Life Magazine Autumn/Winter 2019

Autumn → Winter 2019

A New Outlook Paul Harrison’s story

Leaving a Legacy A gift to the Hospice in your will could make all the difference

Light Up a Life Dedicate your light to a loved one today

stcolumbashospice.org.uk

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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In this is 3 Welcome 5 News from the

10 Get ready for

Hospice

Christmas!

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Find out about our bright new counselling space just for kids

Going the extra mile!

Connecting with patients through the power of music

7 Child Bereavement Service Update Day Therapies 8 9 Thriving on the High Street

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Community Corner

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

ssue...

Keep in touch: e info@stcolumbashospice.org.uk → 15 Boswall Road Edinburgh, EH5 3RW t 0131 551 1381

19 The Celtic Challenge ENeRgy Trial 21 On the Wards / 22 Meet the team Gearing up to celebrate 10 years of The Celtic Challenge

Morag Yellowlees from Lindsays talks about the importance of preparing your will A New Outlook 13 15 Leaving a Legacy 17 Live Music at St

Our Iona Cafe is run by friendly volunteers and open 7 days a week!

24 Corporate Corner 25 Event Calendar

Columba’s Hospice

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Welcome! to the Autumn/ Winter 2019 edition of Life magazine

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e’ve enjoyed a productive summer period here at the Hospice, with great strides being made in many key areas across the organisation. Our services are growing from strength to strength and although it seems to have come around extremely fast, we’re busy getting ready for Christmas!

Our annual Light up a Life event at Charlotte Square Gardens offers the chance to come together with your local community, take a moment to remember your loved ones and support your local hospice. We’ve enclosed your appeal

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leaflet with this newsletter to make it easy for you to dedicate a light to someone special. We’re always overwhelmed by the response to our Christmas appeal and hope to welcome you to the tree lighting ceremony on Monday 9 December.

As we draw towards the end of 2019, we’re also nearing the end of our current strategy.

Over the summer we embarked on a thorough planning and research phase to map out our priorities for the next five years.

Our strategy underpins what we do as an organisation and sets

the agenda for our direction of travel as a vital provider of care and support across Edinburgh and East Lothian.

We’re committed to getting our strategy right and that means engaging with everyone who comes into contact with our services; patients, families, volunteers, staff and of course our incredible supporter base. We simply can’t provide our services without you, and we look forward to sharing our new vision for the Hospice over the coming months.

Our brand refresh revealed, P.5

Paul and Kathy Harrison, p.14

To support our strategy development, we’re working in partnership with Marie Curie to explore the future direction of palliative and end-of-life care more widely across Scotland and the UK. We know the nature of hospice care is evolving and we’re excited to be at the forefront of discussions questioning what that care should look like in the years to come, and how we will meet the

increasing demand and complex palliative care needs of the nation’s ageing population.

The Hospice is in a strong position to rise to these challenges.

We have a committed team who are constantly reviewing the care we provide and challenging the traditional model of hospice care to help us reach more people in their own homes and in the community.

I hope you’ll enjoy reading all of our updates and news in this issue and I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones all the best for the festive season and a Happy New Year.

Jackie Stone CEO

— P.s. When it comes to delivering world class palliative care, your feedback is invaluable to us. We want to know what’s important to you. So, if you have comments or concerns about any aspect of our service please get in touch by emailing info@stcolumbashospice.org.uk.

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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News from the A New Look for St Columba’s Hospice

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ou may have noticed that this issue of Life looks a bit different! If you’ve been anywhere near the hospice or our shops over the past year, you’ll probably know that we’ve been rethinking how we communicate our work. Our brand refresh has involved a broad range of people involved with the work of the Hospice, from patients and families,

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to our staff, volunteers and members of the public. We’ve updated our look and feel to help us grow our profile, attract more generous supporters (just like you) and reach even more people who need our vital care.

After listening to your feedback we concluded that our brand needs to educate people about hospice care being far more than just a building and we couldn’t agree more.

