An Arran man is planning to create hospice rooms at Arran War Memorial Hospital in memory of his late wife.
John McFaull’s wife Judy died three weeks ago aged 43 after battling breast cancer for 18 months and he says he wants to leave a lasting legacy in her memory to benefit others.
John, who lives at Kilmory, said: ‘I’m doing it in memory of Judy. I have already committed that whatever it takes I will get it. It’s a thing that I just have to do.
‘There are no proper accommodation facilities for relatives of terminally ill patients. Judy had a vision for a hospice room or rooms in Lamlash to give others a comfort during final days.’
John’s plan was welcolmed by hospital manager Alan Stout.
He said: ‘It’s a good idea and it is something we would like to see. John has been to see me and I will keep him apprised of the situation.
‘Hospice facilities for relatives to stay in is something that we recognise as an enhancement of the service we offer.
‘People from our estates department are coming over this week to see what we could do within the hospital.’
Some of the possibilities outlined by John are the conversion of ward one or ward four within the current building or alternatively a separate but attached new building.
Maurice Deighton of Arran Hospital Supporters League said: ‘We couldn’t help with the building costs but once it goes through we could possibly help with the cost of furnishing the place. It would have to go to a committee meeting but we would probably give our backing to it.
‘Our aim is to make people’s life more comfortable, particularly during final days in hospital.’
John has planned a variety of fund raising events for the week commencing Saturday April 5 to get his project off the ground.
The first is a concert in Whiting Bay Hall on April 5 featuring what he describes as ‘an easy listening group called ODI which should have a broad spectrum appeal.’
On Monday April 7 there will be a sponsored walk round Arran by friends of Judy, starting at the Banner office at 8am. Other events are a grand auction at Eden Lodge and a sponsored climb up Goatfell.
The Banner will publish more details nearer the time.
John said: ‘We have started the ball rolling and I intend to see this through.’
