Nostalgia: A history of compassion

Published on Saturday 24 April 2010 11:25

As St Columba's Hospice embarks on a rebuilding project, we look back at its origins

WHEN St Columba's Hospice opened in 1977, it was the culmination of almost a decade of preparation by a small team of dedicated volunteers.

Founder Ann Weatherill first dreamed of opening a hospice when she moved to the Capital in the late 1960s.

As Matron at Corstorphine Hospital, she was saddened that staff never had enough time to spend with terminally-ill patients and their relatives.

Her ambitions crystallised when she attended a talk by Cicely Saunders, founder of St Christopher's Hospice in London. She travelled to St Christopher's to spend three weeks as a volunteer and her mission became clear to her – to open a hospice in Edinburgh.

She asked like-minded friends and colleagues to join her, and so began years of research and fundraising. Among the team was Dr Derek Doyle, a respected GP who would become the hospice's first medical director and eventually earn an OBE for his work.

In 1975, the group bought Challenger Lodge, a Georgian building in Granton which had been used as a children's home by the Cripple Aid Society.

It was in need of renovation, but had views across the Forth and large enough grounds for an extension. Volunteers worked hard to improve the existing facilities and raise yet more money.

On 5 December, 1977, a dedication and thanksgiving service was held at Wardie Parish Church, and the hospice officially opened the following day.

But there was no time for staff, volunteers or fundraisers to rest on their laurels.

In 1980, work began on an extension to house purpose-built inpatient wards. By the time the new wing was fully functional in 1981 it had doubled the number of beds at the hospice to 30.

Challenger Lodge was refurbished and a day hospice was set up offering activities such as crafts, excursions and music.

The hospice was also becoming a world leader in teaching palliative medicine, and in 1984 work began on new educational facilities.

The hospice's tenth anniversary in 1987 was marked by a visit from the Queen, who met patients, staff and volunteers.

Over the years, many of the funds raised for the hospice have come from countless small efforts by the people of Edinburgh – sponsored slims, fundraising dog walks, art and jumble sales.

Now and then an unusual windfall has come the hospice's way. In 1994, staff were stunned to receive in the post a brown paper parcel stuffed with old 10 notes. When unpacked and counted, they totalled around 10,000, and a note tucked in the envelope said merely: "This money has been found in an attic. Please make use of it for the hospice."

Another significant gift came in 2003 when socialite widow Lady Hilda Morton left 1.7 million to the hospice, which was used to fund pioneering research.

St Columba's, however, still relies heavily on the everyday efforts of local people to raise the funds to continue its work.

With the hospice now due to be rebuilt with bright, modern facilities, the challenge is on to raise a further 7m – and St Columba's needs your help.