Strathcarron Stories Podcast

Our initial conversation started with our very first Matron, Molly Parsons. Now we have the pleasure of speaking to Marjory Mackay, our Director of Nursing and who replaced Molly over 2 decades ago.
Marjory expertly picked up where Molly started and has helped shape and moved the hospice to where we are now. Strathcarron mission and values are steadfast, but how we are as an organisation grows and develops organically - with empathy, compassion, dignity and choice always at it's heart. And as Marjory says, we exist for and because of our our local communities. 
For 45 years, Strathcarron Hospice has been at the heart of our communities, caring for thousands of patients and families across Forth Valley, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.
To mark our 45th anniversary, we've launched a special podcast series, 45 Minutes With..., featuring the people who helped shape Strathcarron's story.
Thank you for your time Marjory.
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications), Ross (from IT) and Katy (from Comms) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.

For 45 years, Strathcarron Hospice has been at the heart of our communities, caring for thousands of patients and families across Forth Valley, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth.
To mark our 45th anniversary, we're launching a special podcast series, 45 Minutes With..., featuring the people who helped shape Strathcarron's story.
Who better to begin with than our very first Matron, Molly Parsons?
Joining Strathcarron when the Hospice first opened its doors in 1981, Molly shares remarkable memories of those early days. From transforming a family home into a hospice, to the determination, challenges and incredible community support that made Strathcarron what it is today.
It's a fascinating conversation about compassion, courage and the people who built something truly special.
Listen now and take a journey back to where the Strathcarron story began.
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications), Ross (from IT) and Katy (from Comms) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.

What does it mean to have a place where you don’t need to explain your grief - where it’s simply understood?
In this episode of Strathcarron Stories, we visit one of our local Snowdrop Cafés in Denny. Like all the local cafe's these are welcoming community spaces for people experiencing grief, loneliness and loss. Run by local volunteers and supported by our Compassionate Communities team, these groups offer something simple but powerful: connection, conversation and friendship.
You’ll hear from several people who attend the café, as they share what this space means to them. From finding comfort after loss, to rebuilding confidence, routines and relationships. Their stories show how small moments of kindness, shared cups of tea and familiar faces can make a big difference.
This episode is about community, compassion and the quiet strength that comes from not having to face things alone.
 
For more information on where your local Snowdrop cafe is, or even to set up your own visit: Where is my local Strathcarron Snowdrop Cafe?
 
Thank you to Jayne Lamond and everyone from the Denny Snowdrop Cafe for welcoming us in and having such lovely conversations. 
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications), Ross (from IT) and Katy (from Comms) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.

In this moving episode of Strathcarron Stories, Ailsa and Katy welcome poet Donna Ashworth and her lifelong friend Lynn Guthrie for their first-ever interview together.
These friends share a deeply personal and uplifting conversation about love, grief, and the care Lynn’s mum received during her final days at Strathcarron Hospice’s Inpatient Unit.
 
Donna’s first-ever grief poem, “When You Say Goodbye to a Parent,” was written from the emotions Donna had from visiting Lynn’s mum at Strathcarron - a moment that shaped her creative journey.
Lynn reflects on how the compassion shown to her, her mum, and her young son in Strathcarron Hospice transformed  their experience of loss, inspiring her to retrain as a grief coach supporting others through bereavement. 
Together, they laugh, cry, and celebrate the power of friendship and hospice are. Donna also performs two of her most special poems in this heartfelt conversation about living, loving, letting go and living with grief.
 
For more information on Donna Ashworth's community and beautiful poems and to purchase her books: (4) Facebook 
Lynn runs the The Empathic Therapist Counselling | Home | Stirling | Online Sessions in UK grief couselling.
 
Thank you Donna and Lynn
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications), Ross (from IT) and Katy (from Comms) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.

🎤The new Strathcarron Stories Podcast is out now🎤
Education is a founding principal of the Hospice Movement and Strathcarron Hospice’s Annual Conference draws experts from around the world to speak and learn about the latest developments and learnings in palliative care in end of life care.  
 Our team at Strathcarron is passionate about learning and best practice and this episode we chat to guest speakers and attendees live at the Conference (in September), as well as our Head of Education, Dr Sally Boa.
We are very grateful to all our attendees who we interviewed on the Podcast live on the day, as well as the prestigious speakers:
Dr Ben Hudson, Consultant hepatologist, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
Dr Nat Quail, Registrar in Infectious Disease and Microbiology in the West of Scotland
Dr Kathryn Mannix, Author and former consultant and expert in palliative care
Professor Max Watson, Palliative Care Consultant, Omagh, NI
We hope you enjoy listening.
(Picture 1: L to R: Angela Harkdins, Dr Sally Boa.
Picture 2: L to R: Professor Max Watson, Dr Nat Quail, Dr Kathryn Mannix, Dr Ben Hudson)
 