We’re really pleased with the results and

think that we’ve captured the diversity and uniqueness of everyone that makes St Columba’s Hospice so very special.

Most importantly, we think we’ve created something that belongs to us all and we’d like to thank everyone for taking the time to help us achieve that. We hope you’ll enjoy watching our refreshed brand develop and roll out over the next few months!

Canonmills Bookshop!

Songwriting for Grief and Loss

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arlier in the year, we partnered with Fischy Music to work with some of our patients and pupils from Victoria Primary School on a project exploring issues around death and the impact terminal illness can have on an individual and their family.

The group wrote a number of songs to express the thoughts and feelings they discussed and shared with each other during group sessions.

Going contactless!

Hospice Lottery

Cards now on sale!

We want to make it easy for you to donate and make a difference.

No cash? No problem!

Just tap to give! Look out for our contactless giving points in selected shops, at the Hospice and at our events over the coming months.

Did you know that if you play the Hospice Weekly Lottery, you could win a cash prize every week? It’s a fun way to support our work and for only £1 per play, you’ll be in with a chance of winning the jackpot!

Visit our website for full terms and conditions and to sign up today.

It may seem like summer is not yet behind us but for those who like to be prepared, our exciting range of Christmas cards for 2019 is now on sale – available from all Hospice shops, the Iona Café and online.

Packs are £3.50 for 10 and 100% of the profits go directly to the Hospice.

ome great news for Edinburgh’s bookworms – our Goldenacre Bookshop has moved to a new location in Canonmills! The shop opened in August and is proving to be a huge hit with book lovers across the city.

If you’re looking for your next read, or a thoughtful Christmas gift, you’ll find a huge selection of books, DVDs and music on offer.

Hospice

We were delighted to host ‘Songwriting for Grief and Loss’, a concert showcasing the work, in June.

It was hugely successful and our aim is to roll out supporting resources to schools across the capital.

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Child Bereavement Service Update

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onversations around death, dying and terminal illness can be uncomfortable, and finding the right words to explain what is happening to a child can be hard, especially if you’re still processing the situation yourself.

Our recently appointed Family Support Worker, Donna Hastings, is now facilitating sessions in the Hospice to support the whole family, in addition to one to one sessions and being on hand to offer general support and advice.

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Since the service started in May, we’ve already provided support to 28 families which has included 57 children. Donna, said: “I’m delighted to have joined the team at St Columba’s Hospice. I understand how important it is for children’s voices to be heard and included at such an important and difficult time. Working as a Bereavement Coordinator for almost 16 years gave me insight into the difference support can make to children’s emotional and mental health well-being, not only in childhood but into adulthood and I know that having this support in place at the Hospice is going to make such a difference to the lives of so many children and their families.”

The service is available to the families of any individual referred to the Hospice inpatient unit, Day Therapy Service or those in the community who are receiving or have received support from us. If you’d like more information on the service or would like to make an appointment, please speak to a member of the team or call 0131 551 1381 and ask for the Family Support Service.

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ur Day Therapies team work with people from across Edinburgh and East Lothian, welcoming them into our beautiful building overlooking the Forth, and organising a whole host of interactive, engaging and active activities. The team consists of staff volunteers. Some of the current activities on offer include;

Day Therapies → A gentle exercise group run on a weekly basis.

This session is run by a physiotherapist and involves sitting and standing exercises in a group setting but tailored to individual needs.

→ A walking group on a Friday afternoon. Walks of around a mile are organised with friends and relatives most welcome to attend.

From October 2019 we’ll be offering two new groups, one for breathlessness and one for mindfulness. For a detailed chat about what’s involved with our Day Therapies programme please call the Hospice on 0131 551 7724 and ask to speak to Val Gibson or Michelle Thompson.

→ A social group called, “Friends at the Hub”, which encourages anyone who has finished their day therapies sessions to continue to meet up with new friends. This session is run by volunteers from 9.30am to 11.30am and is full of good chat, board games and plenty of tea, coffee and biscuits.

