET IN
PORTOBELLO WE WERE ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED TO OPEN OUR NEW SHOP IN PORTOBELLO IN AUGUST – ST COLUMBA’S-BY-SEA! TO MARK THE OCCASION WE HAD A SMALL OPENING PARTY AND PREVIEW FOR VOLUNTEERS AND FRIENDS. We were absolutely delighted to open our new shop in Portobello in August – St Columba’sby-Sea! To mark the occasion we had a small opening party and preview for volunteers and friends. Our Chief Executive, Jackie Stone, spoke of the 5 year plan for the Hospice and how we are looking to extend our operations and profile as St Columba’s cares for patients and families throughout East Lothian. The shop is at 195 Portobello High Street and occupies two beautiful light filled rooms and a children's cave, packed with toys and books. After a refurbishment which included removing a wall and laying a new floor, many of our customers comment that they could “happily live here”! Marie Perth and Sheila MacLean, who both live locally in Portobello, and who, between them have years of charity retail experience at Barnardo’s and Save the Children, will be jointly managing the shop and already have a band of regular shoppers. Marie commented that the response from the people of Portobello has been quite overwhelming and often quite emotional, many coming in with stories of friends and relatives who have been looked after by the Hospice and who are just delighted to be able to support us locally, which, she added, makes the job incredibly personal and rewarding. People have also commented that it’s a new type of charity shop for Portobello, selling good quality and designer items at very reasonable prices. Sheila added that most people who come into the shop comment on the light and space and what a nice
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experience it is – many people have commented it's so fresh and modern, it doesn't even feel like a charity shop! Over the Autumn months the shop will be hosting various themed events. A vintage sale will include linens, clothes, vinyl, bric-a-brac and a craft sale for which we already have boxes of beautiful beads, cards, stamps and wool etc. As ever, our driver Gordon is available to collect donations and can be reached on 0131 555 0625.
We have a great band of volunteers helping in the shop who we are looking to add to, so if you are reading this, like the idea of helping the Hospice at the seaside and can spare a few hours weekly or fortnightly, do get in touch, either with Marie and Sheila at the shop (0131 657 3095) or with Sarah Munro, Shops Manager (0131 555 0625).
We’d love to welcome you to our beautiful shop!
SHOP AND SUPPORT THE WORK OF THE HOSPICE As well as our terrific new shop in Portobello, we have six other wonderful Hospice shops, all raising money to ensure we can provide the very best care and support possible to the individuals and families who use our services. By shopping in, or donating to our shops, you are helping us care for people in our inpatient unit, in our new day therapies centre or through our community nurses who offer support throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. Our shops can be found in the following places;
195/7 Morningside Road Edinburgh
74 Dalry Road Edinburgh
352 Leith Walk Edinburgh
15 Montagu Terrace Goldenacre Edinburgh
9 Comely Bank Road Stockbridge Edinburgh
65b Main Street Fauldhouse
Please do pop along to one of our shops and grab a bargain for a great cause!
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2017 MARKS THE 40TH YEAR OF
ST COLUMBA’S HOSPICE AS PART OF OUR YEAR-LONG PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES TO MARK FOUR DECADES SINCE WE OPENED OUR DOORS TO PATIENTS AND FAMILIES, WE ARE PUBLISHING STAFF BLOGS FROM LOTS OF MEMBERS OF OUR STAFF TEAM AT THE HOSPICE. HERE, GRAEME HOGG, A STEWARD AT THE HOSPICE, TELLS US ALL ABOUT HIS ROLE. Tell us about your role at the Hospice? My role at the Hospice is a very varied one. As a steward in the facilities department there are never two days the same. From providing security for all staff, patients, visitors, volunteers and the building itself, ensuring health and safety is being adhered to at all times, providing a service to every department no matter what the task may entail – we do lots. We also do the alarm and fire alarm checks; test the water and heating; provide maintenance for items including the beds, boilers, walking frames; and all general joinery, plumbing and electrical works.
How does your role as a steward help patients and families? How long have you worked at the Hospice? I have now been a steward with the Hospice for 15 months and I can honestly say that after a variety of different jobs through my working life, the Hospice has to be one of, if not the most enjoyable roles I have ever had.
Our duties are very much behind the scenes without too much interaction with the patients and families however I would like to think that by making sure all the rooms are well lit, heated to the patient’s comfort, that all equipment is in working order, and ensuring the grounds are kept clean and tidy – that it all adds up to patients and families comfort and expectations.
What would surprise people about your role? I think people would be surprised by the variety of my role. Many people may think that a steward deals with the alarms and security but as I have already mentioned we deal with everything to keep the Hospice up and running from a maintenance point of view, and we are always on our guard to expect the unexpected and remain pro-active at all times.
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What is it like working at the Hospice?
What do you like doing in your own time?
Working in the Hospice is an absolute privilege. In the past a hospice was known as being a sad, dark place to be but that could not be further from the truth. It is a very upbeat place to be with a wonderful happy atmosphere. The one thing I learned very quickly when I started working here was the amount of different departments; stewards, kitchen staff, domestic/housekeeping, nursing staff, day hospice staff, fundraising, office, education and volunteers. Although each department has a very individual role to play I love the fact that we all work as one big family, pulling together and striving to make the Hospice the best it can be. I have never met so many people in the one place who actually love their jobs and do it with a smile on their faces.
