Life Magazine, Autumn/Winter 2021

Autumn → Winter 2021

From Volunteer to Compassionate Citizen Adrienne Chaplin praises our Compassionate Neighbours programme

Light up a Life Dedicate a light to a loved one today

A local charity with an international presence Join our nursing team stcolumbashospice.org.uk

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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In this is 11 Regular Gift Giving 13 Light Up a Life 15 Nicky's Story

3 Welcome 5 Hospice News

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A Local Charity with an International Presence

Our Year in 9 Numbers

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ssue...

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

21 Community Corner 23 Stay Active this Winter

25 Corporate Corner

Pawsitively 17 Thrilling News From Volunteer to 19 Compassionate Citizen

27 The Giant Pub Quiz 28 Get Ready for Christmas

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Upcoming Events

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Welcome! to the Autumn/Winter 2021 edition of Life magazine.

P.11 Regular giving makes a real difference to our services

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warm welcome to the Autumn/Winter 2021 edition of Life Magazine. As the festive season draws closer, I can barely believe we’re almost ready to say goodbye to what has undoubtedly been a year of heightened pressures and increased responsibilities.

Our team has come together like never before to successfully manage the challenges posed by COVID-19 and they’ve done so with bravery,

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dedication and unwavering compassion.

We’ve made great strides in implementing the plans set out in our new strategy, ‘Adapting to a Changing World’, which given current circumstances, turns out to be very aptly named!

It’s important to note that throughout the change and uncertainty, one thing has remained the same, and that’s our commitment to serving the needs of our patients and their families.

The arrival of this magazine coincides with the launch of our annual Light up a Life Appeal and as always, we’ve enclosed an appeal leaflet to make it easy for you to dedicate a light to someone special. We’re very grateful to have Nicky Russell supporting the campaign, you can read about how the Hospice supported her following the death of her husband Sandy, on pages 15 and 16. Dedications can be made throughout the

P.9 Counting everything we do: Our Year in Numbers

P.15 Nicky shares her story about her husband, Sandy

festive period and our Trees of Remembrance will remain lit in Charlotte Square Gardens (from Monday 6 December) and Haddington House (from Thursday 9 December) until Monday 3 January.

In terms of service developments, our restructured inpatient unit is now comprised of 22 rooms and we’ve reallocated staffing resources to create a new Hospice at Home team.

This has allowed us to meet the demand for, and enhance our community care offering. As a result, we’ve seen a 25% increase in the number of patients accessing care in the community, in addition to supporting 181 people to die in their own homes.

Our year in numbers can be found on pages 9 and 10. The full annual review is available on our website.

On pages 19 and 20, read about how Compassionate Neighbour Diane, has established a friendship and brought comfort to Adrienne Chaplin who is supported by the Hospice. The pair have formed a mutual bond through their interactions and shared interests.

It really is testament to how important the Compassionate Neighbours movement is in tackling social isolation and loneliness.

As we embark on the next phase of our strategy, we look forward to sharing exciting news of service developments in East Lothian. To support plans, we’re recruiting for some vital roles, perhaps most importantly, nurses who are at the heart of all we do. Find out more about joining our nursing team on pages 7 and 8.

There’s so much that the Hospice has done and continues to do, to be extraordinarily proud of at this time. We have an excellent team, big-hearted supporters and a strong platform from which to adapt our operations to fit the changing landscape.

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.

Thank you for your continued support, we couldn’t do it without you.

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.

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Child and Families Practitioner Funding

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n August, we were delighted to hear we had been granted funding from the National Lottery Community Fund to hire an additional Child and Families practitioner for two years. This funding will allow the Hospice to develop and expand its Counselling and Bereavement Support offering, and reach more families. Craig Hutchison, Counselling and Bereavement Support

Manager, said: “Being able to add an additional families practitioner to our team for at least the next two years is a fantastic opportunity for St Columba’s Hospice Care to really strengthen our bereavement support offering. The service is still relatively new, with Donna, our Child and Families Lead joining us in 2018. It’s already making a huge difference to families

throughout our community, so to have two dedicated staff members on board within such a short space of time is really exciting! I'm looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together over the next two years and beyond.”

