HOSPICE hero, Frank Gilroy, is making a new bid for the record books at this year’s London Marathon.
On April 24, the renowned sports physiotherapist and philanthropic fundraiser from Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, who has raised £110,000 for The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, aims to reclaim the Guinness World Record for running the Marathon as the fastest charity mascot. A title he last won in 2014.
Says a spokesperson: “Dressed as Harvey, the heart-shaped hospice mascot, fitness-mad Frank wants to complete the 26-mile route of the capital in less than three hours and 42 seconds, the record currently held by Harry the Hornet from Peace Hospice Care in Watford.”
Frank, who trains with Bellahouston Harriers and will be taking part in the Marathon with the 12-member Cy-Run team, said: “I will be running as Harvey with the support of the team. In training we are now up to 70 to 80 miles a week. No-one beats the Glasgow mascot!”
The hospice, based in Carlton Place in the city centre, has £4 million to raise to reach the £21 million target to build a new facility in Bellahouston Park. Fundraisers like Frank have been vital to the success of the Brick by Brick Appeal.
He added: “We started fundraising for the hospice four years ago and my team’s target is now £125,000. We would love to have rooms in the new hospice named in memory of loved ones who have passed away, including my uncle who was treated at home by the hospice.”
The foundations go down this summer for the new build and patients will move in 2018. The state-of-the art building will have 16 en-suite bedrooms, allowing privacy and comfort for patients and families. Rooms will have space for loved ones to stay overnight and eat together, enjoying the comforts of a home from home.
The new hospice will also care for young people aged from 15 with special facilities including a lounge where they can spend time with their friends, play music and relax in a comfortable environment.
To support Frank and the Cy-Run team, visit https://www.justgiving.com/HarveyLondonMarathon/
To find out more about The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice, visit www.ppwh.org.uk/donate
ENDS
Notes to editors:
About The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice
The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice at Carlton Place, Glasgow, is a charity, founded in 1980.
We provide free, person-centred and family-focused palliative care and support. Our specialist staff and wonderful volunteers are trained to work with those individuals and families who are living with significant challenges to their health and wellbeing.
In day care and on the wards, more than 1200 patients and families are cared for every year.
The hospice depends on the generosity of supporters and the community to raise the £3 million in voluntary donations that is required to maintain our invaluable services for the people of Glasgow.
We have outgrown our much-loved hospice building – it no longer meets our requirements or vision for the future of care of patients and their families – and are raising £21 million to build a brand new, purpose-built hospice on a leafy green site in the city’s Bellahouston Park. The foundations go down in 2016 and patients are expected to move in spring 2018.
Our aim is to bring 21st-century hospice care to the people of Glasgow, a major step forward in the provision of palliative care services, providing us with the flexibility to develop and improve our services and lower our age limit to 15 year-old patients.
Issued by The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice.
For more information, please contact:
Angela McManus
communications manager
0141 429 9812
07803 970312
The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice
71 Carlton Place, Glasgow G5 9TD
www.facebook.com/glasgowhospice / www.twitter.com/PPWH
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The Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice contact details…
Contact: Angela McManus
Phone: 0141 429 9812
Email: angela.mcmanus@ppwh.org.uk
Website: http://www.ppwh.org.uk