Further Information:
- If you are interested in signing up for 2025: Strathcarron Palliative Care Conference
-  Find your nearest Snowdrop cafe, for friendship, support and a  cup of tea and a blether: Where is my local Strathcarron Snowdrop Cafe?
For further information on Project Echo: Project Echo | Strathcarron Hospice 
For further information on Quality End of Life Care for All (QUELCA): QELCA at Strathcarron | Strathcarron Hospice
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications) and Ross (from IT) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.
🎤The new Strathcarron Stories Podcast is out now🎤
 
Strathcarron Hospice’s Annual Conference draws experts from around the world to speak and learn about the latest developments and learnings in palliative care in end of life care.  
 
Our team at Strathcarron is passionate about learning and best practice and this episode we chat to guest speakers and attendees live at the Conference (in September), as well as our Head of Education, Dr Sally Boa.
We are very grateful to all our attendees who we interviewed on the Podcast live on the day, as well as the prestigious speakers:
Dr Ben Hudson, Consultant hepatologist, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital
Dr Nat Quail, Registrar in Infectious Disease and Microbiology in the West of Scotland
Dr Kathryn Mannix, Author and former consultant and expert in palliative care
Professor Max Watson, Palliative Care Consultant, Omagh, NI
We hope you enjoy listening.
 
 
(Picture 1: L to R: Angela Harkdins, Dr Sally Boa.
Picture 2: L to R: Professor Max Watson, Dr Nat Quail, Dr Kathryn Mannix, Dr Ben Hudson)
 
Further Information:
- If you are interested in signing up for 2025: Strathcarron Palliative Care Conference
-  Find your nearest Snowdrop cafe, for friendship, support and a  cup of tea and a blether: Where is my local Strathcarron Snowdrop Cafe?
For further information on Project Echo: Project Echo | Strathcarron Hospice 
For further information on Quality End of Life Care for All (QUELCA): QELCA at Strathcarron | Strathcarron Hospice
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications) and Ross (from IT) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.

Strathcarron, like all other local Hospices, is funded by the communities it serves. We are incredibly grateful to our generous supporters, without their donations, we just could not carry on.
It is the local people like Kevin and Linda that we are speaking to today who fund their local Hospice by undertaking on remarkable challenges to raise money. We hear why they support Strathcarron, just before they embark on the incredible challenge to cycle the Camino del Norte from San Sebastián to Oviedo, heading into the mountains of Asturias on the Camino Primitivo in Spain. They wanted to do this physically and mentally demanding challenge to raise money for the Hospice, in memory of their friend Pat.
We also have a conversation with Jackie from our fundraising team. The backbone of our Hospice, this team consistently supports communities to raise money for their local Hospice charity. Jackie, is our Fundraising Manager and provides us a fantastic insight into the team and the work they do.
As a charity, we need to raise £116,459 every single week to provide all specialist end of life and palliative care services. We rely on the incredible generosity of local people to raise the shortfall that the NHS don’t fund.
Our Hospice services support over 400 people a week in their own homes across Forth Valley and North Lanarkshire areas. That is as many as we care for in our In-Patient Unit.
Further information:
Kevin and Linda’s wonderful blog: Blog – Page 3 – Where there’s a will
If you would like to support Strathcarron and raise money in Memory of a loved one: In Memory Of
 
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications) and Ross (from IT) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.
 

The first week in November marks To Absent Friends, an annual festival of remembrance and story-telling created to give people a focal point in the year to gather together, tell stories, celebrate and reminisce about people they love who have died.
 
In this Strathcarron Stories Podcast episode, we are joined in conversation by the wonderful Sarah and Libby. They share a special friendship, which has deepened over the past months. Both of their husbands died in the care of Strathcarron; at home and in the Hospice in-patient unit.
 
This is their story of grief, told with frankness, sadness and great humour.
 
Sarah said, "I’m amazed that I actually laughed out loud at some of our chat and I hope that means this podcast will go some way in breaking down the barriers and misconceptions around living through grief and loss". 
 
We are very grateful to Sarah and Libby, we thoroughly enjoyed our conversation, and hope you do too.
We hope you enjoy listening.
 
 
(Picture: L to R: Sarah and Libby)
 
Further Information:
- Strathcarron Hospice Bereavement Hub: Where you can find resources to support you in your grief: Bereavement Resources | Strathcarron Hospice
-  Find your nearest Snowdrop cafe, for friendship, support and a  cup of tea and a blether: Where is my local Strathcarron Snowdrop Cafe?
- Our Support Line is available to anyone locally, living with a life limiting condition. We are here to listen Live Your Life Team | Strathcarron Hospice
 
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications) and Ross (from IT) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.

