Our timeline
Since 1991, Children's Hospice South West has been dedicated to making the most of short and precious lives through the provision of first-class hospice care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across the South West of England. Below are just some of the highlights of our 30 year history.
June 1991
The founding of Children's Hospice South West
Children’s Hospice South West was founded in 1991 by Eddie and Jill Farwell after they experienced for themselves the urgent need for hospice care for children in the South West.
September 1995
Little Bridge House opens
Little Bridge House opened its doors in 1995. Providing the first children's hospice in the South West.
January 1997
We open our first shop in Exeter
Our first shop opened in Exeter in 1997. We now have more than 30 shops across the South West with plans to keep expanding.
January 2002
Jill Farwell awarded an MBE
January 2003
Our Bereavement Team was established
Bereavement support is a really important part of the work at Children's Hospice South West. We support our families for as long as they wish to stay in touch.
January 2003
Our first Sibling Team was established
Our sibling service was established in recognition of the needs of brothers and sisters of children with life-limiting conditions and continues to provide much valued and dedicated care for siblings at our hospices.
May 2004
Babe Appeal launched to fund Charlton Farm
May Day Bank Holiday weekend saw the official launch of the Babe Appeal, created to raise vital funds to build Charlton Farm.
September 2004
In memory of Jill Farwell
In memory of the much loved Jill Farwell, who sadly lost her battle with cancer.
March 2006
Our Raise a Smile lottery launched
Our lottery started, giving supporters the opportunity to win up to £1000 each week.
April 2007
Charlton Farm opens its doors
Little Bridge House very quickly became oversubscribed, which led to the opening of the charity’s second hospice Charlton Farm located just outside Bristol, in 2007.
September 2007
Launch of Precious Lives Appeal
The Precious Lives Appeal was launched to raise vital funds to build Little Harbour, our third hospice.
December 2011
Little Harbour opens
Little Harbour opened in 2011, making Eddie and Jill's vision of having a children's hospice within a 90 minute reach for families across the South West a reality.
July 2013
A royal visit to Little Harbour
Our Patron, HRH The Duchess of Cornwall visited Little Harbour.
May 2014
HRH Duchess of Cornwall announced as Patron
After visiting Little Harbour the previous year, HRH Duchess of Cornwall accpeted the position of Patron of the charity.
December 2014
Eddie Farwell honoured with MBE
Co-founder of CHSW, Eddie Farwell awarded an MBE for services to charity and children's palliative care.
September 2015
Little Bridge House celebrates its 20th birthday
20 years since Little Bridge House opened its doors, supporting over 200 families each year.
July 2016
Service of thanksgiving at Exeter Cathedral
700 people attended a special service of thanksgiving at Exeter Cathedral with HRH Duchess of Cornwall.
2016
Celebrate 25 years of first class care
2016 welcomed 25 years since the founding of Children's Hospice South West by Eddie Farwell and his late wife, Jill.
2021
Children's Hospice South West celebrate 30 years of incredible care
This year is very special for Children’s Hospice South West, as we mark 30 years since we were founded by Eddie and Jill Farwell in 1991.