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Thriving on the high street

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cross Edinburgh and East Lothian our retail teams have been busy providing excellent quality goods to shoppers on the hunt for clothes, books, bric-a-brac and more.

Each of our charity shops sell donated items, and they are helping us all be that bit more environmentally friendly by promoting recycling and encouraging reuse.

Some of the highlights from our retail team over the past few months have included the opening of a new bookshop in Canonmills, the continued growth of our shop in Haddington and a move to a new shop layout for our Dalry store.

Our popular Goldenacre

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now offers a discount shop bookshop moved premises to the local community with in August, and now occupies many a bargain to be found! a terrific on street site in Canonmills. The shop stocks Across each of our shops in a fabulous selection of Leith, Morningside, Dalry, books, vinyl and other media Stockbridge, Canonmills, and is already establishing Portobello, Ocean Terminal itself as a firm favourite and Haddington you can find for Edinburgh residents. some terrific products that In East Lothian our are not only kind on the Haddington shop is now an wallet, but are also established site in the town environmentally friendly. centre, with a So why not pop wonderful in to one of our By donating selection of shops soon, your unwanted clothes, grab yourself items to the jewellery and a bargain, help Hospice you are not only bric-a-brac to the Hospice helping us to continue be found. Back and help reduce providing our services to in the centre unnecessary the local community but of Edinburgh waste while you are also recycling we’ve you’re at it – and preventing your redesigned a win, win (win) items going into landfill. our Dalry scenario! store, which

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s always, we have an array of goodies to see you through the festive season, from stocking fillers for the kids, to Christmas cards for loved ones near and far, there is something for everyone. To shop our collection, visit the Iona Café, pop into one of our shops or visit the online store on our website. Here are some of our favourites...

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Begin the count down with our festive Advent Calendars (£3), there are three designs to choose from, Snowman, Winter Scene or Traditional Nativity Scene.

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Get ready for Santa on Christmas Eve with Magic Reindeer Food (£1).

Sprinkle on your lawn at night, the moon will make it sparkle bright!!

Browse our new selection of Christmas Cards, from Edinburgh Winter Scenes to cute Fluffy Robins and Stags ( £3.50 for 10 cards).

Get ready for Christmas!

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If you need some perfect stocking fillers for your little ones, look no further!

We have a festive Giant Pencil (£2), Zip purse (£2), or fun Wind-up Toys (£1.50) to keep them busy on Christmas morning.

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Santa Napkins make a return for the Christmas Day Canapes, sure to add festive cheer for your guests and brighten up the dinner table! (£2.50)

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Community Corner Edinburgh College

It has been wonderful seeing more college students getting involved with their local Hospice.

Rebecca and her classmates held a pub quiz as part of their events management course, raising a fantastic £1188.46!

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3 Peaks Simon Broadhurst

Supporter Spotlight Update

We are constantly blown away by the support shown to us by our supporters, organising their own events or taking part in sporting challenges.

Simon Broadhurst, along with his family and friends organised their own 3 Peaks Challenge in memory of Simon’s wife, Susan.

In total, they have raised £15,712.28 — and counting!

Matt and Hannah completed their Tofino to Fife challenge, cycling 6500km across Canada and running 260km across Scotland. They raised £27,740.47 in total, a third of which came to us!

Heriots’ Hamper

Roughian Rascals

It has been a great summer for sporting challenges. We have been overwhelmed by your support!

Supporters of all ages have gotten involved, like Kieran and Samuel who took part in Roughian Rascals, raising £275 in memory of their Nana Wilson.

We love seeing young students getting involved with their local community. These students from Heriots won their school’s Shark Tank competition, with their idea of using the money they won to donate a hamper of goodies—puzzles, knitting supplies, and more—to the patients at the Hospice.

Jordan and Claire from our Fundraising Team with Stephen K Amos

Stephen K Amos: Work In Progress Comedian Stephen K Amos put St Columba’s Hospice in the spotlight at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival by highlighting our work to his

audiences throughout the entire run of his show, “Work in Progress”. Following the death of his sister, the comedian pledged to support a hospice in every city he performs in. In addition to raising awareness of what we

do, Stephen joined us to carry out a bucket collection after his shows, raising over £3,376! A massive thank you to Stephen for giving us such a fantastic platform during the world’s biggest arts festival!