In this episode, we have such an interesting conversation with Margaret-Anne Garner, one of the lymphoedema specialists Lymphoedema Team.
Margaret-Anne gives us insight into her own career path and how she got into supporting people with Lymphoedema and Lipoedema, as well as explaining more about how to identify these conditions and support local people living with them.
As the only specialist #lymphoedema clinic in @NHSForthValley, if you’ve the condition, or know someone who may have, speak to us about possible treatment: fv.strathcarron.lymphoedema@nhs.scot if you’ve any questions.
 
Information:
- Strathcarron's Lymphoedema and Lipoedema team: Lymphoedema Services | Strathcarron Hospice
- Join the Lymph Notes Choir: Join the Strathcarron Lymph Notes Choir | Strathcarron Hospice
- If you are a professional, you can also get in touch or refer: METLymphoedema Services | Strathcarron HospiceUPUK (start.page)
 
Thank you Margaret-Anne. 
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications) and Ross (from IT) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.

For one week in October, Hospice Care Week shines a spotlight on hospices, and the amazing staff.
 
We know YOU, our local community do incredible things to support Strathcarron – from donating to our shops, to running marathons. But hospices need more support from governments to be able to play their full part in meeting the challenges we face in the UK’s healthcare system. For the first time ever, more money has been spent in hospice shops than has been given to hospices by the state. 
 
This year, Hospice Care Week takes place from 7 - 13 October 2024. This year’s theme will be all about hospice retail, and the role it plays in funding hospice services. We’ll be celebrating the brilliant contribution of all our Strathcarron Hospice shops across our local communities. From the staff, volunteers and everyone who donates and buys preloved, we are sharing their stories.
 
In this episode, we chat to Rebecca, a local Preloved Instagrammer on why she chooses to only buy second-hand, as well as Lucia, one of our shop managers and Andrew who in his 80s, still regularly volunteers in our shops.
 
We hope you enjoy listening.
 
Further Information:
- Strathcarron Hospice Shop locations: Where are Strathcarron Hospice Charity shops located?
- To book a preloved furniture collection Donate furniture and other items | Strathcarron Hospice
- Rebecca Reloves on Instagram: Rebecca reloves 🌏✨ (@rebeccareloves) • Instagram photos and videos and her Podcast: @thesustainabiliteapodcast
 
Thank you Rebecca, Andrew and Lucia. 
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications) and Ross (from IT) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.

In this episode, we have a lovely chat with Mandy Malcolmson, the lead nurse of our Live Your Life team.
Mandy shares the incredible journey of transforming palliative care through the Live Your Life Hospice service.
Mandy recounts her experiences from managing 'daycare' services to adapting to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses how the team shifted from in-person daycare to a more flexible, phone-based support system that reaches a larger number of people within the community.
The episode delves into the importance of emotional support, active listening, and helping individuals with life-limiting illnesses live well. Mandy also highlights the critical role of carers and how the team supports them as well.
The conversation offers insights into the evolving model of palliative care and the impact it has on patients and their families.
Listeners will also learn about the team's approach to addressing barriers, maintaining hope, and promoting independence for those they support. Mandy's passion for her work and her team's dedication shine through, providing a heartfelt and informative look at palliative care.
 
- Information: Strathcarron's Live Your Life Team: Live Your Life Team | Strathcarron Hospice
- Laura's Instagram page: Laura McGowan 🐝💜 (@abcdfucancer) • Instagram photos and videos
- MetUp UK: METUPUK (start.page)
 
Thank you Laura. 
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By sharing people stories, we help to raise awareness of Strathcarron's services and impact, as well as to reduce the fear of Hospices and encourage more conversations about death and dying.Hosted by Ailsa (from Communications) and Ross (from IT) sees us out and about, speaking to our own staff, as well as people living with life limiting conditions and the families they support.We're nurses, doctors, social workers. We're volunteers, cleaners, cooks & therapists. We're fundraisers, administrators, accountants & physiotherapists. We will share their stories.We also aim to ask and answer your questions.The conversations we’ll have with our teams will be around their roles, impact and how each person supports people with life limiting conditions. We will also speak to volunteers, local organisations, fundraisers, schools - a whole host of people connected to the Hospice too.If you have any questions re hospice or palliative care, Strathcarron Hospice, or would like to be on the Podcast, or have a story to tell, please get in touch via our email Podcast@StrathcarronHospice.net.