For many Ayrshire people, the last 25 years have been made a little easier by the care and support offered by the Ayrshire Hospice. And now, as the charity celebrates its silver anniversary year, a band of local business people have got together to do what they can to raise awareness and boost funds as the hospice gears up to expand its outreach care.

Business Consultant, Willie Mackie, is chairing the group which has pledged to support the hospice throughout a series of fundraising events this year, starting with the Silver Star Walk (17th May), a spectacular Grand Online Auction starting on 22nd May and the Silver Anniversary Summer Ball (7th June). All of the money raised during the Silver Anniversary Campaign will go towards the Ayrshire Hospice Respite and Response Service, supporting carers throughout the area who look after family or friends with a life limiting illness. This service provides respite in emergencies and responds to cases where an increase in the level of care is urgently needed.  It also provides support to help a patient remain at home, when that is their wish. The total cost of the service over the next four years is £1.15million and although Big Lottery Funding has been secured for half of that amount, the hospice hopes to achieve full funding of this vital service through a calendar of silver anniversary events including the Silver Star Walk, Grand Online Auction and Summer Ball.

The Silver Anniversary Campaign chair Willie Mackie, holds a variety of high profile positions within the Ayrshire community, including Regional Chair of Ayrshire College, Chair of Taste Ayrshire, board member of the Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and board member of the East Ayrshire Community Planning Partnership. He is also a member of the Ayrshire Economic Partnership and the East Ayrshire Business Enterprise board.

He is joined by Kilmarnock Solicitor, Alastair Cochrane; Heather Dunk, Chief Executive of Ayrshire College; Jamie Hogg of RBS who are sponsoring this year’s Silver Star Walk and the Silver Anniversary Summer Ball; Val Russell of Ayrshire Chamber of Commerce; John Corrigan, Hospice Board Director; Jennifer Simpson, hospice ambassador and Catriona Cochrane. They are joined by Mandy Yule, Colin Loy, Laurence Brady and Katie Ronald of the hospice.

Willie Mackie explained the new committee’s decision to get involved: “Over the past 25 years almost every family in Ayrshire has, directly or indirectly, been touched by the marvellous work of the Ayrshire Hospice. As a committee we’re honoured to have been asked to support such a deserving cause. The enthusiasm and dedication of the hospice team is admirable. They’ve achieved so much in their first 25 years and this new campaign will take the level of care and support they can offer to a new level. As a committee our role is to bolster their efforts, urging everyone we can to take part in some or all of the events planned and crucially to donate what they can to ensure that the hospice can continue to go from strength to strength for the ultimate benefit of all the people in Ayrshire who may someday need their help.” The Royal Bank of Scotland Silver Star Walk takes place on Saturday 17th May, with a new start time of 10pm, beginning at Ayr Racecourse.  There are three distances to walk - 13, 9 or 4 miles – so anyone can do it: young or old, male or female – all welcome!  Entrants can walk as an individual or as a team – all you have to do is try to raise as much money for the hospice as possible! Registration remains at £20 for adults with a new reduced cost of £10 for anyone under 16 on 17th May – (but youngsters will need to be accompanied by an adult).

You can register online now at www.ayrshirehospice.org or give the events team a call on 01292 288488.

The hospice’s Grand Online Auction will go live on eBay on Thursday 22nd May and will run until Sunday 1st June. The auction catalogue showcases over 150 incredible items kindly donated by hospice supporters. Sought-after lots include a star-studded red carpet experience for two, a cruise and a wedding package.

On Saturday 7th June the Silver Anniversary Summer Ball supported by the Royal Bank of Scotland, will be held in the grand marquee at Lochgreen House Hotel in Troon.  A fabulous night of entertainment, sumptuous food from the award winning Costley & Costley team and toe-tapping music to encourage you to dance the night away!  Tickets cost £85 and tables seat 10 or 12 – it’s the perfect occasion for a group of friends getting together or corporate entertaining.  To book your table call the events team on 01292 288488 or email: events@ayrshirehospice.org – don’t miss it!!