St Vincent’s Hospice has revealed the amount of money its Light up a Life and Christmas appeals have generated.
Kind-hearted donors gave a whopping £23,800 to the end-of-life-care charity, which provides specialist care to people and families affected by life-limiting conditions in Renfrewshire.
The annual Light up a Life event took place at The McKillop Institute in Main Street, Lochwinnoch, on Sunday, December 4.
It included 30-minute service, a rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow performed by Curtis Campbell, teas and coffees and goods for sale, with all the proceeds going to the charity.
As well as being a fundraising opportunity, the event also acts as a gathering for people to remember loved ones who have died.
The fundraising campaign was greatly supported by the King family, from Lochwinnoch, who shared the emotional story of their wife, mum and sister Fran, who was cared for by the hospice.
Fran was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2007, but would go on to live for more than a decade – seeing her two children, Cameron and Diane, grow into young adults.
She remained active until the end and continued to go on school trips, have Cameron and Diane’s school friends to the house for play dates and went on as many days out as she could with her twin sister, Carolyn, and her mum, Clare.
Fran and her family received support from St Vincent’s Hospice throughout her illness – mostly helping with Fran’s care at home.
Helen, a community nurse specialist, ensured Fran was given physical and emotional support and that the family had all the information they needed.
Sadly, Fran, 56, passed away last year, but the family are very grateful for the care provided for her throughout.
They told the Paisley Daily Express last year: “We will never forget the wonderful care Fran received at the very worst time in our lives. She was treated with love, dignity and compassion.
“Fran’s personality was infectious to everyone who got to know her. Despite her short time in the hospice, the nurses developed a strong bond with her.
“As a family, we know Fran would have been incredibly proud to support Light up a Life, knowing that families and loved ones across Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire can create special memories that will be cherished forever.”
Individual giving manager Hayley Simpson said: “Everyone at St Vincent’s is extremely grateful to Andy and the King family for sharing Fran’s story. We would not have been able to raise such a fantastic amount without their support.
“Fran was such an incredible and inspirational lady and we are honoured to have been able to share her story with our supporters and the local community. We would like to say a huge thank-you to the Kings.”
The vital funds that have been raised will go towards helping as many patients and families as possible across Renfrewshire and North Ayrshire.
“St Vincent’s Hospice send a huge thank-you to everyone who supported the fundraising over the Christmas period,” added Hayley. “Everyone at the hospice really appreciates the generosity of the local community.”
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