THE AYRSHIRE Hospice celebrated National Volunteers week to recognise the exceptional contribution of those who dedicate their time to the facility on a weekly basis.

Heather McCarrell, who was born and bred in Ayr, has been volunteering at the hospice for 11 years after working for the police.

She explained: “The Ayrshire Hospice is a great place. I have lived in Ayr most of my life so this was a way of giving back to the community.

“I was working with the police when I started here. I saw this as an alternative and gentler option. I just love it.”

Heather started off as a receptionist and after five years began volunteering at the day service and carers cafe, both located in the hospice. 

She continued: “I meet and great people at the day service, putting them at ease, comforting them before their assessment. Many people think the hospice is the place you go to die but it is not like that.

“They just freak out because unless you know what we are about you don’t know what to expect. I get a lot from helping people.”

Some of Heather’s daily activities include looking after the out patients by offering them hairdressing treatment, beauty pampering and manicures. 

Heather added: “A few of the carers come to the cares cafe. You do not think about being unwell at an early period in your life. Many come feeling scared.

“Ladies can feel quite low about what is going on with their loved one so we offer them pampering sessions and beauty treatments. We try and help them make them feel themselves and forget about why they are here for a while and help them relax.

“It can really make a difference which is one of the most rewarding things about volunteering here. We offer therapies for patients and their families to help them relax.

“This is a fabulous place and everything is different on a daily basis. It is not the same on a Wednesday or a Friday.”

There are more than 600 volunteers at the hospice and staff are extremely grateful for their help. 

Monika Reichelt, communications and research officer, said: “We are extremely grateful for all the help we receive.

“Without them we would not be able to provide this service. We have so many fundraising events throughout the year as well as our facilities on site including the shops and the garden.”

Heather concluded: “Friends and family ask me how I can work in a place of sadness but it is not like that. We want to get rid of the myths surrounding the hospice.”