A LOCAL hospice has received a massive boost thanks to an incredible donation of instruments and state-of-the-art equipment from a kind-hearted supporter. 

St Vincent's Hospice, who provide specialist palliative and Hospice care for people and families affected by life-limiting conditions across Renfrewshire, received the gift for their new Music Therapy project. 

The project recently began and is set to break down barriers of illness, disability, and encourage self-expression.  

READ MORE: Staff at Woody's Pizzas have really earned their crust

The donation was made by Joe McGuire, who has more than 25 years of experience in music and entertainment and was moved to provide the gifts after seeing an article requesting instruments to support the project. 

Joe, from East Dunbartonshire, said: “When I read that St. Vincent’s were working with Nordoff Robbins to introduce Music Therapy, it was a no brainer for me, having provided community entertainment in care homes, pensioner lunch clubs and adult resource centres for over 25 years.

"I always aimed to make sure that these were not only enjoyable events, but helped people reach personal outcomes and allowed live music to enrich the well-being for people in the community.

“A few years ago I took this passion to the next level, receiving Social Enterprise Funding, along with support from Firstport and the Scottish Government, allowing me to purchase more equipment and deliver live events and therapeutic music sessions for people of all age groups.

"While my programme has since run its course, the equipment is of a very high quality and was just sitting there. I’m over the moon to have the opportunity to pass these resources on to St. Vincent’s Hospice, making sure that the instruments and participation in live music will live on through their work with Nordoff Robbins.”

The donation, which included multiple percussion instruments of all shapes and sizes, along with a wireless PA system and microphones, will ensure that patients, family members and supporters of the Hospice can take part in the music therapy project and feel the benefits this has to offer.

Therese Campsie, of the Patient and Family Support Team, said: “We are honestly blown away by the generosity shown by Joe, and cannot thank him enough for this amazing donation towards our Music Therapy Project.

“At St. Vincent’s, we are constantly looking for new ways to help support people and families who are living with a life-limiting condition, and we are very excited about the potential of Music Therapy.

READ MORE: Renfrewshire pals prepare for Kilimanjaro climb...against all the odds

"When we put out a request for instruments, we had maybe been expecting a couple of guitars and keyboards from people who had them lying around: this is above and beyond what we could have expected.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Joe and to everyone who has donated any instruments to our project."