Hospice news Inspiring Volunteer Awards 2021

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his September, we were delighted to see members of our hospice community receive some well-deserved recognition for their dedication and contributions to St Columba’s Hospice Care.

The Inspiring Volunteer Awards 2021 ceremony was hosted by Lord Provost Frank Ross. Maggie Young, now Compassionate Neighbours Lead, was presented with the first ever ‘Paul Bennett Volunteer Manager of the Year Award’, for her work as Deputy Volunteer Services Manager. Our Chaplaincy team, comprised of Suzie Stark, Jan Bruntisfield, Mike Sinclair and Linda Small,

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was presented with a ‘Team Award’ which highlighted their work to support families during the pandemic. David Flucker received the ‘Special Recognition Award’, honouring the dedication and passion shown by the 99-year-old, who continues to volunteer in our Ocean Terminal shop nearly every day! A huge thank you & well done to all of our winners!

id 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 up to £500. Visit our website for full terms and conditions and to sign up today.

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A new look!

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agle-Eyed supporters may have noticed that our Leith Walk and Portobello shops have taken on a striking new look! The new signage and façades are part of a programme of planned works to bring our charity shops up to date with the new brand which was launched at the beginning of 2020. Next in line to go under the brush is our Morningside shop, which

Cards on sale!

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t may seem like summer is not yet behind us but for those who like to be prepared, our exciting range of Christmas cards for 2021 is now on sale. Our new collection is available from all Hospice shops, the Iona Café and online at stcolumbashospice.org.uk /online-shop. Packs start at £3.50 for 10 and 100% of the profits go directly to the Hospice.

will be followed (in no particular order!) by Ocean Terminal, Haddington, and the Canonmills Bookshop.

It is hoped that by updating the branding on the shops, they will not only become more eye-catching to passers-by, but increase awareness of our presence in the area, and the work that we do in the local community!

Going the extra (26) Miles!

Everyone at the Hospice is in awe of the amazing effort of Staff Nurse Rois Porter who completed the London Marathon in October in 5 hours and 28 minutes raising over £1500 for the Hospice in

the process! Rois, said: “St Columba's is a truly special place and I am privileged to work there and see on a daily basis the amazing care provided to our patients”.

Well done Rois!!!

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A local charity international D

iscover how you could make a real difference in your local community, while enjoying a new and rewarding career with an award-winning care provider.

never been truer for nurses.

As a nurse at the Hospice, you’ll definitely have a positive effect on the lives of your patients and their families but that’s just one of the reasons to join us.

Our patients and their families rely on us to deliver outstanding care and support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – each and every role at the Hospice is pivotal to this, but when people join St Columba’s Hospice Care, we don’t just want them to feel valued – we want them to truly love what they do too.

We pride ourselves on offering fulfilling long-term career opportunities and recognising the hard work of every dedicated individual across our organisation.

With competitive rates of pay, enhanced pay awards, a generous pension and wellbeing scheme and access to our everyday discounts, we’re able to offer industry-leading benefits.

No sector has been more in the spotlight recently than healthcare. One positive to come out of the pandemic is that people who work in the field are being recognised for the jobs they do and we think you’ll agree, this has

We’re privileged to have a dedicated Education and Research centre from which we undertake world-leading palliative care research and offer a wide range of

educational courses and opportunities for those working and training in the palliative and end of life care environment. Thanks to our newly structured learning and development programmes, you’ll be provided with long-term prospects to grow and develop a rewarding career with us.

As well as providing care and support to patients, our nurses help entire families through one of the toughest times any of us will face.

You’ll be part of a multiprofessional team committed to delivering high standards of care to people living with lifelimiting conditions. If that’s something that appeals to you, think about taking that next step.

Work with us!

If you'd like to see a list of current vacancies, visit: stcolumbashospice.org.uk/join-the-team

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with an presence.

“There’s lots of new learning opportunities and you’re always encouraged to develop yourself – it’s a very supportive environment.”

Craig Thomson-Chandler, Staff Nurse

MEET THE TEAM...

