Scottish Catholic Observer

It’s been a time of celebration at St Margaret of Scotland Hospice. After months of preparation and hard work, the Hospice marked the 200th Anniversary of our foundation of the Religious Sisters of Charity by the  Venerable Mary Aikenhead, and our own 65th anniversary, in a memorable day in Clydebank.

Supporters, staff, patients and dignitaries gathered for a special service in a temporary marquee that had been put up to accommodate up to 500 guests.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia and Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti celebrated the Mass, while guests included senior local politicians and hospice patron and broadcasting star Peter Martin—undeterred by a heavy downpour that thankfully had cleared up by the time the service began.

“It was fantastic. I thought we were going to need Noah’s Ark here at one point because of the rain, it was that heavy,” Mr Martin said after the Mass. “And of course what a great service. Over and above that, the one thing I feel when I come here is that I don’t do enough, because there’s people involved who do way, way more than I do.

“The people here work with a tremendous amount of passion and compassion. People I speak to of any denomination say there is a real care provided here and real sense of dignity.

“That’s the key to it all here, they really, on an individual basis, make people feel not only cared for but wanted in their absolute hour of need.”

The service itself featured speeches from

Congregational Leader Sr Mary Christian, Hospice Chief Executive Sr Rita and Chairman Professor Leo Martin, as well as a  procession of the flags in which guests learned about each of the countries in which the Sisters of  Charity serve.

Attendees were also asked to lift a paper chain in their seated rows, before breaking it to symbolise the ongoing worldwide battle to end modern day slavery and human trafficking.

And Archbishop Tartaglia delivered a sermon commemorating the history of the Sisters of Charity movement and their unique vow to work in service of the sick poor.

When the service was complete, guests and dignitaries headed to the front of the building to see a new statue of St Margaret of Scotland being unveiled by Archbishop Tartaglia and Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti. Afterwards, guests made the most of a barbecue and refreshments, with the option of mingling in the Education Centre,

heading back to the marquee to enjoy some easy  listening music from the Rhythm Kings or walking round to the car park stage for some folk-rock from band Really Jiggered.

Many visitors, staff and volunteers also returned to the marquee in the evening for a ceilidh, where organisers had a well-earned chance to let their hair down after all the hard work they had put into preparing for the day and making sure it ran smoothly.At the ceilidh, Councillor Denis Agnew and Councillor Marie McNair confirmed a motion had been unanimously agreed at a Council Meeting held earlier that day to admit Sr Rita as a Freeman of West Dunbartonshire. This great honour will be officially celebrated at a civic reception to be held at a later date. Everyone in the hospice is delighted.

In what has been a hugely important period at St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, the hospice history room was also updated with a new graphical poster to reflect changes to the hospice and its surrounding area in the six years since the room was created.

And a new hospice website—featuring news and events feeds which change on a daily basis, as well as updated sections on the hospice, its staff and the unique care it offers patients—has been launched. Go to www.smh.org.uk to see more.

As always, the sense of celebration during a big event at the hospice quickly changes to focus and determination aimed at ensuring the next big day in the calendar gathers as much support as possible.

And typically, another major event was just around the corner—in this case one of the biggest fundraisers of the year, the Ladies-Only 5k Midnight Walk. It took place at the weekend on Saturday,

September 5, 2015. The Midnight Walk has become one of the most popular and sociable hospice activities since it was first held in 2013.

Almost 500 walkers donned colourful outfits and light-up headgear to bring a real energetic vibe to last year’s event—which raised more than £40,000 for Hospice funds—and with hundreds of early registrations received, we are hopeful that even more took part this year.

“We’re delighted with the number of registrations we have so far but there is always a rush before the deadline so we are well on our way towards last year’s figure,” Sr Rita said.

“It’s a really enjoyable night out. The great thing about it is the enjoyment that the ladies get from  taking part, whilst raising much needed funds for the hospice. We also wish to acknowledge the support received from Aggreko for this event and the many volunteers who are helping to support it.”

The walk, which measures exactly 5k, started at Great Western Retail Park before moving along Great Western Road and returning from the Kilbowie roundabout.

To encourage more children to take part, the entry age for this year was been lowered to six years old. All children taking part must were accompanied by a responsible adult.

The event included some musical entertainment from 10.30pm, hosted by radio personality Steve McKenna, followed by a warm-up session with a qualified gym instructor as the build up to the walk continues.

After completing the route, the ladies were presented with a medal and enjoyed refreshments are also provided, including a barbecue.

With the walk completed, attention over the upcoming weeks will turn to our biggest night of the year, the Hospice Annual Ball. This year’s event, the Sapphire Ball, was an easy one to name given that it’s 65 years since the Hospice opened its doors.

Taking place at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu Hotel on Saturday, October 24, the ball is sure to have an added sparkle to it for 2015.

Hosted by hospice patron Peter Martin, the event will begin with a champagne reception, offering guests the chance to mingle and take part in a ‘tombola twist.’ A delicious four-course meal then follows before the night really gets going with  musical performances from local band the Singer Swingers and former Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus.

“This is a very special annual ball for the hospice, as we celebrate our 65th year, and it is a night we are all looking forward to,” Sr Rita said.

“Over that time we have touched the lives of many thousands of patients and their families and friends.

“But we can only continue to do so with the amazing efforts of our supporters. We will be very grateful if you could support the Sapphire Ball by attending the event, sponsoring a donation or providing a prize for the auction, raffle, tombola or silent auction.

“The Sapphire Ball is an ideal occasion to bring family, friends, colleagues or clients together. We look forward to seeing you on the night.”

Tickets are still available to individuals and companies looking to support the excellent work of the hospice. Every penny spent goes towards ensuring we continue to provide the highest standard of care.

Individual tickets are £75 and tables are available for 10/12 people. There is an Early Bird Table  Discount’ of £650 for a table of 10. Please book by September 25, 2015.

To purchase tickets or for further information, please contact the hospice fundraising department on 0141 435 7018. Tickets can be bought online at www.eventbrite.co.uk—search for St Margaret of Scotland Hospice and click on annual ball.

— http://www.smh.org.uk/