The milestone event, hosted by radio DJ Des Clarke, saw speakers from across the hospice’s four-decade history take to the stage.
The people of Lanarkshire gathered at Airdrie Town Hall to celebrate 40 years of care at St Andrew’s Hospice.
The milestone event, hosted by radio DJ Des Clarke, saw speakers from across the hospice’s four-decade history take to the stage to reflect, reminisce and give thanks for the community’s incredible support of the local charity.
Sr Barbara Kenny, a Sister of Charity who helped found St Andrew’s Hospice, spoke of the Sisters’ ambition to move from the town’s Assumption House to a purpose-built hospice to care terminally ill patients.
The Sisters’ dream was realised when negotiations with the Regional Council saw them obtain a site next to St Margaret’s Church in Airdrie.
From there, in 1983, a £1.2 million Appeal Fund was set up to raise the capital to build the hospice.
After a few years’ of hard work, determination and fundraising, St Andrew’s Hospice opened its doors to patients on April 26, 1986.
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Attendees of the gathering also heard from; the chair of the board of trustees, Marian Gardiner, the hospice’s CEO Joy Farquharson and Rev. Margaret Currie, as well as staff nurse Frances Kelly, hospice volunteer Norma MacDonald and trustee John Gillespie who shared his touching memories of when his father was cared for in St Andrew’s Hospice two years ago.
The audience was also treated to beautiful music courtesy of local choir The Grace Notes and the North Lanarkshire Council Schools Pipe Band.
Joy Farquharson said: “As we mark the 40th anniversary of St Andrew’s Hospice, we celebrate four decades of compassion, commitment and community impact.
“This milestone reflects the dedication of everyone who has supported the hospice’s mission over the years, and the lasting difference made to people’s lives.
“We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the community and businesses of Lanarkshire and beyond for their unwavering support over these 40 years – you have all been part of our journey.
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“We look forward with confidence and ambition to the next chapter of St Andrew’s Hospice.”
If you have a story or memory you’d like to share, or would like to share what St Andrew’s Hospice means to you, you can submit your memories via a dedicated form on the hospice’s website via www.st-andrews-hospice.com/my-memories
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