– What

did you do before joining the team?

GAIL RIDING joined St Columba’s Hospice Care as a Staff Nurse within our Access Team in September.

Gail kindly made time to share some insights into why she was inspired to join the team, what her role entails and what her favourite thing about working here is...

– What

made you want to join St Columba’s Hospice Care?

I am passionate about palliative care and delivering holistic care to all patients that need it. I see it as a privilege.

I have been nursing for 20 years and have had many roles. I was a Nurse in the Royal Navy in the early 2000's and within the past few years I have worked with Care of the Elderly and Community Nursing. I have also done some lecturing at local colleges. Prior to joining the Hospice, I was working as a COPD Respiratory Nurse in Dundee.

– What

was the recruitment process like?

It was straightforward and I found everyone to be very friendly and helpful. I was kept well informed throughout.

– How

does your role as Staff Nurse help patients and families?

the best care and support for their needs to be met in the most effective and efficient way.

– What

has been your favourite thing about working here so far?

The people and the amazing food in the cafe!!!

– What

do you like doing in your spare time?

I like to go to the theatre, reading and going out for meals. I also go to the gym regularly so that I can enjoy eating fabulous desserts in restaurants!!

– What

advice would you give to anyone thinking about joining the team?

Do it!! You will become part of a positively passionate team who do a fabulous job and you'll LOVE it!!

My role helps by taking their current situation into consideration and signposting them towards

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Our total income was £8.45m, while our total expenditure was £10.77m

85p of every £1 is spent directly on patient care (with the other 15p going towards raising the next £1)

Our Year in Facts and figures from 2020–2021

increase in counselling services activity* inpatient bedrooms

admissions to our inpatient unit

* based on previous four year average

online concerts

Community Choir sessions

increase in number of patients and families supported* * based on previous four year average

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new referrals to our Community Hospice

advice calls taken by our Access Team

volunteers

Numbers arts and music sessions

live music sessions

people supported to die in their own homes

Find out more...

Our annual review for 2020/21 is available in full on our website: stcolumbashospice.org.uk/annual-review-2020-21 www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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How can regular gifts make a difference?

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very donation counts, and we’re grateful for whatever you feel you can afford. A one-off donation is a fantastic start, but regular donations mean we can commit to working with more families across Edinburgh and the Lothians and to providing vital care whenever they need it. our supporters collectively make an incredible difference by allowing us to plan for the future knowing that we will have a steady income stream that we can rely upon.

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A monthly gift from you allows us to make ambitious plans, and invest in the care and support of people facing life-limiting illnesses, their families and their communities.

It means we can make a real, sustainable difference to the lives of the people we support. From as little as £1 per day, you could ensure that a patient can receive regular nurse-led pain and symptom management at the Hospice, at home or in other care settings. Please help us to make a real difference in the community.

£10

£20

could provide a little box of thoughts to help a child through bereavement.

could provide one hour of specialist Hospice at Home training for a family carer.

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

£35 could pay for one hour of specialist nurse-led pain and symptom control for an outpatient.

How do I give a regular gift?

Many of our monthly givers feel it is easier to set up a regular gift as this way they are able to spread the cost across the year. You can budget accordingly and having a donation coming out as a monthly payment can be easier to manage.

If you would like to set up a Direct Debit please email fund@stcolumbashospice. org.uk to receive a regular giving form. If you prefer, you can also give a regular gift by clicking the blue ‘Donate’ button on our homepage and following the instructions on screen.

£150 could pay for a day of palliative care education for care home and homeless shelter staff.

We understand that every regular donation will be different, but no matter how big or small, your contribution will make a difference. “ St Columba's Hospice were an absolute godsend for the final days of our Grampa's Pancreatic Cancer Journey, they were supportive, understanding and compassionate.

Treating our Grampa and us with so much Kindness & Consideration. he gratitude that we have T compelled me to set up a monthly donation for them.

The work they do and support they provide is priceless and this is the least we can do. Thank you to all at the Hospice.”

Ms Saj Sharif Regular giver

Donate today...

