Strathcarron Hospice nurse Mandy has set herself a unique musical challenge to perform 45 songs live to celebrate 45 years of Strathcarron Hospice and help raise awareness of the charity and its services.

Mandy, who helps run Strathcarron’s Live Your Life support line, set herself the challenge at the beginning of 2026 and has already clocked in a tuneful 26 performances.

Across the last six months, the keen singer has performed solo and as part of choirs The Campsie Crooners and The Parsonage Choir - which included one show supporting Scots band Belle and Sebastian to more than 1000 people - and performances alongside her musical daughters.

“For me it not just about raising money – it’s increasing awareness of the services we have, to support people on their journey to live and die well.”

Mandy with her daughters Katie and Abby

As part of her challenge, Mandy also aimed to raise a target of £450 for the Hospice, which she has now surpassed having reached over £700.

Mandy said: “I’m not a runner or someone who could abseil off something to fundraise for the Hospice, so this seemed like a good opportunity for me to create a challenge to suit my skillset.

“As part of the Live Your Life Team, we ask those we support ‘What matters to you? What brings joy and meaning?’

“Music throughout people’s lives can be so important. It can stir up so many memories and emotions.

“For me, meaning and joy comes from that musical connection in community, so taking on this challenge has been really lovely. It’s something I can give back after working here for so many years – and I know how vital that money raised is and where it goes.

“It has brought some welcome surprises, as it’s been amazing making memories for me and my daughters to share – which is part of the work we do in the Live Your Life team. We ask about people’s goals and the memories they would like to make with loved ones.

“It’s been a real joy, as people are including me in forthcoming events when they discover what I’m doing. It’s allowing me to perform a range of songs I enjoy and work on new ones.

“For me it not just about raising money – it’s increasing awareness of the services we have, to support people on their journey to live and die well.”

Music holds a very special place in Mandy’s heart, and her passion for singing was captured in film 10 years ago as part of a documentary created at Strathcarron Hospice by film maker Amy Hardie.

In the BAFTA nominated ‘Seven Songs for a Long Life’, six Strathcarron Hospice patients were shadowed by Amy, who captured both the vulnerable and funny, joyful moments of their lives. However, it was through singing, with support from Mandy, that unlocked the patients' pasts, guided their dreams and shaped their futures.

Mandy said: “Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a community to help face your own mortality, making the process of dying itself safe, individual, and as gentle as possible.

“I felt so privileged to be part of this documentary film. Amy started off as a film maker in residence and took footage of patients in Day Care and soon realised there were lots of stories that circled around music and why it was important to them.

“I was working as a staff nurse in Day Care and would occasionally bring my guitar in and we would have a sing song. Amy’s focus then shifted to what those musical connections in life meant to those we support.

“It didn’t shy away from the reality of Hospice care. During the filming a couple of people died and others deteriorated. But it also showed the things that people wouldn’t expect to happen in a Hospice.

“It was really poignant and a soft way of introducing hospice care and what that meant to people. It wasn’t all doom and gloom.”

Mandy added: “Ten years on I still love singing. To find something that brings you meaning is really important.

“I didn’t expect to create my own memories and legacy as part of this challenge – that has been a surprise.

“It’s given me opportunities to sing at events with my twin daughters Katie and Abby which has made the whole challenge even more meaningful for me.

“We do think about our own mortality in this job a lot. We ask what makes you tick? What can you still manage in your life? And allow that to be the catalyst for planning ahead as we are all going to die – it’s an important message for everyone to be pragmatic and plan ahead, fill your life and do what brings you joy. Pack your life full of stuff that is important whilst you can.”

Donate to Mandy’s Celebrate 45 challenge here: Mandy’s Forty Five Forty Fives for Forty Five | Strathcarron Hospice

Live Your Life Support Line 

Anyone living with, or caring for someone with, a life-limiting illness across Forth Valley, Cumbernauld and Kilsyth can contact the team directly - no referral needed.

Support starts with a conversation and can include practical, clinical and emotional support from our experienced hospice team. You can dip in and out of support as your needs change. All support is free.

📞 01324 827383 

✉️ [email protected]

10am–4pm, Monday to Friday

Strathcarron Support Line | Strathcarron Hospice