AN Ayrshire charity involving a team of kind-hearted volunteers who help offer companionship to people who are terminally ill has been given a National Lottery grant to help it continue its work for the next three years.

No One Dies Alone Ayrshire has been given £10,000 from the Lottery and Gavin Pearce, vice chairperson, said: “We are thrilled to be receiving an award from the National Lottery Community Fund.

“This will ensure that we can continue to provide compassionate care to people who are dying and alone, offering a break and support to those families who need it. This funding not only means so much to us as a charity, but also to our dedicated volunteers and the people we support.

“Funding for core costs is particularly difficult for charities to obtain at the moment and therefore we are extremely grateful to the National Lottery for this opportunity.

Kate Still, chairperson of National Lottery Community Fund, Scotland, said: “In these unprecedented times, it’s heartening to see the way Scottish communities are coming together to provide each other with support.

“I would like to congratulate on their award which is testament to the incredible efforts of their staff and volunteers.”

During lockdown, the team of volunteers have continued to help people who are suffering and not only the person who is dying but offering support for their family too.

Linda McCurrach, charity chairperson, added: “I have been involved in training about the effects of the last breath and what happens just after this. It has been enlightening and working with people following their loved one’s passing is something that we are doing to help.”