Team Chris Vaughan

Birthday Celebrations

supporters, foregoing birthday gifts and instead asking for donations to the Hospice! One such individual is Morag Mackintosh, who held her birthday bash for the Hospice, raising £6200 in memory of her husband, Lachlan, and having a celebration they’ll never forget.

Etape Caledonia was a huge success this year, with a massive 17-person team competing in memory of Chris Vaughan.

Together they raised a phenomenal £13,400.88 for the Hospice.

We have seen an outpouring of generosity from our

Get Involved!

If you’d like to get involved with fundraising, learn more about the Hospice, or help out with our community activities, please contact our community fundraiser by emailing fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk or calling 0131 551 1381. www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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A new outlook biopsy but reassured me and said not to be scared or that, it would all be fine.

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aul Harrison (52) was diagnosed with bowel cancer two years ago. When his results came back as abnormal, he was given an appointment for further testing and following a biopsy was given the difficult news by his doctors. Despite the challenges ahead, the diagnosis has brought him closer than ever to his partner of 20 years, Kathy.

“It was scary, you know? I went to the first appointment at the Royal myself, and at that stage they told me something wasn’t quite right. They told me they would need to take a

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“I was called in to the Oncology department at the Western General to get my results so I went with my partner, Kathy, this time. The surgeon sat us down and said the abnormal polyp they’d found was cancerous. It was a shock, I was numb to it, and Kathy was really upset, I suppose I was too.

“I told my mum and dad, and the kids, and they couldn’t believe it.

They were asking ‘who’s told you that?’ and I had to tell them, I’ve just been up at the Western, I have bowel cancer. They just could not take it in.

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

“My pain got gradually worse and I ended up going back to hospital where I was introduced to Dr Barry Laird who recommended referring me to the Hospice. The first thought I had was no way, I’m not going to the Hospice because I’ll never come out.

Dr Laird was really positive about it and explained that spending some time as an inpatient would help me learn to manage the pain and regain some normality in my life.

Paul and Kathy celebrate with family on their wedding day

The happy couple cutting the cake

During my three month stay I really had time to reflect and I decided to propose to Kathy.

We’d been together for 20 years and we’d talked about marriage but just never got round to it!

The time was right. Amazingly, the team at the Hospice helped us arrange the wedding and we got married in the Education Centre which has beautiful views across the Forth. Suzie Stark the chaplain married us, she was brilliant and we had about 30-35 family members there.

The sun was shining, the place was perfect, we had all the kids running about and a fantastic cake and buffet.

I suppose it would be fair to call it a turning point for me, because I really did not think I’d make it out of here, but now I look forward to coming back as often as I can. I take part in the art class and joined a new group, ‘Friends at the Hub’, where I

meet up with other people in situations similar to mine.

We read the newspapers, play board games, or just chat! I think the word I’d use for the support I’ve received is grateful, this place is brilliant.

Despite my initial apprehension about coming to the Hospice, I can’t believe how nice it is and how nice the staff are.

I’d actually been a heavy drinker for years, but my stay made me realise that actually, I didn’t want to drink. I’ve not had a drink for almost three years now.

I came in here and it was like a higher power intervened, it was so peaceful. Sometimes I think I got too comfy and I didn’t want to leave! The support I’ve received has definitely given me a new outlook on what’s important and I’m back living a full (married) life! I see my kids regularly, follow the Hibs, and I’m just getting on with it.

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Leaving a Legacy A

s many of our readers will know, having a will is extremely important for everyone, as it can help to avoid complex and costly legal issues following the death of a loved one. It has recently been reported, however, that over half of UK adults don’t have any sort of provision made for after they die. We caught up with Morag Yellowlees, a partner in Private Client Services at Lindsays, to get her perspective...