Help us make a difference to people's lives in our community by donating. Your generosity directly helps us to maintain our invaluable services for patients and families across Edinburgh and the Lothians. 85p of every £1 is spent directly on patient care with the other 15p going towards raising the next £1.

stcolumbashospice.org.uk/donate

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he aim of our Light up a Life appeal is to bring the community together to remember our loved ones. Although Light up a Life has had to adapt again this year, it’s still just as special. Your support means that people facing life limiting illnesses can get the care they need for themselves and their families, when they need it most.

£ 10

£10 could provide a delicious hot Christmas dinner, catered to a patient’s individual needs

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Each year, the money raised through our Christmas appeal allows us to provide vital services in the community and we’re proud to say that 85p of every £1 spent goes directly on patient care, with the other 15p going towards raising the next £1. Throughout a difficult year, we’ve used funds to adapt our services and reach more people in the community than ever before.

£ 30

£30 could pay for an hour-long session with a counsellor or chaplain for a patient or their loved ones

£ 45

£45 could pay for a patient to have two-hour visit from a clinical support worker at Christmas

Our Tree of Remembrance in Charlotte Square Gardens

Dedications can be made throughout the festive period via our website and our Trees of Remembrance will remain lit in Charlotte Square Gardens (from Monday 6 December) and Haddington House (from Thursday 9 December) until Monday 3 January.

£ 70

£70 could provide two hours of specialist, nurse-led pain and symptom control for a patient in the community

£ 260

£260 could pay for a nurse to provide care to patients on our wards on Christmas Day

We’ve provided 66%* more support services to families over the past year and that’s only possible because of supporters like you. on previous * based four year average

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Dedicate a light to help people like Nicky...

Sadly, some families will be spending this Christmas without a loved one, but with your help, we’ll be there to support them throughout the festive season and beyond. Nicky’s husband Sandy Russell died in 2020. Sandy was a prominent figure in the community, involved in many social groups and clubs.

Nicky said: “People lined the streets for Sandy’s funeral, he was involved in so many things in the local community, he’d been president of the rugby club, president of the curling club, president of the old Musselburgh club and was president of Musselburgh Festival for 6 years, he was loved by so many. We were only allowed 20 people at the funeral but it seemed like everyone in the town came to say goodbye.

I felt okay at that point, but to let you understand, when Sandy died, it didn’t really register. I thought I was coping but it wasn’t until a few months down the line that I started to really go downhill.

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“Sandy’s diagnosis was difficult because there were no symptoms of cancer that we were aware of. His initial bowel screening was clear, so we were left stunned when he visited his GP for a croaky throat and scans showed he had bowel and lung cancer.

That day they told us to go home and live each day as if it was the last.

“When the doctor first recommended the Hospice we both assumed the worst, because like many, we thought it was only for those nearing the end of life, we had no idea about the scope of services they provide.

“The team was incredible and enabled us to have some degree of normality in the months leading up to Sandy’s death. They accommodated regular trips home and went out of

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their way to make sure he had whatever he needed.

“Following his death, the Hospice Chaplain, Suzie, conducted the funeral service and hosted the interment of ashes service.

When the reality set in, things became really hard, but Suzie was there and she kept telling me ‘We’re here for you, there’s a support network’ and called regularly to check in.

When I was struggling she put me in touch with the complementary therapy and counselling teams.

“You do feel guilty about taking up so much of the Hospice’s resources, I personally felt that I wanted to give something back quite quickly, which is why I started up a Tribute Fund and my work donated what they would have

spent on Christmas cards and postage to the Hospice.

We also asked for donations in lieu of flowers at the funeral and more recently, I registered as a volunteer gardener. I spent a lot of time in the gardens when Sandy was being cared for so it felt like a good fit for me; it’s the perfect place for contemplation and I'm looking forward to helping out in my spare time.

“This year, I’ll also be dedicating a light on the Tree of Remembrance to Sandy. Traditionally, Christmas Day was such a big thing for us; even though there was only two of us, we’d get up early, I’d put the tree lights on and

Sandy would make coffee, then we’d open a parcel each. I’ve always enjoyed the build up to Christmas more than the day itself I think! I love going to the pantomime and we’d always make a point of going to see the Hospice tree in town, so I can’t wait to see it shine in his memory.

