Join us to help rebuild St Columba's Hospice

The Buy a Brick campaign is asking our readers to help the hospice raise money for a huge rebuilding project.

For 32 years, the hospice has supported thousands of people with terminal illness in the Edinburgh community.

Although the foundation and the name of the hospice were inspired by the founders' Christian faith, St Columba's has always been a secular organisation, welcoming patients from all and no faiths.

But now the hospice needs our help. To bring it into the 21st century, St Columba's is planning a complete renovation of its home in Granton. Its inpatient wards will be rebuilt, its day hospice and social and therapy areas will be transformed, a new teaching centre will be created, its gardens will be remodelled, its patient rooms re-equipped, and a new non-denominational "sacred space" created for reflection and memorial.

The hospice's campaign will cost 26 million – with 7m still to be raised. And that's where you come in. With Buy a Brick we ask you to help make the first step in this vital fundraising.

Nursing and administrative director Margaret Dunbar said: "We want to provide a hospice which is state-of-the-art. Very often we think 'If only we had . . .' whereas now staff have been involved in deciding exactly what's needed, so we hope to create a brilliant new facility."

Tom Little, editor of the Evening News, added: "For decades, the hospice has been assisting families dealing with some of the most difficult times in their lives. They do this with a degree of professionalism and compassion that is humbling.

"The Evening News is proud to be in a position to try to help this remarkable institution."

Every reader who donates will receive a "virtual brick" at the appeal website and a certificate. Bricks can be bought in memory of loved ones, to mark a special occasion, or simply in your own name. There is no fixed price for a brick.

Click here to find out how you can help

With the hospice's annual fundraising Wits Dinner taking place at Prestonfield House tonight, the campaign will get off the ground with a swing.

Over the coming weeks, we will introduce you to some of the people whose lives have been touched by the hospice – including Allison and Paul Derighetti, whose story we tell here. With your generosity we can ensure St Columba's will be there for everyone who needs it in the future.

Special memories of hospice for one couple . .

Hospice appeal: 'St Columba's is now in its hour of need'