Why do you think that such a large proportion of the population haven’t made preparations for what will happen to their estate after they die?

In a lot of circumstances, it is simply a case of not finding the time. We all lead busy lives and the preparation of a Will can be quite far down the To Do List. Making a Will requires a meeting with a suitably qualified solicitor and although finding the time to do this can be difficult, a lot of the preparatory work can

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be done by phone or email. We are happy to meet clients at times to suit them including early morning meetings or evening meetings. There is also some discussion about holding meetings via Facetime! Many people don’t realise there’s a risk that certain family members could be excluded (or lose out) if you don’t have a Will in place so it’s worth making it a priority to avoid this.

What are the costs involved with making a Will?

It does not have to be hugely expensive.

A Will is a formal legal document and should be drawn up by a suitably qualified solicitor. It’s always worth shopping around for quotes as prices for Will services vary, but an uncomplicated Will should cost between £250 and £350.

However, it is important to bear in mind that if you die without leaving a Will, the cost to your

family will be considerably more as there is a court process required to allow your family to inherit your estate.

Is it difficult to make a will?

At Lindsays, we want to make the process as straight forward as possible for you. We’ll discuss your particular situation to ensure your Will is bespoke, reflecting your wishes for your family’s needs.

The whole process from initial contact to the signing of the Will should only take about two weeks.

Here at the Hospice we are always grateful when someone leaves us a gift in their will, also known as a legacy, is this something that’s easy to include?

This is very easy to include in your Will.

We will provide help and advice in how best to leave a charitable bequest to the Hospice.

Remember a loved one this Christmas, dedicate a light on our Tree of Remembrance Join us in Charlotte Square Gardens to switch on the lights, Monday 9 December, 6.30pm stcolumbashospice.org.uk @stcolumbas St Columba’s Hospice Ltd (Registered in Scotland No. 48700), Charity No. SC003634

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A variety of local artists perform at the Hospice regularly

Live music at St Columba’s Hospice E

arlier this year, we introduced a regular schedule of live music to the hospice calendar as part of our arts strategy. Our Iona Music programme has become a central feature of Hospice life and plays an important role in helping us engage with the local community. Each month we welcome local musicians into the hospice to share their talent and are

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proud to now offer a diverse and varied range of musical performances including folk, pop, blues and jazz.

The performances (which often elicit spontaneous audience participation!) have already attracted more than 300 attendees and we’ve received very positive feedback from people about how much live music transforms the hospice environment.

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

Did You Know?

The Iona Café is one of the first things you’ll see when you walk into the Hospice grounds – it’s on the right, with a small courtyard garden in front of it. In addition to offering a peaceful and tranquil space for patients and their family and friends, our café is open to the public and dogs are welcome too! So why not pop in for a coffee, a scone and a warm welcome next time you’re nearby?

The Iona Café is open 8.30am – 8.30pm, 7 days a week

It takes 90 volunteers to keep our Café open

Tea and coffee is free for all Everyday there is a fresh selection of scones and sandwiches made on-site by our chefs.

The music was really lovely and the musician was great chatting with people and asking about what music they liked. At one point I could hear at least half the people quietly humming along with the song, I think it was ‘Somewhere over the rainbow’. It wasn’t a sing-a-long, more like a lot of people quietly joining in in their own way. It felt quite special.”

Iona Café Volunteer

Are you a performer?

If you’re a musician wishing to contribute to our expanding live music programme, please get in touch by emailing arts@stcolumbashospice.org.uk Performances take place on Sundays between 12-1.30pm at Iona Café.

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ext year, we celebrate the tenth year of The Celtic Challenge, our annual cycling event from Edinburgh to Iona.

To mark the occasion, in addition to our usual route, we’re taking the challenge abroad for the first time ever and offering our supporters the chance to cycle across Normandy! We caught up with veteran challenger Paul Shiels to find out a little bit about why the event holds such a special place in his heart...

A group of supporters take on the scenic 200-mile route from the Hospice to Iona.

