A donation of £1 million has been made to St Columba’s Hospice in memory of Sir Tom and Lady Anne Farmer.
This will be made over five years to support the hospice “wherever it is needed most”. At first the monies will contribute to the Hospice’s virtual ward service which allows people to be cared for at home.
A spokesperson for the hospice explained that Sir Tom and Lady Anne were generous supporters of their work for many years. The couple began the Light Up a Life appeal bringing the St Columba’s community together in Charlotte Square Gardens to hang a light on the Christmas tree there in memory of someone cared for by the hospice who has since died.
Their generosity and philanthropy has made a difference to countless lives of those who have required care at St Columba’s. The announcement of the new gift will ensure that their kindness continues.
Sir Tom once said: “I have always returned from the Hospice with a feeling of gratitude for the warmth of welcome I received and the satisfaction of knowing the people I care about were in the right place.”
The Farmer family commented: “This gift is a way of recognising our parent’s long support for the Hospice and their recognition of the important role that St Columba’s has for so many families in our community. Towards the end of theirown lives, they and our family were grateful for all the expert and compassionate care that the St Columba’s Hospice team were able to offer. We hope this gift will similarly help families across Edinburgh and the Lothians for many years to come.”
Jon Heggie, Director of Income Generation at St Columba’s Hospice Care, said: “Gifts like this are so important because they give us the confidence and stability to continue providing outstanding care for patients and families when they need us most. We’re incredibly grateful to the Farmer family and the Sir Tom Farmer Foundation for this generous commitment in memory of Sir Tom and Lady Anne.
“At a time when demand for hospice care continues to grow, support like this helps us be there for more people with the compassion, dignity, and expertise they deserve. We’re deeply thankful to the family for their trust in our work and for helping us continue caring for local families now and into the future.”
St Columba’s is approaching its 50th anniversary next year.
