Celebrating 25 years of first class care
2016 marked a very special year for Children’s Hospice South West, celebrating 25 years since the founding of the charity by Eddie Farwell and his late wife, Jill. In this time we have expanded our services to three hospice sites across the South West, ensuring families throughout the region can access its care.
The shops decorated their window displays with sparkling silver party packs, and events were given special Anniversary transformations with commemorative medals for participants.
One of the many highlights was the creation of 2,500 specially commissioned butterflies which were displayed across each of the three hospice sites throughout the spring and summer months, before being sent out in a special commemorative box to purchasers.
A memorable highpoint came in July, when our patron, HRH Duchess of Cornwall attended a Service of Thanksgiving at Exeter Cathedral. The special service was in honour of all those who have contributed to CHSW over its 25 years. From supporters who have given their time and money to the hospice, hospice staff who have given their special care to the children, young people and families, and those who use the hospice, including bereaved families.
Another highpoint of this remarkable year was the wonderful reception at 10 Downing Street hosted by Samantha Cameron. It was a fantastic opportunity to share the founding of Children's Hospice South West and help spread the word about our wonderful charity and the importance of children's hospices.
For the first time, this commemorative year saw the total number of children, young people and family members supported by us increase to over 2,000.
Co-Founder and Chief Executive Eddie Farwell said:
Celebrating 25 years and looking back at all that has been achieved is simply wonderful, none of which would have been possible without the help of our fantastic supporters and dedicated staff. But 2016 is not simply about looking at the past, it’s about looking to the future and making sure we are here for many more years to come, supporting children, young people and families when they need us the most.
