Our Royal Patron

Our Royal Patron

Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW) is delighted and honoured to have Her Majesty, The Queen (formerly HRH The Duchess of Cornwall) as the Royal Patron of the Charity. This appointment was first announced in 2015, following the visit Her Majesty made to the Charity’s third hospice Little Harbour in Cornwall in July 2013.

On the appointment of our Royal Patron, Eddie Farwell Co-Founder and Chief Executive said:

This is a great honour for not only the Charity but also life-limited children and their families throughout the South West of England. Her Majesty's patronage supports all 3 of Children’s Hospice South West’s hospices, Little Bridge House in North Devon, Charlton Farm in North Somerset and Little Harbour in Mid Cornwall.

Her Majesty, The Queen has kindly supported Children's Hospice South West in a number of ways:
 

December 2023

Her Majesty, Royal Patron of Children’s Hospice South West was taken on a tour of Charlton Farm children’s hospice by Co-Founder and CEO Eddie Farwell, Patricia Morris, Chair of Trustees along with Charlton Farm’s Head of Care Karen Greaves and Medical Director, Emma Heckford.

The tour included meeting children, young people and families supported by the hospice, a small number of long-serving members of staff and Trustees as well as some longstanding supporters of the charity from the local area.

Reflecting on the day, Eddie Farwell said;

It’s just been a fabulous day, not only has the sun shone but her radiance shone through in the way she greeted every child, every member of their family, our supporters, staff, everyone here, she really does have the personal touch.

July 2021

In July 2021, Her Majesty visited Little Bridge House and met with children and families and heard about the challenges they faced during the pandemic, and how the hospice has been helping them through this difficult time. After planting a tree to mark the 30th anniversary of the foundation of CHSW, she also met with long-standing supporters, friends group members, trustees and volunteers.

“I’m an incredibly proud patron and I really wanted to thank everybody who has been involved with this wonderful children’s hospice.”

Her Majesty, The Queen (formerly HRH The Duchess of Cornwall) visits Little Bridge House and plants a tree to mark our 30th anniversary:

June 2020

In June 2020, Children’s Hospice South West was invited to join a video call made by The Queen (formerly HRH The Duchess of Cornwall) and The Duchess of Cambridge to mark this year’s Children’s Hospice Week. During the call, Her Majesty thanked all those involved in and supporting children’s hospices across the UK during this critical time.

We’d like to thank everybody that works for hospices across the UK for the incredible job you do and allowing families to treasure their moments together.

July 2016

Her Majesty attended a Service of Thanksgiving in celebration of our 25th Anniversary, held at Exeter Cathedral on Tuesday 19 July 2016. She was invited to light candles in remembrance of those children we have cared for in the past and as a dedication to the continuing support the hospice provides to children and families across the South West.

May 2014

After visiting Little Harbour the previous year, Her Majesty accepted the position of Patron of the charity.
 

July 2013

During her visit to Little Harbour in 2013, Her Majesty (formerly HRH The Duchess of Cornwall) spoke at length with families who are supported by the Cornwall hospice. All 3 of Children’s Hospice South West’s hospices provide a range of services including 24-hour palliative care and end of life care, support for parents and brothers and sisters, as well as help, advice and support in bereavement and beyond.  

Can I say just a few words really to congratulate you, Eddie, and all of the team whose work has made this a very, very special place. Before I visited a hospice I always thought that they might be sad places but it is completely the opposite, they are uplifting and very, very special, and I think that this is one of the most exceptional places I have ever seen. Congratulations to everyone.

Eddie Farwell further comments “We feel extremely privileged that Her Majesty has chosen to become our Patron.

Royal patronage gives Children’s Hospice South West recognition for all that it has achieved since its small beginnings in 1991 in North Devon, and acknowledges the support our 3 hospices have provided to hundreds of families across the South West of England.  

I know that all our staff, supporters, families and children will feel greatly honoured on this momentous occasion. We look forward to welcoming Her Royal Highness on further visits to our hospices.”