“I didn’t for one minute think that the kind of support I’ve had would ever be in place. People know about the care for patients, but nobody realises what’s available to the people that are left behind. I’ll never be able to repay the Hospice for the love and kindness they’ve shown me or for the amazing care Sandy

had at the end of his life.

Anyone that gets the chance of support from St Columba’s shouldn’t be frightened to accept.

I want people to know that this is probably the best care you’ll ever get for your loved ones, so whatever you can give, be it volunteering, donating, anything at all you think might help, please offer it.”

— To dedicate a light to a loved one, return the appeal leaflet enclosed with your magazine, call 0131 551 1381 or visit stcolumbashospice. org.uk/LightupaLife.

stcolumbashospice.org.uk/donate

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Broadie & Skye

Pawsitively O

ur favourite furry friends were stood down during the pandemic, so we’re delighted to announce we’re finally able to welcome them back!

It’s been a delight to reintroduce our amazing Therapets to the Hospice.

Initially they’ll be making visits to the Iona Café, but we hope to see them back on our wards visiting patients and families, very soon.

With enormous thanks to owners and devoted volunteers: Karen Tait-Smith, Ruth Davis, Jennifer Somerville, Gill Harris, Kate Sutherland, Fran Hickcox and Ruth Laidlaw.

Maddie & M organ

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Cedric & Gus

Quincey

thrilling news!

Brodie

Molly www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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Adrienne received her breast cancer diagnosis 21 years ago, and in 2019, was told that her cancer had spread further. This news was quickly followed by the onset of the pandemic, and the consequent restrictions left her feeling isolated.

From Volunteer to Compassionate Citizen Adrienne said: “ Without support from the Hospice, lockdown would have been very lonely for me. In December 2019, I was told that I had weeks or months to live, I wasn’t expecting that, they told me my only option was chemotherapy.

Over the coming months I became increasingly depressed. I was living at home alone, my son was unable to visit me and the only time I could leave my flat was to attend my chemo appointments.

“The Hospice was an incredible support, from music and art therapy, to long phone calls with the Chaplain, medical advice and regular supportive calls to check in. I’ve taken part in a relaxation technique

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online called guided image therapy and most recently, I became part of the Compassionate Neighbours initiative which put me in touch with Diane.

“The idea is that the Hospice connects you with a volunteer based on shared interests and hobbies. In my case, when Diane called it was a perfect match, we had an instant connection and similar sense of humour, we hit it off and spoke for hours. As restrictions have eased, we’ve spent more time together in person and it’s had such a positive impact on my life, Diane has made such a difference in a short space of time.

“What I’ve come to realise is, if you can change your mindset, you can cope with things. I certainly had to

change my mindset when I was told I had weeks to live. I’ve always been told I’m a creative person and the Hospice has given me an outlet for that. I began writing a book called ‘Green Carnations’ when I was a carer for my dad and aunt.

It took 17 years to complete but when I had it published, I felt so proud of myself.

I’ve now gone back to art and writing; I've made a start on the sequel to my novel and I’m involved in social groups and generally feeling much more energetic.

“Let’s face it – none of us know if or when we might need the support of the Hospice personally or for a family member. There are so many people out there

Adrienne Chaplin (right) met volunteer Diane Ross (left) through the Hospice’s Compassionate Neighbour movement which aims to provide social and emotional support to anyone experiencing loneliness or social isolation.

Diane, said: “When I heard the Hospice was looking for Compassionate Neighbours I instantly wanted to be involved. Maggie, the project lead, spent a lot of time discussing my interests and background before she paired me with Adrienne and that has definitely paid off! that are getting a lot of help and support from the team, things that you might not even realise they provide.

When you get a diagnosis like cancer and a prognosis that you’ve got a time limit, that’s devastating. I couldn’t be more grateful for all the support I've received, it really is life changing.

