7 March 2025
Jenny’s story: honouring my late husband with a gift in my Will
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Jenny, a valued supporter, wanted to honour her late husband’s memory with a gift in her Will to support the work of the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion.
“I worked for the NHS for over 30 years and having no direct family, when my husband died, I decided to leave a gift in my Will to good friends and a local medical charity.
“I know Doctor Andrew Tatham, Consultant Ophthalmologist at the Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, very well, and I know how talented, diligent, kind, and thoughtful he is. This year, he is also President of the Glaucoma Society of Great Britain & Ireland – a mark of how highly respected he is by his peers.
“I suffer from a chronic condition for which I’m prescribed steroids, so when my optician, at my annual check, confirmed I had cataracts in both eyes, I knew they would grow very quickly. I was already noticing difficulty reading road signs.
“After consultation with Dr Tatham, he removed both cataracts. On both occasions, he and the theatre staff were very professional and kind. Dr Tatham explained each step of the procedure and his post-operative instructions were very clear and simple to follow. I continue to benefit from his care, seeing him annually for my diabetic retinopathy check.
“A close friend who has suffered from glaucoma for many years greatly values Dr Tatham’s care and is grateful for having been involved with his research and benefitting from it.
“We all have memories, some happy, some sad, so when giving to charity in memory of a loved one, it is important for donors to know what happens to their gift. Many donors also wish to ensure that the next generation of students benefit, as many have, from the teaching skills of experts like Dr Tatham. That is why I chose Andrew’s research fund. I value his friendship and feel very privileged to know him.
“I am assured my legacy will be appreciated and used to fund local research helping those in the Lothian district who struggle with sight loss.”
“You hold up your lamp for whoever needs your help with the darkness.” Jennifer Michael Hecht.
Are you considering leaving a gift in your Will to support NHS Lothian?
If you are considering leaving a gift in your Will to NHS Lothian Charity, and would like some further information on how to do this, please contact our Planned Giving Manager, Vanessa, who will be delighted to help.
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