THE Ayrshire Hospice is appealing to communities across Ayrshire to hold a fundraising event or take part in a sponsored challenge during 2018, in aid of their local hospice.

Last year saw many supporters across Ayrshire getting fit by supporting the hospice and an astounding £328,582 was raised by community fundraisers holding their own events or taking part in sponsored challenges.

During 2018, there is a wide range of challenges on offer including Kiltwalk Glasgow on April 29, Bubble Rush on May 6, Edinburgh Marathon Festival on 26th-27th May, Roon the Toon in Kilmarnock on June 10, Great Scottish Run on September 30 plus many more.

One supporter, Adrian Young, completed the London Docklands Olympic Triathlon last year and raised an amazing £1,800 in aid of the hospice.

Adrian said: “My friends and I entered the London Docklands Olympic Triathlon having no previous experience of triathlons before to challenge us across a range of sports and support a local charity.”

In addition to the challenge events, the Ayrshire Hospice will be marking the tenth anniversary of their flagship Land o’ Burns Starlight Walk on Saturday, May 19. The Ayrshire Hospice Colour Dash is also due to take place during August 2018 with a specific date still to be confirmed and don’t forget the popular Ayrshire Hospice Arran Cycle in June!

Ron Swanson, Assistant Fundraising Manager at the Ayrshire Hospice said: “We are truly amazed by our fantastic community supporters who went above and beyond to take part in a range of sponsored challenges in 2017.”

The care provided by the Ayrshire Hospice is free to patients and their families.

However, it does require extensive, on-going fundraising support. During 2016-17, it cost over £7.6million to run all hospice services, including clinical, fundraising and support services – equating to almost £21,000 per day!

Over £4.3 million was raised through voluntary donations alone.

For more information, contact the community fundraising team on 01292 288488 or email community@ayrshirehospice.org