“We have the same sense of humour, we’re both chatterboxes, and the first time Adrienne answered the phone she sounded just like my aunty so I felt this instant connection! I’m just happy to be involved and if Adrienne feels like I’m making a difference, that’s all that matters.”

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Community corner

Morrisons Granton Braved the Shave!

A big thank you to Jen and the team at Morrisons Granton who held a fundraiser in memory of their dear friend and colleague Alexandra. It started with Jen deciding to brave the shave and ended up being an 80’s themed celebration with a raffle, treat stall and several colleagues joining her in shaving their heads!

The event was a great success raising £3,151 plus gift aid and matched funding. Jen, said: “The total amount raised was just mind blowing, I cried with joy at the total. Alexandra was a dear friend, she always got involved with my fundraising in store, so I just knew I wanted to fundraise in her honour.”

Are you planning your Wedding or Civil Ceremony?

We have a number of designs to choose from, all customisable.

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Did you know that we can create personalised favours and place cards for your special day?

Gift your guests one of our beautiful Dove lapel badges, all while helping to raise vital funds for your local Hospice.

If you'd like more information, contact the Fundraising team at fund@ stcolumbashospice. org.uk or call us on 0131 551 1381.

A Flourishing Fundraiser We’ve had fantastic support through Scotland’s Gardens Scheme over the years and this year was no exception! Sue Lessels, along with a group of Longniddry residents, opened their gardens in support of St Columba’s Hospice Care and Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres raising a fantastic £720 for

Ride across Britain for St Columba’s!

Richard Gallacher and friend Keith Courtney cycled an incredible 1,350 miles, from Lands’ End to John O’Groats,

then John O’Groats to Dunbar – stopping off at the Hospice to say hello – all to raise money for St Columba’s Hospice Care and the Haematology Centre at the Western General Hospital.

Richard cycled in memory of his late Father, David, who was cared for by the Hospice team in his final days.

He told us ‘From the minute my dad arrived, the care he was given was second to none; as a family we really

the Hospice. She chose to support the Hospice after her late husband spent his final days with us in December 2018, saying the Hospice ‘is the most caring and beautiful establishment.’

Thank you, Sue and friends, for your generous support! Visit scotlandsgardens.org to find out more about opening your own garden or visiting others.

want to be able to help’. The cycling enthusiasts have raised over £18,561 so far, half of which will be donated to the Hospice. Thank you, Richard and Keith, for taking part in this extraordinary challenge for us!

Get Involved!

If you’d like to get involved with fundraising, help out with our community activities or learn more, contact our community fundraisers Hannah and Diane by emailing fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk or call 0131 551 1381. www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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Stay active this winter As the weather grows colder and the dark nights draw in, it can be tempting to forego your regular exercise routine, in favour of a comfy chair and a good box set!

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he World Health Organisation recommends that everyone completes at least 150 minutes of exercise over the course of a week.

Regular physical activity benefits both the body and mind. It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight and reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers. Here to keep the Hospice Community fighting fit is Hospice Physiotherapist Lindsay

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Harrison, and NHS Occupational Therapist & Personal Trainer, Megan McDonald!

Lindsay, one of our fab Physios is a huge advocate of keeping active in our daily lives. Lindsay said: “Staying active is one of the best ways to keep your body healthy and improve your overall well-being and quality of life. One of my favourite sayings (and I say this to family and friends as well as patients) is ‘motion is lotion’

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– i.e. it’s really good for you to move more and sit less!

“So, what do you need to do? It’s pretty simple really – try to break up extended periods of inactivity (anything more than an hour really) with even just 1-2 minutes of physical activity and you will reap the benefits.”

Below are some of Lindsay’s top exercises to keep your body moving, even when you can’t get outdoors!

Try these four exercises: Upper Body Twists Sit upright with your feet flat on the floor, cross your arms and reach for your shoulders. Without moving your hips, turn your upper body to the left as far as is comfortable. Hold for 5 seconds.

Repeat on the right side.

