At Ardgowan Hospice, we are continuously inspired and uplifted by the incredible fundraising support we have received from our community over the past 45 years. Their efforts, creativity, and generosity help us provide vital care and services to those in need.

On this Fundraising Friday, we want to thank all of our enthusiastic fundraisers who have supported us over the past 45 years, in particular focusing on the 80s/90s. Showcasing the power of community spirit, and highlighting some of the fundraising efforts in Inverclyde:

4th September 1987

Gourock Caledonian MacBrayne staff got on their bikes for a charity cycle, helping to raise £275 in sponsorship money that was split between local charities. Ernie Smyth met some of the staff who attended the cycle to hand over the cheque.

Weymss Bay Art Group, 24th November 1988

Local ladies Jennifer McGhee, Anne McLean, Irene Cannon, Isabel Gallacher, Evelyn Kuiper and Maud Duthie got together to host an exhibition in aid of Ardgowan Hospice. The exhibition had sketches and paintings ranging from landscapes to still life in oils and watercolours. During the event, they also hosted a raffle to raise hundreds of pounds for Ardgowan Hospice.

Hospice Ball, 5th July 1989

Ardgowan Ball patron Lady Shaw Stewart paid tribute to the generosity of the people of Inverclyde when she received a cheque on behalf of Ardgowan Hospice totalling £9,500. Various fundraising events were held during the evening in the Greenock Town Hall, which was attended by the guest of honour, the Duchess of Roxburghe. The organisers expected another £500 in donations to bring the total to £10,000. Photographed are the ball organisers, Helen Anthony and Tom Smith, with Lady Shaw Stewart and assistant administrator Morag Pryde.

Hospice’s Sweet Song, 4th May 1992

The Greenock Ladies Choir held a social evening in the Union Church, raising £750, which was donated to Ardgowan Hospice. On the night, each choir sang in 10-minute sessions before they tucked into a buffet as they hosted a quiz and played some games.

Garage Jumble Sale, 4th June 1992

Two Port Glasgow Primary School pupils, Jenna Hamilton and Lynne Cullen, hosted a jumble sale to raise money for Ardgowan Hospice. The girls met with Aisling O’Toole, Hospice administrator, to donate the £60 raised.

2,500 Feet Jump from A Plane, 29th September 1992

Gaye Robertson and Stuart Graham took to the skies to jump 2,500 feet from a plane to raise money for Ardgowan Hospice. They made the jump after a day’s parachute training at Strathallan in Perthshire. The stunt raised £400 for Ardgowan Hospice in memory of Gayle’s uncle. They met with Nursing Auxiliary Julia Heron and Sister Jull McInnes to hand over the donation.

If you would wish to read the articles more clearly, please email fundraising@ardgowanhospice.org, and we can send a full-scale photocopy of the article that you are interested in.

If you would like to find out more about how you can support Ardgowan Hospice, please get in touch with our Fundraising Team by email: fundraising@ardgowanhospice.org, or call on 01475 726830. You can also download resources, such as donation forms, by visiting our fundraising web page here!