Hospice cheques into former Clydesdale Bank branch

01/10/2010

Work is now underway to convert a former bank into new facilities at Glasgow's The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice thanks to a cash boost from Clydesdale Bank.

Through its charity partnership, the bank has raised £90,000 which has helped work to begin on converting a former Clydesdale Bank branch, now owned by the charity, into a crucial extension.

The former Laurieston branch, on Carlton Place, Glasgow will be transformed into a unit that will benefit both patients and their families. Due to open in spring 2011, the conversion will include an area specifically designed to accommodate the Hospice's children's bereavement programme.

Jackie Husband, Director of Clinical Services, The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice said: "Once opened, the building will include a purpose built occupational therapy and physiotherapy suite as well as flexible meeting spaces which will hold bereavement counselling, drop in clinics and a multi-faith facility. The conversion is one of a number of current initiatives aimed at furthering the care that we are able to offer to patients and families suffering from life-limiting and terminal illnesses when they need it most."

David Thorburn, Executive Director at Clydesdale Bank and an ambassador of The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, was able to see how the bank's fundraising efforts have helped to enhance the facilities when he visited the hospice.

He said: "At Clydesdale Bank, we are committed to supporting local charities and the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice is one of the best supported across the UK. I was particularly pleased to see this extension being developed, partly because it is former Clydesdale Bank branch, but also because it is good for the local area and for everyone associated with the hospice."

As part of its national partnership with Help the Hospices, Clydesdale Bank employees have undertaken a variety of challenges to raise cash for the hospice. In just over two years, the local hospice has had the largest amount of money raised for any of the 112 hospices nationwide through a combination of employee fundraising and match funding from Clydesdale Bank. As well as making financial donations, employees have given over 167 days of time to volunteer for the hospice on a wide range of activities, including painting the hospice shop.

Jackie continued: "As a registered charity, the time and generosity of businesses in our local community is essential in allowing us to continue to provide an invaluable service to our patients and their families. Clydesdale Bank is a wonderful example of the difference that a successful partnership can make to the hospice."