Memorial service for children’s hospice founder Eddie Farwell

A memorial service to celebrate the life and work of Eddie Farwell, North Devon co-founder of the region’s first children’s hospice, will be held on Tuesday, June 17.

It will take place at Exeter Cathedral from 12.30 to 1.30pm and people whose lives Eddie touched are expected to attend from all over the South West.

Eddie and his late wife Jill founded Children’s Hospice South West at Little Bridge House in Fremington in 1991 following their own experiences of difficulty accessing hospice support for their two eldest children, Katie and Tom, who both had life-limiting conditions.

Above: Eddie Farwell with his wife Jill and their three children Thomas, Katie and Lizzy. Credit: Farwell family

Eddie passed away on March 27 just as he was about to retire as charity CEO and following a diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease. A private funeral was held shortly after his death.

CHSW has now organised the memorial service for him so the wider community can celebrate his life, share their memories and find comfort together.  

Phil Morris, incoming CEO at CHSW said: “It is fitting that during Children’s Hospice Week, we are bringing people together at Eddie’s memorial service, where we will reflect on and celebrate, all he achieved.” 

Above: Eddie, with his wife Jill, was the driving force behind CHSW. 

Anyone wishing to attend Eddie Farwell’s Memorial Service can do so but book in advance at www.chsw.org.uk/eddiememorial as seats will be limited.

The service will also be live streamed with a link available on the day for those unable to attend in person.  

Lizzy Farwell, Eddie’s daughter, said: “I have been overwhelmed by the acknowledgements which have poured in, the incredible generosity and kindness shown, each a tribute to my dad’s life, the impact he had on so many and our enduring family legacy.” 

Eddie and Jill Farwell were inspired to set up their own hospice after having to travel from North Devon to a hospice in Oxford while caring for Katie and Tom.

Their vision was for no family in the South West to have to travel more than 90 minutes to reach their nearest children’s hospice.

This became a reality when Little Bridge House opened at Fremington 1995, followed by Charlton Farm at Wraxall near Bristol in 2007 and Little Harbour in St Austell, Cornwall, in 2011. 

Anyone who would like to leave a tribute to Eddie can do so at https://eddiefarwell.memorypage.org

If you would like to make a donation in Eddie’s memory, please go to https://justgiving.com/campaign/eddiefarwell