HRH The Princess Royal Launches Strathcarron Hospice Community Van to Bring Care Closer to Home

Strathcarron Hospice celebrates its 45th anniversary with the launch of a new community van, officially unveiled by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, designed to bring hospice care, support and conversations directly into the heart of local communities.

The specially adapted vehicle, was made possible thanks to the generous support of Cebotec and West Fraser business and employees, Volunteer Ambassador Kevin Beattie, Robinson's Hire Drive, Appeal Media and all the suppliers of Cebotec who donated parts and equipment.

The van will enable the Hospice to reach more people across Forth Valley, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, particularly those living in rural or more isolated areas.

Her Royal Highness has shown a keen interest in the project and recently met with local St Francis Xavier Primary School pupil Anna McBride, from whose winning design will feature as part of the van’s branding, recognising the important role young people and communities play in shaping the future of Strathcarron Hospice care.

Anna attended the official launch of the van with staff and pupils from her school and mum Sarah.

For 45 years, Strathcarron Hospice has provided specialist end of life care to those who need it most. While many people still associate hospice care with a building, the reality is that the majority of care already takes place beyond its walls. Four out of five patients supported by the Hospice are cared for in their own homes or within community settings, something this new initiative aims to make more visible and accessible.

The community van represents a significant step forward in breaking down barriers and misconceptions around hospice care. It will be used for a wide range of purposes, including raising awareness of services such as lymphoedema support and the Live Your Life Support Line, as well as offering informal opportunities for people to ask questions, supporting outreach activity, and attending local events.

It will also play a key role in supporting Strathcarron’s fundraising and volunteer recruitment efforts. With the Hospice needing to raise £19,452 every single day to continue delivering its services, the van will help bring fundraising closer to the communities that make that care possible.

 

Mags McCarthy, CEO at Strathcarron Hospice said:“We know that for many people, starting a conversation about hospice care can feel daunting. This community van, we’ve affectionately called The Caring Crew, allows us to meet people where they are - in their own communities, in a way that feels informal, approachable and supportive. It’s about opening up conversations, raising awareness, and showing that we are here for people long before they might expect.”

Claire Kennedy, Corporate Fundraiser at Strathcarron Hospice, said:
“This is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local businesses and communities come together behind a shared purpose. We are incredibly grateful to Cebotec and West Fraser for their generosity and belief in what we do.

This community van will help us reach people who may never have walked through our doors, start conversations that might otherwise never happen, and build lasting relationships across the communities we serve. It will also play a vital role in helping us generate the income we need to continue providing our care, because every mile it travels represents more people reached, more awareness raised, and ultimately, more families supported at the moments that matter most.”

Carol Brown, Head of HR at West Fraser said: "West Fraser is pleased to support the great work that Strathcarron Hospice does in the local community.  Their care, empathy and understanding of what families go through in difficult times is outstanding and one which we are delighted to support."

David Lapsley Managing Director of Cebotec said: "We had a big buy-in from our own team to help with this project because Strathcarron strikes a chord with so many of us. All our suppliers provided their services free of charge - its been a really good thing to do for the community. We are just pleased that we can do our wee bit to help the hospice."

 The inclusion of the pupil-designed logo adds a unique and personal touch to the project, reflecting the community spirit at the heart of the Hospice. The design was selected following a local school’s initiative and has already received praise for its creativity and warmth.

Anna's mum Sarah said: "It has been really lovely experience for Anna to see her artwork on the van. We are really proud of her knowing that her artwork will be out there in the local community."

This new community resource reinforces Strathcarron Hospice’s commitment to ensuring that everyone who needs their care can access it, wherever they are.

The Hospice would also like to thank to Volunteer Ambassador Kevin Beattie, Robinson's Hire Drive, Appeal Media and all the suppliers of Cebotec who donated parts and equipment for the community van.

West Fraser who helped bring the community van idea to fruition