Latest news with #Hospice
The National
a day ago
- Health
- The National
Man runs 341km in year-long fundraiser for Highland Hospice
A KIRKHILL man has run 11km every day this July wearing a weighted vest during a fundraising appeal in memory of his late wife. Frazer Grant is raising money for the Highland Hospice throughout the whole of 2025 after they cared for his wife, Sinéad, in her final week. A target of £60,000 was set to help give back for the seven days of care Sinéad received at the hospice in 2024. READ MORE: Former rugby player to take on world-record swim with Scottish Canals Grant said: 'The Highland Hospice needs to raise £8,500 every single day to provide its vital services across the Highlands. 'That is why I have set a target of raising £60,000 this year, to give back for the seven days of incredible care Sinéad received.' Grant has completed several fundraising events, including a half-marathon row in February and the Inverness half-marathon in March. With his latest bid, he will have ran a total of 341km with the weighted vest by Friday throughout the month of July 'Each run in July has been challenging but also very special. The route is the last route Sinéad and I ran together, so it's emotional', Grant said. Sinéad, who previously a doctor at Raigmore Hospital, was diagnosed with Melanoma in March 2024. After a short battle, the 34-year-old took unwell last November, when she was admitted to the Highland Hospice where she spent her final days. Grant continued: 'The Highland Hospice was incredible. To me, they are more than just people doing their jobs, they are angels. 'Now, I want to give back. It feels like the only way I can thank the Hospice for what it did for our family in the darkest of days, and to remember my beautiful, kind and caring wife.' Grant said he is grateful to the support he's received from onlookers and those who have donated money to his appeals thus far. READ MORE: Train operator to extend London King's Cross to Scottish city services 'I've been lucky to have friends turning up almost every day to join me, something that has pushed me on, even on the most difficult days', he said. 'Sinéad dedicated her career and life to caring for others, and the Highland Hospice team showed her that same compassion. 'That's why I'm determined to hit my £60,000 goal and give back for the incredible care they showed Sinéad and continue to show people every day.' A JustGiving page has been set up for those who wish to donate as he continues his fundraising events right up until his late wife's first anniversary.
The Citizen
3 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
You are invited to celebrate the first anniversary of Stepping Stone Hospice's Children Unit
You are invited to celebrate the first anniversary of Stepping Stone Hospice's Children Unit The community is warmly invited to join Stepping Stone Hospice on July 29 from 10:00 to 13:00 as the organisation celebrates the first anniversary of its Children's Unit. Since opening, the unit has provided compassionate care to young patients and vital support to their families during some of life's most difficult moments. This gathering will be a moment for both gratitude and remembrance. A special tribute will honour two young patients who have earned their Angel Wings. In their memory, the guests will release balloons filled with forget-me-not seeds. These seeds serve as a symbol of love, remembrance, and the lasting impact these children have had on all who knew them. The community is encouraged to attend and show their support. Donations of food platters or drinks to assist with the celebration would be appreciated. For more information, contact the Hospice at 010 442 5059.
Press and Journal
05-06-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Inverness Ice Centre returns from near 'rock bottom' with major events venue ambitions
Despite ice rinks around the country at risk of closing their doors, Inverness Ice Centre has returned from the financial brink and is back on its feet. The centre fell into trouble in recent times after energy price hikes doubled their energy costs from £12,000 to £30,000 a month. Now, after threats of closure and nearly reaching 'rock bottom,' Ice Centre chief executive Gordon Barron has high hopes the centre has a positive future ahead. Mr Barron has been looking forward to being back on good terms after a successfully implemented recovery plan in May secured it's future. This includes receiving a £150,000 loan from Social Investment Scotland. Part of the recovery also involved negotiating a lower energy tariff with supplier npower, which comes into effect in October. Mr Barron explained these were necessary steps, as the centre was sliding towards 'rock bottom.' He said: 'We were in the trough in the last two years, but we are already on the upward trajectory. 'We can get back and concentrate on curling, ice skating and ice hockey and do more events in the off season.' For several months over the summer, the ice centre loses its ice. This is part of the centre's continued plan to diversify into an events space, which began after the Ironworks closure when energy prices were nearing their highest. Mr Barron explained this led the Ice Centre to transform into a 'professional venue' and off-ice activity has trebled in the last three years. It has seen a number of successful events hosted in the space, from boxing to the Inver90s music event, which brought around 1,300 people into the centre. However, Mr Barron stresses 'we've got to strike that right balance' when it comes to events as 'our charitable purpose is about providing ice sports for the community.' But holding events in the Ice Centre is not a new phenomenon. Back when it opened in 1968, the centre had ice for just six months of the year. The Clash played the centre in 1982, and the annual success story of hosting Inverness' strictly dancing competition has given the centre the confidence to branch out further. The latest Strictly Inverness event helped the centre to blast back. Organisers say it has raised around £300,000 this year for the centre and their partners the Highland Hospice. The latest event drew crowds of around 2,400 over four days and was 'up there with one of the best that we held' according to Wendy Morgan, who is Strictly organiser and communications manager at the Hospice. Miss Morgan spoke of the nine-month journey to bring the Strictly event to life every year, which has now run successfully for 14 years since 2010, breaking only for Covid. She said: 'It's so well loved. A lot of people think that everyone who does Strictly comes because they want to support the Hospice. 