News from the Hospice

Light Up a Life

We were delighted to see the return of our Light up a Life ceremonies in Edinburgh and Haddington at the end of last year, with dedications and donations to our annual appeal raising over £105,000! Thank you to everyone who supported Light up a Life and to our official event sponsors, Farmer Autocare and Walter Scott Foundation.

RIGHT: Amelia and Imogen turned on the lights in memory of their Uncle, Sandy Russell

News from the Hospice

St Columba’s Hospice Care recognised as first University Hospice in East of Scotland

Following the announcement of a pioneering agreement with Queen Margaret University, St Columba’s Hospice Care has been officially recognised as the first University Hospice in the East of Scotland. The Hospice joins only a handful of hospices in the country to achieve this prestigious status which will provide a stronger platform for teaching and research in the future. Dr Erna Haraldsdottir, Director of Education and Research for St Columba’s Hospice Care and Senior Lecturer at QMU, said: “The announcement comes as a result of years of collaborative working between the organisations and will also be hugely advantageous to students wishing to gain practical working experience within a palliative and end of life care setting.”

LEFT: Members from our Education and Research team met with the team from QMU to celebrate the new status in March.

LEFT: Stuart Montgomery presented his cheque to the Hospice in January

Photography Book raises over £20,000 for the Hospice

Aphotography book, 'Edinburgh: The Silent City', featuring stunningly eerie shots of Edinburgh during lockdown has raised £20,360 (and counting!) for St Columba’s Hospice Care. Edinburgh resident Stuart Montgomery, published the book in 2020 after documenting the deserted city centre during his daily exercise hour. Stuart dedicated the book to his father and decided to donate the proceeds from sales to the Hospice in memory of his mother, Nancy Montgomery, who was a patient 27 years ago. A huge thank you to Stuart for his hard work on the book and for the amazing sum he’s donated to the Hospice! 'Edinburgh: The Silent City' is available to buy on our website, in the Hospice’s Iona Cafe and in our Canonmills bookshop.

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FACEBOOK BIRTHDAYS Share your birthday or a special celebration with St Columba’s Hospice Care! Setting up a birthday fundraiser could not be easier and Facebook even gives you a reminder closer to your big day. DONATE TO OUR SHOPS If you’re having a clear out, you can donate any clothes, books, furniture & more. New homes for your items and funds raised for the Hospice: win win!

GIFT AID If you’re a UK taxpayer we could claim an extra 25% on your donations from the government at no additional cost to you! All we need is a gift aid declaration from you, call 0131 551 1381 to check we have yours. REGULAR GIVING A monthly gift from you means we can make a real, sustainable difference to the lives of the people we support in your community.