I enjoy going to my local bowling club for a small refreshment or two, meeting up with friends and watching football whilst checking my coupon. I started going to the gym about five months ago in which I have managed to lose almost 2 stone in weight so I’m very happy with that, but I’ve still got a bit to go yet. I also love spending time with my best friend in the whole wide world, my dog Max (Border Terrier) and obviously my wife and two daughters.
Is there anything else you would like to add? The highest accolade I could give the Hospice is that I lost my mother nearly two years ago to cancer and I only wish she could have spent her last days in the comfort and care of the staff at St Columba’s Hospice, such is the respect I have for everyone who works here and the beautiful surroundings.
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SMALL CHANGE, BIG DIFFERENCE! Did you know that in 2016 over £30,000 was raised from our collecting tins? Each and every penny and pound that goes into a Hospice collecting tin helps us deliver our services throughout our community and in the Hospice itself. Alongside our collecting tins, we’re booking in more bucket collections at venues and sites throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians, giving us more presence in local communities and giving the public the opportunity to support us in different ways. Whether it’s at work, school, in a shopping centre or at your local sports club, you can support St Columba’s Hospice by arranging a charity bucket collection in your local area. It may be small change, but it makes a big difference to the people and families we support. If you think you know a business or venue that would like a collecting tin or would allow us to carry out a bucket collection, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our Community Fundraiser, Hannah Graham, with any ideas or suggestions! Email: hgraham@stcolumbushospice.org.uk
Top Photo Can collecting volunteers Pat and Sue who have been helping place cans throughout East Lothian. Bottom Photo Volunteer Piotr Grabowski holding a Hospice collecting tin in The Old BakeHouse Tearoom in Aberlady, East Lothian.
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EVENTS CALENDAR 2017/18 The Giant Pub Quiz THURSDAY 9TH NOVEMBER, EDINBURGH CORN EXCHANGE, £15 PER PERSON, £75 FOR A TEAM OF 6. Join us at our winter Giant Pub Quiz! Round up your most intelligent friends (or those with knowledge of the obscure!) for this fantastic evening, testing your general knowledge for a chance to win some fantastic prizes! Tickets include a pie and a pint but be quick, this event is one of our most popular offerings and sells out in advance of the night. Book now to avoid disappointment!
Light Up A Life MONDAY 11TH DECEMBER, 6.30PM, CHARLOTTE SQUARE GARDENS, FREE ADMISSION Join us for this special evening as we light up our Tree of Remembrance in Charlotte Square Gardens, Edinburgh. Each light on our tree is lit in memory of friends and family who have passed away. Carol singers and a wonderful atmosphere make this a special evening not to be missed.
BURNS SUPPER FRIDAY 26TH JANUARY, EDINBURGH CORN EXCHANGE Dance away the winter blues at our Burns Supper! There will be plenty of haggis, neeps and tatties, prizes to be won and dancing to be done into the wee sma’ oors to fantastic live Scottish music. Join us at one of our longest running events for what promises to be another great night in aid of St Columba’s Hospice!
Celtic Challenge 16 – 20TH MAY, EDINBURGH TO IONA, REGISTRATION FROM £125 Take on the Celtic Challenge, our epic 200 mile cycling event! Get on your bike and cycle from the Hospice in Edinburgh to the beautiful Isle of Iona in just four days, taking in some of
Scotland’s most stunning cycling routes. This event is suitable for experienced and novice cyclists alike with a training plan provided to ensure you are in top condition to enjoy yourself during the challenge! Limited places available, so get in touch today!
Edinburgh Marathon Festival 26/27TH MAY, EDINBURGH Dig out your running shoes and take on Scotland's largest running event, the Edinburgh Marathon. The new route for 2018 will see participants legging it through the city's historic old town for the first time in the event's history. Take in sights such as the Scott Monument and the Scottish Parliament as you run 5k, 10k, a half or full marathon. You could even round up three friends and try your luck at the Hairy Haggis Relay!
A Walk to Remember JUNE, FROM BALERNO TO LEITH, REGISTRATION IS £15 FOR ADULTS AND £10 FOR CHILDREN. Join us for another fantastic day out with family, friends and loved ones. Whether you are walking to celebrate and remember those no longer with us, or just looking for a great day out to discover the hidden heart of the city, our 12.5 mile, 7 mile and 3 mile routes offer something for everyone to enjoy.
Forth Bridge Abseil SUNDAY 1ST JULY, SOUTH QUEENSFERRY Take part in a unique and thrilling fundraising challenge by abseiling 165ft from the iconic Forth Bridge onto the beach below. The Forth Bridge Abseil is a real adrenaline rush for the daring and the ultimate challenge for the rest of us! No previous experience is necessary to take part and no training is required! For more fundraising events please go to
www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk WWW.STCOLUMBASHOSPICE.ORG.UK
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