'But we get lots of people coming in and saying they are doing it because they've got fond memories of the ice centre. 'They maybe used to go to roller discos, or skating lessons, or their family uses the facility. It is hugely popular.' For an event like Strictly, Miss Morgan said the ice centre is 'perfect,' and called the centre an 'amazing community resource.' 'A lot of people do say it's the best night out they have all year in Inverness,' she added. The centre has a lot of loyal ice sport fans who keep coming back to the centre. Teenagers participating in sports tend to 'drift off' as they get older, Mr Barron said. But many ice skaters continue with the sport at the centre past their teens, because 'they really love it.' Several senior curlers have been Ice Centre regulars since they opened in 1968. Mr Barron believes the Ice Centre is more than meets the eye, with the facility a 'support system' to many in Inverness and beyond. He said: 'We have a fundraising choir for Maggie's, we've got yoga, we've got Pilates, we've got a sunroom as well. 'Quiz nights, race nights, wine and gin tasting – there's a whole range of things in here. 'We are more than an ice rink. I mean, we genuinely are a social hub.' After a previous report on the uncertainty of the Ice Centre's future, several public bodies and groups have since been in touch to offer their assistance. Mr Barron said this has allowed the centre to start planning a 'viable and sustainable' future to 'be here – for the long term.' A three-phase plan (with phase one now nearly complete) hopes to achieve this. The two future phases involve shorter and longer term proposals to make the centre more green and improve facilities for users. These include solar panels, LED lighting, draft proofing and electricity monitoring of the ice plant. Mr Barron estimates electricity monitoring and voltage optimisation of the plant could save 15% of the centre's energy costs alone. While Mr Barron said 'You can't do them all at the same time,' these improvements would have the 'greatest impact' on the centre.
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Shop and support palliative care at Zululand Hospice thrift store
Make a difference in your community by visiting Zululand Hospice Association's thrift shop. A hidden gem for thrifting, their shop at 18 Turnbull Street, Empangeni has pre-loved items such as clothes, books and bric-a-brac at budget-friendly prices. ALSO READ: Community rolls in to support Zululand Hospice at bowling fundraiser Discounts include 50% off all items on the last Friday of each month, and 50% off clothes on the 15th and 16th. Sifting through the items, one can often find hidden treasures and great bargains, and make a difference in helping the NPO with its ongoing palliative care efforts in the community. The Hospice shop is open Monday to Thursday from 8.30am to 4pm, and on Fridays from 8.30am to 3pm, while closed on weekends. Don't miss out on their Potjiekos Competition on 28 June at the Moth Hall in Empangeni from 8.30am, where there will be cash prizes and a car boot sale (at R100 per car). For more information, contact Hospice fundraiser Engela Borlase on 073 2384382 or the organisation on 035 7724910. Contact details: GM Christine Samuel: manager@ Fundraiser Engela Borlase: rbay@ Don't have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here: HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For news straight to your phone invite us: WhatsApp – 060 784 2695 Instagram – zululand_observer At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Time Out
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Roll out the barrel for Bastille Festival
Wine lovers, are you ready to don your red, white, and blue? The Franschhoek Bastille Festival returns this winter, bringing French flair, fine wine, and festive vibes to the Cape Winelands on Saturday, 12th and Sunday, 13th July 2025. This is the 33rd edition of the much-loved winter festival, and this year it will be held in a brand-new location in the heart of the village. While the 2024 festival (which was delayed by stormy weather) took place on the Franschhoek High School rugby field, in 2025 festival-goers will head to the Hospice parking area, featuring a refreshed layout brimming with the region's fine wines and tasty bites set to a soundtrack of live entertainment. The two-day Bastille Festival features all the classics you've come to know and love: a wine and cheese experience with tastings from top local estates, artisanal food stalls, and the ever-popular best-dressed competition. Tickets cost R390 per person per day and include a souvenir wine glass and 10 tasting tokens. New for the 2025 festival is a series of wine experiences called Uncorked Exclusive : a more curated wine-tasting experience showcasing premium pours in an intimate setting for serious wine enthusiasts. These tastings cost extra (R120 per person) and feature the likes of Pasarene, Holden Manz, Babylonstoren, and more. Some, such as La Motte, are already sold out! Outside the main marquee, the village is set to buzz with Bastille energy. Church Street will transform into a pedestrian-friendly food fair, while Celebration Square will host street performers, live music, and open-air eateries.