The Celtic C Hi Paul, you’ve done the Celtic Challenge with us quite a few times now, what is it about this event that keeps you coming back year after year?!

In no particular order: my daughter, my family, and the hospice.

My daughter was cared for by the hospice in her last weeks, and was also a cyclist. I'd helped her buy a road bike and went out with her to help with her triathlon training, and do a couple of sportives.

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I live not far from the hospice, and Rona, one of the nurses, saw me come in wearing my cycling gear while visiting and said "you know we do this cycling challenge, why don't you sign up?", so I did!

What advice would you have for someone who fancies the challenge but wouldn’t really consider themselves a regular cyclist?

Many people who are by no means regular cyclists have done the challenge! There is plenty of support

from the hospice, fellow riders, and Sport Ecosse, the ride organisers. While there are some lumpy bits to get over (after all it is meant to be a challenge), it's not a race and as much time as necessary can be taken!

As long as you are comfortable riding your bike and get some regular riding done in preparation you should be fine.

Have you developed any rituals or top training tips over the years?

What would you say your favourite aspect of the challenge is?

And finally, will we be seeing you in Normandy next September?

Get some regular cycling done and feel comfortable on your bike, keep hydrated and eat regularly during the ride!

I think the fantastic social atmosphere that develops in the team. There is always a varied group of people, who all have different reasons for doing the ride, but by the end of the challenge we've all supported and got to know each other, and realised what we've achieved in support of the hospice.

Absolutely!

My only ritual is to wear my pink cycling socks!

hallenge

If you’d like to join Paul on the Celtic Challenge, or the Celtic Challenge Normandy (or both!) get in touch at fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk.

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ENeRgy Trial

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ast year, we launched an innovative trial to examine the effect of nutrition and exercise on common symptoms of terminal cancer such as weight loss, lack of appetite and fatigue. To support the team, we recruited two Research Support Volunteers, Tommy and Gillian. They took some time out to tell us about their involvement in the study…

So Tommy, Gillian, tell us a little bit about yourselves!

G: I’m retired now, but I was a midwife, and a nurse. I volunteer in the Portobello shop on a Monday, as well as with my Church and at a foodbank. And of course I have my Ladies Lunches, a must when you are retired! I’ve only been volunteering here for 10 years… Tommy has been volunteering here forever.

T: Well, not forever, but since 1980, three years after we opened! I’m also retired now, but my career was in print and publishing. I really do like getting involved here but when I’m not volunteering, I’m a keen gardener in the summer months and I also like the cinema!

Could you tell us about your role as a Research Support Volunteer?

G: We were recruited to help the Research Team in carrying out

the ENeRgy Project.

There were lots of tasks involved like greeting participants, making sure they were comfortable throughout the trial, assisting with the physical assessment aspect of the trial and helping to record data.

back and now I just fill in where required.

T: It was really interesting to be part of the study because it’s the first of its kind in the UK. I think it helped that we’ve both been with the Hospice for a number of years as we’ve had experience interacting with people with advanced illness and dealing with sensitive, often difficult information. Being there to support the patients was a big part of the role.

Did anything surprise you about the trial?

What other volunteering roles have you carried out at the Hospice?

G: Oh absolutely, we’d be amongst the first to volunteer! I was surprised at the number of people that were really looking forward to come in and participate too.

G: I used to do a Saturday in the Iona Café—but when I retired I decided to take a step

T: I’ve always been involved in the Inpatient Unit, and helped to develop the Patient Support Volunteer role. Since the ENeRgy Trial ended, I’ve been volunteering in Day Therapies!

T: Maybe not surprise, but certainly humble.

Many of the participants had a relatively short prognosis, and yet they were willing to give up a day a week for ten weeks. That’s a lot of extremely valuable time! I think we’d both be keen to help out with another project like this.

Now that the trial is complete, the data collected over the course of the year is being analysed by one of the project leads, Dr Charlie Hall.

The results will be used to inform a larger, multicentre trial involving a greater number of participants in different geographic locations.

