Children’s Hospice South West Co-Founder and CEO announces retirement plans

The Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), has announced his plans to retire within the next year. 

Eddie Farwell, who established the charity with his late wife Jill in 1991, has served as Chief Executive for 20 years.

The decision comes as CHSW, which operates three children’s hospices serving over 550 families, marks significant milestones in its history. 

The charity was founded with the aim of providing support to families in the South West facing life-limiting illnesses.

The idea for CHSW arose during a stay at Helen House children’s hospice in Oxford, where the Farwell family sought respite for their two eldest children, Katie and Tom, diagnosed with a rare degenerative disorder that meant they would not live to reach adulthood. 

The family’s only opportunity for respite was when they travelled to Helen House children’s hospice; somewhere that provided comfort and support from people who knew and  understood their situation. 

This gave Jill and Eddie the opportunity to recharge their batteries and was a haven for their younger daughter Lizzy. 

This is what they wanted other families in the South West to have closer access to.

Since its inception, CHSW has expanded its services, opening its first hospice, Little Bridge House, in Fremington in 1995. 

Additional hospices, Charlton Farm near Bristol in 2007 and Little Harbour in St Austell in 2011, followed through fundraising efforts.

During the development of CHSW, Eddie’s wife Jill received a diagnosis of breast cancer and sadly died in 2004.

Mr Farwell, who had left his role at Devon County Council, assumed the position of Chief Executive, continuing the work he and Jill had started.

As Mr Farwell prepares to retire in 2025, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Little Bridge House's opening and his 20th year as CEO, he reflects on the charity’s growth and impact.

During his tenure, CHSW received royal recognition, with Her Majesty The Queen becoming its Royal Patron in 2015. 

Mr Farwell himself received an MBE for services to children’s palliative care in 2015 and was made an Honorary Graduate from the University of Exeter in 2016.

ABOVE: The Farwell family

Tricia Morris, Chair of Trustees at CHSW, acknowledged Farwell’s contribution, and said: “Eddie’s dedication has been instrumental in shaping the charity's success. His retirement marks the end of an era for CHSW.”

Eddie said: “It’s not been an easy decision.”

“This charity was born out of wanting to provide something to families in the South West where they could feel the same love, care and support that we had experienced for our family without having to travel outside of the region.  

“What now exists, our 3 children’s hospices serving more than 550 families, is beyond what I could ever have imagined.” 

“CHSW has been Jill’s and my life’s work, and it has been a privilege to be involved in such an endeavour. Not many people are given the opportunity to do as we have done.”