Tributes paid to 'remarkable' co-founder of Children's Hospice South West
Eddie Farwell set up the charity with his late wife Jill all the way in North Devon back in 1991 and has been called a 'remarkable man'
Tributes have been pouring in for the co-founder of Children's Hospice South West, Eddie Farwell, after losing his battle with motor neurone disease.
He set up the charity with his late wife Jill all the way in North Devon back in 1991 and has been called a 'remarkable man'.
Eddie and Jill’s 2 eldest children, Katie and Tom, had both been diagnosed with a rare degenerative genetic disorder that sadly meant they would not live to reach adulthood.
Eddie announced his plans to retire in early 2024 but was given unexpected news later that year when he was diagnosed with MND.
'Much good has been done'
In sharing the news with the team at CHSW, at the time Eddie said: “I can reflect on the work which Jill and I started in 1991 with much pleasure and satisfaction, knowing that much good has been done and that the charity will endure.
"I am a very fortunate person to be able to reflect on this hugely important part of my life as a job well done.”
'Kind, thoughtful, brave'
Eddie’s daughter Lizzy said: “My Dad was a kind, thoughtful, brave person always and being able to watch what he had achieved both through Children's Hospice South West and sharing wonderful moments as Dad and Daughter I will never forget.
"Something I have always admired about my Dad is his ability to inspire others, make people feel at ease and to warm their hearts in such a positive way, whether he has known them for 5 minutes or for 10 years.
"Dad’s diagnosis was a huge shock, but being with him, caring for him and supporting him through his diagnosis was an honour, always maintaining his sense of humour and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I was with him right to the very end. He was so incredibly brave and I have lost a huge part of me in Dad and miss him so much already. I take comfort from the fact that he is now at peace with my beautiful Mum, Brother and Sister.”
'A remarkable man'
Children’s Hospice South West Chair of Trustees, Tricia said: “Eddie was a remarkable man. Words do not adequately describe the legacy he leaves. In his 20 years as Chief Executive he has crafted a very special, caring and supportive organisation. Children’s Hospice South West is like an extended family, not just for the babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families but for our staff, volunteers and supporters.”
Children’s Hospice South West’s incoming CEO Phil Morris comments: "The heartfelt response to this news is a testament to the remarkable gift that Eddie bestowed upon our region. It was an honour to meet him to hear his story and advice. Meeting his daughter Lizzy has further deepened my appreciation for the incredible history of our charity. As the newly appointed CEO, I am dedicated to preserving Eddie's legacy, advancing his mission, and ensuring that CHSW continues to evolve to make the most of short and precious lives now and beyond the horizon."
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