NHS Lothian Charity’s Fighting Against Cancer Edinburgh (FACE) volunteers celebrate three decades of fundraising, friendship and making a difference to people with cancer.

NHS Lothian Charity organised a special thank you gathering to celebrate three decades of fundraising from committed volunteers who support FACE, a cancer fund that is part of the Charity.

A small group representing the wider group of volunteers dedicated to FACE, attended an event to mark the occasion where they received grateful thanks from NHS Lothian Charity’s Director, Jane Ferguson, and Chair of Trustees, Andrew Fleming.

Jane said:

It is a pleasure to be here today, to celebrate each and every member of FACE for your years, and for many of you, decades of commitment and support. Your service and dedication to people with cancer, their loved ones and our NHS deserves huge recognition.

“You have all played an important role in changing experiences for thousands of patients with cancer. On behalf of NHS Lothian Charity, I want to say ‘thank you’.”

Andrew added:

Three decades. £1,800,000 raised. These staggering numbers represent countless hours of your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering commitment to a cause that touches so many lives.

“Whether you’ve staffed fundraising events, brightened a patient’s day with a friendly chat or dressing up at Christmas, or helped organise events – your contributions, big and small, have made a real difference. You’ve brought comfort, laughter, and a sense of community to those facing immense challenges.

“The value you bring extends far beyond the money raised. Your compassion, your energy, and your enthusiasm are truly invaluable. You embody the spirit of giving, inspiring others to join in making things better for those diagnosed with cancer.

“Over the last 30 years, I am sure there are countless stories of resilience, of shared strength, and of lives touched by your kindness. You are all healthcare heroes, and we are eternally grateful for all that you do.”

Alan Ormiston, a representative for the FACE volunteers, said:

We value being part of NHS Lothian Charity and doing the best we can to make a difference for cancer patients, their loved ones and nursing staff. It was really nice to get together and reflect on what FACE has achieved over many years.”

FACE was established in the 1990s at the Edinburgh Cancer Centre, Western General Hospital. Their aim is to provide the ‘little things’ which can make a real difference for patients undergoing treatment for cancer, to help make the time spent in hospital as comfortable as possible, and the environment and experience as positive as it can be. FACE volunteers have helped to fund the transformation of wards and outdoor garden spaces to make them more comfortable for patients and their families. They have helped provide specialist wheelchairs that can be used by families to transport loved ones on walks outside in the hospital grounds or that can be borrowed to take loved ones home to be with friends and family on special occasions like Christmas. Money raised by the FACE volunteers has also supported the complementary therapy service set up over 20 years ago to provide comfort to patients in both the Western General Hospital and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, mainly within the oncology and palliative care units.

FACE volunteers are also well known for their wonderful annual Lapland trip, with this year marking the 30th time they have taken bereaved families to meet Santa in Lapland. The Lapland trips help to create happy memories during a difficult time. It also enables families to meet others in a similar situation, where they can provide support to each other.