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On the Wards I

n early 2018, two trusted part of the team, and prepared for when patients volunteers piloted a new their work became a crucial and families arrive, making role on our wards. We knew part of our everyday work, as our welcome better. Staff we had a lot of highly-skilled a result, we recruited seven can concentrate on the volunteers on the wards, and volunteers to work alongside patient and family they created a new role our original team. are with, without worrying I’m so busy – Patient Support about whether a bell will be Staff have quickly Volunteer – to answered. All of this enables I forget I’m come to rely on support the nurses us to offer more and better these volunteers – a volunteer and nursing patient-centred care. they always because I’m auxiliaries, with the comment when If you are interested aim of giving our so much part they aren’t here! in becoming a Patient paid staff more of the team. Volunteers are Support Volunteer – or time to care for regarded as an would simply be interested patients and family integral part of the team in finding out more about members. It was a big ask – supporting those on volunteering – the new volunteer role was This is the the wards. Most please contact demanding, with lots of importantly of all, Maggie Young, nicest job training, and a 7.15am start! the whole team can Deputy Volunteer I’ve had.

Anne and Alison were our offer patients and Services Manager, original volunteers, and the families better care – even on 0131 551 7711 or email role proved a huge success. something as simple as vol@stcolumbashospice.

Our volunteers became a ensuring that rooms are org.uk.

Meet the Team J

ana Belsher joined our team as a Complementary Therapist at the end of last year. Jana provides massage, reflexology and Reiki treatments to our Day Therapies patients, outpatients, inpatients and carers.

therapies which help relieve stress, aid relaxation and promote a sense of well-being. I really enjoy having the time to tailor treatments to each individual I see, it’s a great feeling to know you’ve made a difference.”

Jana said “Complementary Therapies are an important aspect of the holistic care offered to patients and carers supported by the Hospice. The team has more than doubled since I started and we’re now able to provide a wide range of

Complementary Therapies are provided free of charge to patients referred to the service and their carers. To find out more, contact Lisa Spalding on 0131 551 1381 (ext 280).

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Corporate Corner O

ver the last few months, we have welcomed 28 different corporate groups to the Hospice. Our gardens have never looked so good!

We are so grateful to the teams from Scottish Widows, Scottish Gas, BlackRock, Lloyds Banking Group, SSE, Scottish Water, Expedia, Baillie Gifford, John Lewis, RBS, Standard Life, Sainsbury’s Bank, Chiene & Tait and HSBC.

We are delighted to continue our charity of the year partnerships with The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, Ocean Terminal and TSB Leith. We also welcome new partnerships with Activpayroll, Eversheds Sutherland LLP, Hallhill Centre Dunbar, and Montpeliers. We look forward to working together on fundraising challenges throughout the year.

Our Dragon Boat Race was once again a ‘roaring’ success, with double the number of corporate teams joining us this year compared to last. It boosted team morale and raised over £20,000 for the Hospice!

We are also grateful to our event sponsors Cala and Ocean Terminal for their generous input, which goes a long way to making the event so successful.

Get Involved!

We’re on the look out for elves and helpers for our Ocean Terminal Santa’s Grotto and Pop-up Shop! There are many (flexible) opportunities – so please get in touch with Barbara Brockie (bbrockie@stcolumbashospice.org.uk) if you’d like to help spread some festive cheer!

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Event calendar 2019 → 2020 St Columba’s Hospice Art Exhibition 25 - 27 October St Columba’s Hospice Education Centre Free Admission

Join us for this year’s fundraising art exhibition featuring a unique selection of contemporary painting, sculpture and prints from some of Scotland’s most established and emerging talents. We’ll also be displaying artwork by patients and their families and there will be an opportunity to take part in taster art sessions. If you’re feeling creative, why not bring a sketch book, pick up a coffee from our community café and take in the stunning views from the terrace overlooking the Forth?

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Giant Pub Quiz Wednesday 13 November The 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!

Ticket price includes a pie and a pint but be quick, this event is one of most popular offerings and sells out in advance of the night.

Book now to avoid disappointment!

