<p>When I decided that I would like to set myself the challenge of doing the great north run this year I knew I'd like to find a local charity close to my heart to fundraise for. I've chosen to raise money for the "Margaret Kerr unit" a new specialist palliative care unit currently under construction at the Borders General Hospital. After watching my sister die with a brain tumour and then going on to work as a staff nurse in many different areas providing palliative care I can completely appreciate first hand just how important end of life care is. Currently NHS Borders is the only mainland Scottish health board that does not offer a specialist in-patient treatment facility for people whose conditions cannot be cured. At the present time patients requiring palliative care at the Borders General Hospital have to be admitted to general wards, which cannot provide an appropriate environment for them. The Margaret Kerr unit will be a much needed palliative care unit with 8 ensuite bedrooms, each with their own view of the beautiful borders countryside, as well as overnight stay facilities for family members, therapy rooms, day lounges, landscaped gardens and coutyard spaces. The aim is to create a comfortable welcoming and peaceful building for everyone.</p> <p>Please help support this much needed unit, dig deep and donate -any little helps and thanks so much in advance for the support.</p> <p>Irene xxxx</p>