THE Ayrshire Hospice marked its 30th anniversary and paid tribute to its employees, voluntary staff, and amazing fundraising supporters.

Ayrshire Hospice Chief Executive, Mandy Yule, paid tribute to the continuing support of the kind-hearted Ayrshire public.

Ayrshire Hospice Chief Executive, Mandy Yule, paid tribute to the continuing support of the kind-hearted Ayrshire public and stressed their importance to the hospice.

She said: “As we mark our 30th year, our message to the wonderful people of Ayrshire is, thank you. We wouldn’t be able to deliver the level of care we do if it wasn’t for your support.

“We have an incredible group of volunteers and fundraisers across Ayrshire - some of whom have given their time for over 30 years - and without their efforts, the hospice simply wouldn’t be here.

"Because of your efforts we have access to some of the best palliative care treatments available allowing us to give our patients comfort and quality of life.”

However, the Ayrshire Hospice story does not actually begin 30 years ago. Six years earlier in 1983 a group of hard working and committed citizens dedicated their time to form a Trust, with the goal of raising the necessary funds to open a hospice in Ayrshire.

After the initial fundraising target of £400,000 was met within 21 months, the next task was to find a suitable location for the hospice.

‘Gargowan’ on Racecourse Road was identified after an exhaustive search throughout Ayrshire and building work began in 1987.

At the same time, the hospice service was launched with the appointment of two home care nurses.