A cancer patient, recently discharged from St Columba’s Hospice, has returned home to spend quality time with his loved ones and is urging people across the capital to make every moment count with the people that mean the most to them this summer, by getting behind the charity’s Summer to Remember Appeal.
Nick Hayes, Director of The Gilmerton Singers, was diagnosed with lung cancer last year and following a referral to the Hospice feels he has regained some control and independence. Putting this down to the quality of care and support he’s received, Nick said: “My stay at St Columba’s Hospice has been exceptional and hugely beneficial both physically and mentally. I arrived expecting to die from cancer, but have learned to live with the condition. Although still under the care of the Hospice, I’m now back at home, making every moment count with the people I love the most.”
The aim of the Summer to Remember Appeal is to raise money for the Hospice, enabling them to reach and care for more people like Nick across the community. Members of the public are invited to make a donation and dedicate a piece of bunting to a loved one with a special memory. The Hospice will collate all of the pieces of bunting and display it at a special event in Starbank Park, recently voted Best Neighbourhood Park at the Horticulture Week Custodian Awards, on Sunday 19 August (1pm-3pm).
Jon Heggie, Director of Fundraising at the Hospice, said: “Our goal is to help people living with a terminal illness live well, with dignity and independence, for as long as they can. The fact that Nick has been able to return home and spend quality time with his loved ones is testament to the difference palliative and end of life care can make to families.
“We hope people across Edinburgh and the Lothians will support our Summer to Remember campaign by dedicating a piece of bunting to a loved one and coming along to our event in August. The more donations and dedications we receive, the more people we can support across our community.”
Everyone is invited along to the family-friendly appeal event in Starbank Park on 19 August where the bunting will be on display and people can enjoy glorious views across the Firth of Forth. Entertainment includes Edinburgh Brass Band, The Gilmerton Singers, face painting for the kids and more.
People who wish to support the Summer to Remember appeal can make a donation and fill in their bunting online at http://www.stcolumbashospice.org.uk/summer-to-remember-appeal-2018/, or by calling the Hospice’s fundraising team on 0131 551 1381.
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