“The way our family was cared for and treated by the Ayrshire Hospice really made those memories such a foundation, I just remember them so well even today, sixteen years later.”

The Ayrshire Hospice is more than just a building. When families are touched by a life-limiting illness and are supported by the Ayrshire Hospice care team, they will tell you about the level of care their loved ones received, the support and counselling offered to them during an extremely challenging time, and the profoundly positive, lasting impact it had on them.

In 2008, the Ayrshire Hospice cared for Christine Blair, a devoted mother and grandmother. The care teams not only supported Christine to the highest standard possible, but were there for her whole family, including her then 7-year-old granddaughter, Emma.

Today, Emma still remembers their care, and has fundraised for the Ayrshire Hospice in her gran's memory by running the Edinburgh Marathon. Emma has also kindly shared her story, which serves as a touching reminder of the impact exceptional palliative care has on patients and families, no matter how young, allowing them to create lasting, positive memories.

Read more about Emma's story here

The Ayrshire Hospice has supported local families like Emma's for the past 35 years. We are more determined than ever to continue caring for our community for many years to come. Undertaking our Capital Build Project - a radical redevelopment of our original buildings on Racecourse Road - was necessary to secure the future we envision. The building began its physical transformation to allow the Hospice’s services to continue growing, its care to continue adapting, and to enhance its patients’ and their families’ experience throughout their journey with the Ayrshire Hospice.

But we still have to raise another £2 million in order to complete the build and move back to our traditional home on Racecourse Road, Ayr.

If you can, please support our Capital Build Project today

Or, read more about how the Ayrshire Hospice will look once its transformation is complete below.

Parents, partners, grandparents, children and pets will be able to cuddle up in bed with their loved one, just like they would in their own home. ‘Cuddle beds’ will have enough room for two, who may not be used to going to bed alone. Before, patients were in two or three bedded bays with shared bathrooms. In the new In-Patient Unit, 12 single-bedded rooms will allow for more privacy and dignity for the whole family during a loved one’s stay or visit.

Patients’ rooms will have direct access to patios, leading into beautifully landscaped, level gardens for everyone to enjoy.

The gardens will be fully accessible, including for those using mobility aids and in bed. An extensive replanting of trees and flowers will encourage a variety of birds and butterflies, creating a haven where patients and their loved ones will once again be able to spend quality time together outside.

Our new facilities will enable us to continue providing compassionate care and support to the highest standard, ensuring patients and families will have lasting, special memories of their time together in our care, under our roof.

A redevelopment of this scale would not be possible without the support of our community. But we still need help to complete the build and bring our care, our staff and patients home to Racecourse Road. 

Donate towards our Capital Build Project here