Be a Secret Santa and give the gift of joy to patients this Christmas
A donation from you today will make hospital feel more like home for those spending Christmas away from their family and friends.
Find out more
Secure your spot on Santa’s nice list by taking part in The National ‘Elf Service Day
Embrace your inner ‘elf and join in the fun of our 2026 National ‘Elf Service Day on the 11th of December!
Find out moreNHS Lothian Charity is the official charity of NHS Lothian.
From the everyday to the transformational, we support NHS Lothian to excel for all the communities it serves: patients, families, carers and staff. Together, we help make healthcare better. We are dedicated to supporting NHS Lothian patients and staff, and improving health and wellbeing for the people of Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Find out more about our work
Arts in Health
Green Health
Staff Wellbeing and Professional Development
Research and Innovation
Enhancement of the NHS Service
Creating Healing Spaces
Latest news stories
Introducing Our New In-Memory Pages: Remember a life l…
‘Remember A Life Loved’ is our new online in-memory platform, a space for you to honour the memory of a loved one in a way that’s meaningful to you.
Celebrating Life and Gratitude: RIE Transplant Unit Ma…
Celebrating the life-changing work of the transplant unit, the generosity of donors and families, and the strength of the community that surrounds transplant care.
Dentons Raises £14,000 in Support of Cancer Patients …
Dentons’ staff rallied together, organising an array of engaging activities – from soul-soothing yoga sessions and irresistible bake sales to exciting raffles and sponsored challenges.
Privacy Policy Update
We updated our Privacy Policy on 2 July 2025 to include a legitimate interest statement, provide further detail on accessibility and update our office address.
Upcoming events
Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026
Run the 2026 Edinburgh Marathon Festival and support life-saving projects across NHS Lothian
Registration is now open for EMF 2026! Take advantage of our heavily discounted charity places and early bird promo and pledge to raise the minimum suggested sponsorship for your run distance.
The National ‘Elf Service Day 2025
Get ready to embrace your inner ‘elf, don your most festive outfit, and secure your spot on Santa’s nice list! […]
TCS London Marathon 2026
Take on the challenge of a lifetime! Run the TCS London Marathon, to bring comfort to patients and support life-saving […]
Forth Rail Bridge Abseil
**This event is now closed** This is your unique chance to abseil S.A.S style off the iconic Forth Rail Bridge. […]
Featured case studies
Finding Strength Together: A Peer Support Weekend at Crieff Hydro for Young People Living with Cancer
For young people living with cancer, life can feel isolating – friendships disrupted, routines turned upside down, and even a sense of who they are beyond their diagnosis becoming harder to hold onto
Keeping patients connected with board games
Simple classic board games such Chess, Draughts, Dominoes, Scrabble, Ludo and Snakes and Ladders are having a big impact on patients in the later stages of dementia.
Bringing Bereavement Support Closer to Home in East Lothian
Grief can feel isolating, but no one should face it alone. With support from NHS Lothian Charity, bereavement groups in East Lothian now provide safe, compassionate spaces for families to share, heal, and build resilience.
NHS Lothian Charity Supports New Pilot Study on Bowel Cancer Detection
A pioneering charity-funded research pilot offers hope for gentler tests and earlier detection of bowel cancer.
Make a Difference: Volunteer with NHS Lothian Charity
Are you passionate about our NHS? Do you want to find a way to give something back to your local community and your local NHS?
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, develop skills and make a meaningful difference to the lives of others. Join our team of amazing volunteers today.
Our Tonic Arts Newsletter is here and not to be missed!
Read it now 👉 https://mailchi.mp/nhslothiancharity/tonic-arts-autumn-newsletter-2025
#TonicArts #ADoseofCreativity
Our Green Health Newsletter has been sent out! ✉️
Not signed up to receive them, head to our Green Health website to sign up or click the link to read it 👉 https://mailchi.mp/nhslothiancharity/green-health-autumn-newsletter-2025
On Tuesday we got into the festive spirit with lighting the tree outside of St John’s Hospital! 🎄A huge well done to Sam the winner of St John’s staff nominees for switching on the lights! ✨
And a massive thank you to Fiona from Morrisons who supplied the mince pies! 🥧
On Monday had our annual tree lighting at The Western General Hospital!🎄
A huge well done to the Western’s Chaplain Dave for switching on the lights! ✨
And a massive thank you to the AMAZING Charlie for providing some cheer with his music!
@WGHLothian
🎄 For young people facing cancer, Christmas can feel far away. At Western General, we bring joy with gifts, activities & festive meals. Help us make it special - be a Secret Santa today: https://nhslothiancharity.org/support-us/appeals/secret-santa-appeal/
Today Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh are hosting their annual Christmas Fair! Head on down for an amazing auction, tombola and MORE!!!! 🎅🎄
Your only way into the Edinburgh Marathon Festival is through us!
If you have been debating in joining our runners, then this is your sign to sign up today Spaces are limited and you don't want to miss out, once they are gone they are gone!
Sign up now 👉 https://ow.ly/S38U50XyHGp
Are you free on Saturday? Head on down to FACE's Winter Fair, where there will be lots of baking, prizes and you can even meet Santa! All money raised goes towards our FACE fund.
Find out more via their Facebook page: https://ow.ly/Me9q50XyGLa
Have you got your place for EMF 2026 yet? Sign up today for one of our charity places before it is too late! 👟🏃♀️
Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026 - NHS Lothian Charity
Set a personal goal, run the 2026 Edinburgh Marathon Festival and support life-saving work across NHS Lothian.
ow.ly