Ayrshire Hospice plans to go where no hospice has gone before it. SPACE.

The hospice is launching into space to mark the beginning of an out of this world fundraising campaign to raise £13 million to transform its home in Ayr.

Ayrshire Hospice first opened it’s doors on Wednesday, February 15, 1989 and now in 2022 that home is now ready to be transformed to ensure it is here for the next 30 years and beyond.

The hospice is calling for a new generation of pioneers to see them through this project and deliver a palliative care facility it can be proud of here in Ayrshire.

To help them achieve this ambitious fundraising target, they will launch a time capsule into space that will include limited edition commemorative souvenirs that hospice and corporate pioneers will receive after its safe return, as well as special video message from the Ayrshire Hospice Chief Executive, Carla MacEwan, which will be played in space.

The launch was due to take place today, Tuesday, February 22 at 11am at the Robert Burns Museum.

The space flight, which is managed by Sent in Space, who have completed over 500 launches since 2010 and will be operating the control base as the Hospice Pioneer mission travels to the edge of space, soaring over 20 miles (107,293 feet) above the Earth.

The launch will be conducted by Dr Suzie Imber, Associate Professor of Planetary Science at the University of Leicester and a supporter of the Ayrshire Hospice.

Suzie, pictured, is no stranger to space and won the 2017 BBC2 series ‘Astronauts: Do you have what it takes?’ and will be taking you through the capsules journey.

The Ayrshire Hospice will be joined by dignitaries and

business leaders from across Ayrshire who have come together to support this unique and fantastic launch event to support the much-loved and valued local charity.