Mini Squats Rest your hands on the back of the chair for stability and stand with your feet hip-width apart. Slowly bend your knees as far as is comfortable, keeping them facing forwards. Aim to get them over your big toe. Keep your back straight at all times. Gently come up to standing, squeezing (clenching) your buttocks as you do so. Repeat 5 times.

Sit to Stands Sit on the edge of the chair, feet hip-width apart. Lean slightly forwards. Stand up slowly using your legs, not arms, looking forwards and not down. Stand upright and then slowly sit down, using your hands or arms to guide you. Try 5 repetitions – the slower, the better.

Leg Extensions Rest your hands on the back of a chair for stability. Standing upright, raise your left leg backwards, keeping it straight.

Avoid arching your back as you take your leg back. You should feel the effort in the back of your thigh and bottom. Repeat with the right leg.

Hold the lift for up to 5 seconds and repeat 5 times with each leg.

Meet Megan I’m Megan, an NHS Occupational Therapist and qualified Personal Trainer. I help people over 65 regain their confidence, strength and stamina through one-to-one walking and exercise sessions. Recently, I've been working with people who have lost the confidence to get out on their own as a result of the pandemic.

Regular movement is important, especially during winter when we’re all less active! Why not set yourself a goal over the winter months to walk outside every day? Or set a distance target – lampposts are handy markers and a great way to see your own progress!

I’d love to offer advice and support to friends of the Hospice, so if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch info@meganbethpt.com / www.meganbethpt.com

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We’re excited to announce that we have a new Charity Partner for 2021/2022, Barratt East Scotland! After a challenging 18 months, we’re delighted to have the support of such an enthusiastic team and are looking forward to working with them and seeing how the partnerships develops over the next year.

Corporate corner W

hen we kicked off our second 7 Hills Challenge from 21-27 August we knew it was going to be summit special, but we were overwhelmed by the efforts of all of our amazing participants who collectively raised a staggering £23,628.

Teams laced up their walking boots and set out to conquer the 7 hills of Edinburgh or East Lothian over the course of the week. Barratt’s took on the challenge as their first fundraiser for us, raising an incredible £20,000 in the process and taking home the prize for most money raised. The team at Burness Paull put their best foot forward and scooped the award for fastest walking time and the IAS team didn’t lose their focus, managing to snap up the prize for best

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photography - all very worth winners!

It’s lovely to see events making a comeback and Kilgour Wealth Management held their corporate golf event in aid of the Hospice in September, so a big thanks to all those who took part and fundraised for us.

We’d also like to extend a huge thank you to all of the companies who have donated to us over the past few months, First Sentier Investors, Boots, Ocean Terminal, Johnnie Walker, Narcissus, TLK Productions, J.Smart &Co., Standard Life, Adobe, Capita Real Estate, Phoenix Group, BOS, Peter Vardy, Craneware, PM Solutions, John Lewis and Urquharts Solicitors. Your ongoing support as always is very gratefully received.

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

Barratt East Scotland won most money raised

IAS won best team photo

Become our next corporate partner Organisations have a huge impact on the lives of families across Edinburgh and the Lothians, helping them have access to high-quality palliative care when it’s needed most. Becoming a corporate partner doesn't just mean investing in your community, we’ll also work with you to create a social focus with a range of events and volunteering opportunities to

help you increase staff morale, attract customers and investors and build your company’s reputation with the public.

If you’re interested in finding out more about getting your company involved with St Columba’s Hospice Care, contact our Corporate Manager, Amanda Southey for more information.

Asouthey@stcolumbashospice.org.uk

Thank you!

With many of our voluntary income channels either curtailed or stopped due to the pandemic, we were delighted that over 50 Trusts and Foundations responded very positively to our application for support over the past year. We are truly grateful for this support.

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

T

his year, 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 5 of our favourites:

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Pick up a gift for the man in your life from our Dapper Chap gift range which includes this Bike Bottle Opener (£2.99) a fun gift for any cycling enthusiast!

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Say goodbye to misplaced keys with our Islay Tweed and Leather Keyrings and purses (from £6) featuring an adorable leather Scotty Dog and a little pocket for storing your trolley coin!

