Scottish Catholic Observer

In the 65th anniversary year of St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in Clydebank, some hospice supporters having been taking to the great outdoors to help raise necessary funds and awareness of the hospice.

Some supporters have travelled far to achieve great results and others have stayed closer to home to fulfil their challenges.

Two enthusiastic walkers, Geraldine Meehan and Eileen McHugh, walked all 113 kilometres of the Camino de Santiago—The Way of St James—from April 8 2015 to April 13 2015. Both women were delighted to be supporting the hospice as a result of their pilgrimage.  They were invited to participate in the pilgrimage last year by a friend—and neither of them ever imagined they would be going on such a journey!  Ms Meehan and Ms McHugh formed a group with other friends, who were all very excited to be part of such a wonderful experience. The ladies sent daily updates on the progress of their journey:

Day one

The weather was very warm as Ms Meehan and Ms McHugh began their journey. During their first day of walking they met people from the US, Ireland, Malaysia, Sweden and Italy. They completed 25km in their first day of walking, at the end of the day being rewarded with a pilgrim’s meal and a bed to rest their heads before the next stage of their journey to Palais de Reiery.

Day two

On the second day of walking, they had a wonderful day walking and meeting new people on the Camino, especially a great group of Dubliners whom they joined for the celebration of Mass with their priest and wonderful singers.

Day three

By April 10, the ladies had completed half their pilgrimage and the rain had fallen heavily on them. They ended the day by attending Mass.

Day four

Ms Meehan and Ms McHugh walked 30k today, making it their longest day. Along the way they met some lovely people from Washington DC in the US. They were absolutely exhausted after their long walk.

Day five

They started out on the morning of April 12 2015, after a very long and arduous walk the day before. They were now on the second last day of their journey—they had thought this would be an easy day however it became very warm which made the road very long!  Their journey became more enjoyable when they reached the top of a really high hill and they found themselves at the start of a half marathon from Opino to Santiago… Ms Meehan and Ms McHugh were made to feel at home amongst the bagpipe band and traditional dancers.

Day six

On April 13, Ms Meehan and Ms McHugh reached their destination of Santiago de Compostela. They were delighted, sending through the message: “We have done it—we have really, really done it. YES!”

During their final day’s journey they met a lovely couple from Germany and on arriving in Santiago, they met up with their fellow pilgrims from Dublin, Washington DC and a group from Carlisle, joining with them to celebrate the Pilgrims Mass, which for them was the highlight of their Camino, including seeing the Botafumeiro—the famous giant thurible in Santiago de Compostela Cathedral.

Well done to Ms Meehan and Ms McHugh in completing the Camino de Santiago de Compostela whilst raising much-needed funds for the hospice. They have so far raised the great amount of £330 for the Hospice through their justgiving page  https://www.justgiving.com/Geraldine-MeehanEileen-McHugh/

At the weekend, a group of over 80 walkers took part in their second annual Charity Walk For the Hospice. They set-off on the West Highland Way from Milngavie to Balmaha (21 miles) with an early finish at the Beech Tree at Dumgoyne (7 miles) for the youngest members of the group.

Julie Cairney, who organised the walk in memory of her inspirational friend, Angela, wrote on her Just Giving page: “Angela received loving care and support from the committed staff at St Margaret’s and we would like to acknowledge their attentiveness and kindness to Angela by means of fundraising to ensure St Margaret’s is able to provide this comfort and reassurance to those in need now and in the future.”

We are very grateful to all those who took part in the walk on Saturday or sponsored those who were participating.

Last year, the group raised over £8000 for the hospice and we greatly appreciate their continued support in memory of Angela.

Tomorrow, May 9 2015, some 35 durable Edrington staff, including Chief Executive Ian Curle, will for the fourth year run in relay continually for 24 hours around the Edrington site at Great Western Road, Glasgow.

Their 24-hour endurance relay will commence at 7.52am, with runners participating over the 24-hour period. Good luck to all those who will be involved, and to Max McFarlane, whisky maker, who will be on the site over the 24 hours, organising and co-ordinating the event.

As a result of their great efforts, the Edrington Relay Runners will raise much-needed funds for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice and the extra-special news is that funds raised will be matched by The Robertson Trust, owners of Edrington.

To donate to the funds raised by the Relay Runners for the Hospice, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/edringtonendurance

Runners are also taking part in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival over the weekend of Saturday, 30th and Sunday, May 31 2015 for the benefit of the Hospice.

Good luck to all those who are taking part—and thanks for all your efforts and enthusiasm.

The hospice’s annual Millport Cycle is being arranged for Saturday June 6 2015, with a coach for participants leaving from St Margaret of Scotland Hospice and bicycles being collected on Millport. This is a great outing for families and friends—with the opportunity to support the hospice through sponsorship whilst enjoying a cycle around Millport.

We are also planning the ladies’ midnight walk for Saturday, September 5 2015 that is a 5k route along the A82 to Kilbowie Road Roundabout, with entertainment provided before midnight and a barbecue at the end of the route. The walk is an excellent event for females aged 8 years and over.

Last year’s midnight walk had almost 500 participants who were brightly lit as they walked along the A82. Further details are available by contacting the hospice on 0141-435 7018.

And in the next few weeks and months, we have fundraising events that will not require so much physical effort. There are still tickets available for the ladies’ lunch that is being held in the Radisson Blu, Glasgow, on Sunday, May 31 2015. The ladies’ lunch focuses on the glamour of the 1950, with music from The Singer Swingers and Soulman, Mr Onkel. The afternoon will be hosted by fashion stylist, Mark Heyes, and will include a fashion show with clothes supplied by House of Fraser. Tickets (£50) are available individually or in tables up to 10.

On Saturday, October 24 2015, The Sapphire Ball will be held in the Radisson Blu, Glasgow. For further information on tickets please contact the Hospice on 0141-435 7018.

If you would like to help to make a difference to St Margaret of Scotland Hospice in its 65th anniversary year, we would be delighted to hear from you! There are many opportunities for volunteering at the Hospice and at events.

As we must raise approximately £40,000 each week to continue to provide the services at and from the hospice, we are incredibly grateful to receive the support of those in our community.

— For more information visit http://www.smh.org.uk/