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Supernova Run 8 ,9 &10 November, Helix Park & The Kelpies, Falkirk, Under 5s go FREE!

This fantastic 5K route is a great opportunity to explore the home of two 30-metre high horses! The Kelpies are mythical creatures who love to play at dusk, each one weighing over 300 tonnes.

Come and immerse yourself in a light journey with them.

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Great Scottish Events - Edinburgh Christmas 10K & 5K Run Saturday 7 December

Dress up in your festive best for this Christmas running festival through Edinburgh.

Runners new and experienced, young and old will enjoy these picturesque races around Inverleith Park.

Run for the Hospice or pop along to check out the festive costumes and browse the numerous stalls after the race.

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Light Up A Life Monday 9 December 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

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have passed away. Carol singers and a wonderful atmosphere make this a special evening not to be missed.

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Ladies Lunch Friday 27 March The Hub, Edinburgh £75pp or £750 for tables of 10

Gather 10 of your best gal pals and join us for our annual Ladies Lunch! Enjoy a sparkling drinks reception, delicious two-course lunch and live entertainment.

Guests can take part in a number of fundraising games and activities including our exclusive silent auction, table raffle and tombola. If this glamorous afternoon sounds like something you and your friends would enjoy, get in touch with our fundraising team to book your tickets now.

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Giant Pub Quiz Thursday 16 April The Edinburgh Corn Exchange £15 per person £75 for a team of 6

Join us for our first Giant Pub Quiz of 2020! Tickets include a pie and a pint but be quick, this event is one of most popular offerings and sells out in advance of the night.

Forth Bridge Abseil Sunday 10 May Registration £30 with minimum fundraising pledge of £160

This exhilarating and unique challenge allows you to abseil from the iconic Forth Rail Bridge – Scotland’s Best Loved Landmark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a 165ft drop with a soft landing on the golden sandy beach below, set in the picturesque village of South Queensferry it’s the ultimate abseil experience!

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Edinburgh Marathon Festival 23-24 May

Pound the streets of the capital on the flattest and fastest marathon in the UK! Taking in the sights of Holyrood Park, Arthurs Seat, Portobello Beach and Gosford House amongst others, you can run 5k, 10k, half marathon or marathon distances. Or why not round up 3 friends and sign up for the Hairy Haggis Relay!

Celtic Challenge

Celtic Challenge Normandy

27-31 May Edinburgh to Iona Registration from £190

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!

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23-27 September Registration £190 per person with a fundraising target of £1750.

A new event for 2020, join us abroad as we take our Celtic Challenge to Normandy! Cover 200 miles in just 4 days from the historic port town of Cherbourg, to the small fishing port of Ouistreham in the heart of the landing beaches. All abilities are welcome and even if you’re new to cycling, we’ll make sure you have the support and encouragement you need to reach the finish line.

Dragon Boat Race Saturday 29 August Registration £340 / team of 17

Round up a crew and get fired up on the forth in our exhilarating Dragon Boat Race at Ocean Terminal.

It’s a great team building event which is open to all ages and abilities. It’s an exciting, fun and challenging way to raise money for the Hospice – do you have what it takes to battle it out for the title of Dragon Masters and the coveted winner’s trophy?

Register today and find out!

Edinburgh Kiltwalk Sunday 13 September

Put your best foot forward and sign up for the Kiltwalk on behalf of the Hospice!

Everyone taking part will receive an additional 40% fundraising boost from The Hunter Foundation – even more reason to grab your kilt, lace up your walking boots and get involved in this fantastic event!

For more info...

For more information about our fundraising events, please visit www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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Keep in touch with us online for our latest news: www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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@StColumbas @st.columbas.hospice

→ St Columba’s Hospice 15 Boswall Road Edinburgh EH5 3RW T: 0131 551 1381 E: fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk — Copyright © 2019 St Columba’s Hospice.

All rights reserved. Registered in Scotland N° 48700. Charity N° SC003634 On the cover: Paul Harrison Design: monumentum.co.uk — 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