Get the kids into the festive spirit with these mini glass reindeer bottles with a straw (£4) - perfect to leave out for Santa on Christmas eve!

Get ready for Christmas!

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These handmade decorations (£7.25) will make a great addition to your Christmas tree.

Available in three assorted colours, inspired by Kashmiri embroidery patterns from India.

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Why donate?

By donating your unwanted items to the Hospice you're not only helping us to provide our services to the community, but also recycling and preventing your items going into landfill.

Brighten up your living space with these beautiful fused glass decorations (from £14.50). Ideal for a mantle, desk, window sill or as a centerpiece on a table.

We also stock angels and hearts, which all stand on a wooden base.

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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Upcoming events

Giant Pub Quiz Wednesday 24 November, 6.30PM The Edinburgh Corn Exchange

£15 per person £75 for a team of 6 Round up a team and join us for our Giant Pub Quiz!

Test your knowledge and be in with a chance of winning some fantastic prizes. Tickets include a pie and a pint (wine and soft drinks also available).

Try your luck at our raffle for the chance to win a signed Lions rugby shirt and an overnight stay for two at Tigerlily.

Book now to avoid disappointment!

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Festive Virtual Pet show

6 - 13 December Online

Proud pet owners – get your cameras at the ready!

Our online pet show is back, but with a festive twist!

Enter your talented pooches, clever cats and photogenic rabbits into one of five categories and see if they have what it takes to make it to the social media final!

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www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

Edinburgh Christmas 10k, 5k and Santa Toddle Sunday 5 December

Dress up in your festive best and take on one of these runs in aid of the Hospice.

The races take in the best of Inverleith Park and the Water of Leith. Come along to get into the festive spirit, soak in the brilliant atmosphere and earn your finisher's medal.

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Christmas jumper day

Friday 10 December Have a day of festive fun with family and friends or get your workplace, school or uni involved! Don your favourite festive clothing - and make a donation to the Hospice.

Facebook community, share photos and connect with your fellow wild swimmers, get in touch to register your interest today!

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Celtic Challenge

It’s a Knockout

25 - 29 May Registration: £195 Fundraising target: £1200

Saturday 18 June

Take part in our 10th Celtic Challenge following the postponement of the event in 2020. Starting at the Hospice in Edinburgh, you’ll spend 4 days cycling 200 miles and seeing Scotland at it’s very best before finishing at the iconic Iona Abbey on the remote island accessed via Oban and then across the Isle of Mull. The event is supported

by Sport Ecosse Events cyclists and suitable for all abilities!

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Edinburgh Marathon

Teams of 10 will battle it out over fun and crazy obstacles, and work together to complete highly-amusing games which involve a variety of weird and wonderful tasks. Take part or come along to spectate at this family friendly day out!

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Celtic Challenge Normandy Registration is £195 Fundraising target of £1750

Our Celtic Challenge is going on tour to France!

The cycle will cover 200 miles of the stunning Normandy coastline over 4 days, starting in the historic port town of Cherbourg, and finishing up in the small fishing port of Ouistreham. Travel, accommodation and meals included. All abilities welcome!

Dook a Day Throughout May

For more information

Archerfield Walled Garden Estate

31 August – 4 September

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Calling all wild swimmers!

Take part in our Dook-a-Day challenge throughout May and help raise funds for St Columba’s Hospice Care.

Become part of our closed

2008 and is the second largest marathon in the UK. Challenge yourself to run 5km, 10km, a half marathon or a full marathon. Contact us for more information on securing a Charity Entry.

28 –29 May Edinburgh

The Edinburgh Marathon has sold out every year since

To register for any of the events listed or to find out more, email fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk

www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk

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Keep in touch with us online for our latest news: www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk facebook.com/stcolumbas @StColumbas @st.columbas.hospice

→ St Columba’s Hospice Care 15 Boswall Road Edinburgh EH5 3RW T: 0131 551 1381 E: fund@stcolumbashospice.org.uk — Copyright © 2021 St Columba’s Hospice Care.

All rights reserved. Registered in Scotland N° 48700. Charity N° SC003634 On the cover: Adrienne Chaplin 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