AYRSHIRE Hospice has hailed 2019 as a milestone year after it celebrated its 30th anniversary.

For three decades the Ayrshire Hospice has delivered person-centred care to people with life-limiting illness and supported their families across every community throughout Ayrshire.

This year the charity celebrated its big birthday in style by hosting a series of fundraisers and raised millions in the process.

In 2020 it will look ahead to another year of big challenges with an Arctic trek, a climb up Mount Kilimanjaro and a gruelling walk across the Sahara Desert.

In the last financial year, the hospice received donations of £4.5 million through its shops, donations, lottery fundraising events and more.

Highlights of the year include the magical Starlight Walk in May in Ayr, the Summer Ball in June at Trump Turnberry, Ayrshire Ninja in September and the Sportsman’s’ Dinner with former Rangers manager Walter Smith in October.

Ayrshire Hopsice have thanked the “tremendous” support shown throughout the year, as they look ahead to a busy 2020.

Head of Fundraising Tracey Corrigan said: “We host a number of different events to appeal to as many people, of all ages, in Ayrshire take part and do their bit to support the hospice.

“This year over 500 people walked under the night sky at our Starlight Walk, over 250 people channelled their inner ninja at Ayrshire Ninja and we had our biggest turnout yet of walkers for the Kiltwalk challenge across Scotland.

“Not to mention Go Purple where hundreds got involved by wearing purple for the day.”

“And 2020 promises to be just as busy with another packed schedule of events including three overseas challenges.

“Groups of intrepid supporters have already signed up to take on the freezing cold trekking the Arctic Circle, scale the second highest mountain in the world Mount Kilimanjaro and facing the heat walking across the Sahara Desert.

Tracey added: “We are fortunate to enjoy tremendous backing from the Ayrshire community who continue to give their time and support to raise vital funds for the hospice. We’re grateful for the energy, enthusiasm and commitment they have shown in doing so.

“Thank you to each and every one of our hospice supporters for the last 12 months for making today matter.”