Hospice staff from across Scotland gathered together at Glasgow Central Station to launch a new national partnership called Scotland’s Hospices Together and spread the #hospicelove with commuters.

John Brady, chair of Scotland’s Hospices Together and head of fundraising at St Andrew’s Hospice in Airdrie, explains: “The people of Scotland really cherish their local hospices and many supporters often go to extraordinary lengths to fundraise for them and show their love! 

“Through joining together in a new national partnership, Scotland’s Hospices Together hopes to grow that support nationally and highlight the important work of hospice care across the country. Scottish hospices currently provide free, person-centred and family-focused palliative and end-of-life care to more than 20,000 people every year and make a hugely positive impact on the lives of patients and families every single day.”

The theme for the launch was “A special kind of love” based on the heartfelt feedback most consistently given by patients and families who experience hospice care.  Hospice staff gave out Valentine’s (post)cards to commuters telling them about the new partnership along with a complimentary foil-wrapped chocolate love heart kindly supplied by Marks & Spencer, Newton Mearns.

Farah Nissa, whose sister and brother-in-law both died at The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, explains: “The love, compassion and commitment shown is something I've not experienced elsewhere, it is above and beyond what is called for. They are all amazing people.

“I have now decided to volunteer in the hospice to give something back. I definitely want to put some time aside for the hospice as the work done there is invaluable. I would urge my friends to donate time, services and money for this noble cause.”

As part of its remit, Scotland’s Hospices Together will be co-ordinating joint fundraising campaigns to benefit all participating hospices across Scotland. The next event scheduled is the family-friendly Bubble Rush on Sunday 6^th May in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow. To find out more about Bubble Rush visit https://www.princeandprincessofwaleshospice.org.uk/event-article/family-events/bubble-rush

Member hospices include ACCORD Hospice, Ardgowan Hospice, Ayrshire Hospice, Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS), Highland Hospice, The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, St Andrew’s Hospice, St Columba’s Hospice, St Vincent’s Hospice and Strathcarron Hospice.

Visit www.scotlandshospices.org for more information. #hospicelove