NHS Lothian Charity

12/10/2026

Thank you to Sophie's family for their generous donation to Ward 1 at East Lothian Community Hospital. 💜

On 16 May 2026, Sophie was admitted to hospital after developing a droopy face and slurred speech, with doctors initially suspecting she had suffered a stroke. Her family were soon given the devastating news that, instead, Sophie had CNS lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. The family were initially told that Sophie might have only six weeks or less.

But Sophie was a fighter. True to her stubborn and determined nature, she held on for an incredible 14 weeks — spending around six weeks at the Royal Infirmary before moving closer to home to Ward 1 at East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington, where she spent her final eight weeks. Sophie passed away on 25th August 2026 surrounded by her family.

For Sophie and her family, the nurses and healthcare staff on Ward 1 became so much more than the people caring for her medically. They became familiar faces, a source of comfort and an important part of our lives during an incredibly difficult time.

Sophie's Family said: “The care, compassion and kindness shown to Sophie and to us as a family meant more than we could ever put into words. They supported us through some of the most difficult moments of our lives, and we will be forever grateful. To Helen, Landa, Hazel, Katie, Angela, Lorraine, Candice, Christine, Dr Kirsten and all the staff at Ward 1 — thank you. The care you gave Sophie and the kindness you showed our family will never be forgotten. 💜”

The family would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to PureMalt Products Ltd, as well as everyone who donated through the MuchLoved page and contributed to the funeral collection. Every donation and gesture of support has meant so much to the family and will help support the wonderful team on Ward 1.

Sophie’s MuchLoved tribute page will remain open for anyone who would like to make a donation or share a memory or story about her 👉 https://sophiemorrison.muchloved.com

10/10/2026

Today is World Mental Health Day, our Charity helps create calming spaces and events for staff to allow them to take a moment.

Since April, our Creatively Minded programme has been providing a range of creative engagement activities that highlight works in the Tonic Art collection.

The project, which is specifically designed for NHS staff identified with high levels of stress and anxiety, provides a flexible model across different sites. Activities include art walks, drop-ins, and workshops that guide discussion about works in the collection with time for personal reflections and space to create art with each other.

Drawing on a wealth of knowledge that proves engagement with art reduces stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation - Creatively Minded introduces tools to relax, find joy and connection.

As NHS staff face increasing challenges, finding these moments of comfort and respite are more important now than ever. Our aim is to support the wellbeing of healthcare staff with positive impact for the wider healthcare environment.

Find out more about our Creatively Minded Programme 👉 https://ow.ly/elHB50ZWlqG

With thanks to funding from .galleries.scotland.

09/10/2026

From rockets and distant planets to jungles, forests and underwater worlds. 🚀🌳

Almost 600 square metres of colourful artwork has transformed clinical spaces at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, helping distract, reassure and relax children and young people on their journey to theatre.

Artist, Lauren Morsley said, “I am so excited to start working on this project. Not only is the scale of work exciting, but it's also an honour to be chosen to create designs that will directly impact the children's experience here at the hospital. Making the journey through the hospital a little easier for some patients is extremely important to me.”

With many thanks to our partners: Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity and generous donors including Coldstones Charitable Trust

07/10/2026

Did you miss our Annual Showcase? Or want to revisit it? Hear directly from our Director Jane Ferguson, as she reflects on the evening and the people, partnerships and generosity that have shaped NHS Lothian Charity.
🔗 https://ow.ly/LPcv50ZTjRU

06/10/2026

Wonderful to see the progress being made at Deaconess Gardens. We're delighted to be supporting a project that brings together nature, community and wellbeing, creating opportunities for people to connect, spend time outdoors and enjoy the gardens. 🌱

05/10/2026

Do you want to see Santa in Lapland?! 🎅

Take part in our Lapland raffle to experience a magical day in Finnish Lapland with your family and meet the big man himself, Santa Claus, in his homeland.

1 raffle entry is £10 each, and you can enter as many times as you wish.*

Money raised will support our Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh (FACE) Fund. FACE is an NHS Lothian Charity Cancer Fund, providing the little things which can make a real difference for patients undergoing treatment for cancer.

The draw closes on the 28th of October, 2026 and will be drawn on the 2nd of November, 2026 at 1:30pm.

Find out more and get your raffle ticket here 👉 https://ow.ly/gG6P50ZTjvC

With thanks to Canterbury Travel

*T&Cs apply.

01/10/2026

This week we are celebrating Climate Week.🌱 Our Green Health team provides activities and enhancements throughout NHS Lothian sites to help with the rising climate changes as well as getting staff and patients outside.

Our staff growing space at the Western General Hospital has been able to do both! Allowing staff a space to grow fruit, veg and plants whilst helping absorb pollutants and release oxygen around the hospital area.

Find out more about the Wildlife at the Western:

Our hospital has different kinds of greenspaces that are available for patients, visitors and staff to use. The map below can help you find some of them but there are lots more to discover when you start looking.

30/09/2026

Introducing our amazing Pete West! Who has taken part in Sir Chris Hoy's 2026 'Tour de 4' Cycle!

He’ll cycle 56 miles, with over 3500 feet of climbing, to raise money for Skerryvore’s ‘preferred’ charity, NHS Lothian Charity. His family have raised around £300,000 for the charity over the last 20 years, and Scottish band 'Skerryvore' have been part of that process from day 1, (Peter was their Business Manager until he retired last year on his 70th birthday.) He’s sent us this update:

My cycle is to boost 2 NHS Lothian Charity funds that our family have been supporting for the last 20 years: Margaret Lee Breast Cancer Oncology Fund at Edinburgh's Western General Hospital, and the St John's Hospital Breast Endowment Fund in Livingston. These funds support research, training for staff, and complimentary therapies for breast cancer patients.



I am always astonished by the willingness of people to help, and humbled by people’s generosity. A big thank you to everyone who has already added to my sponsorship total, with additional particular thanks to:

- Skerryvore for their ongoing support
- Skerryvore Fans for their encouragement and donations
- Brian at The Cycle Jersey for our bespoke cycle jerseys
- Tu and everyone at NHS Lothian Charity for their encouragement
- Marion for putting up with my crabbitness when I couldn’t cycle

If you would like to support Pete or read more about his fundraising you can do so here: then you can do so here: https://gofund.me/52f3f4a89

29/09/2026

Last Night our Annual Showcase brought together the people, projects and partnerships that are helping to make healthcare better across Lothian.

It was an inspiring reminder that when great ideas meet generosity and collaboration, positive change can happen.

To everyone who donates gives, volunteers, partners with us or supports our work in other ways: thank you. You make thisit possible.

We were also delighted to welcome senior health leaders from across NHS Scotland, and appreciate their interest in the work we’re doing to support patients, families and NHS Lothian staff.



Read all about it 👉 https://ow.ly/FXCz50ZSENc

28/09/2026

We’re looking forward to our Charity Showcase tonight, bringing together some of our amazing supporters, trustees, partners, senior health leaders, and elected representatives from across Lothian. Throughout the evening, we’ll be sharing more about the work we do as a Charity and celebrating the impact we’ve achieved together. Keep up with the event as it happens on our Instagram and Facebook stories!