Royal Edinburgh Hospital Staff Scale The Kelpies to Support Families During End-of-Life Care

When a team of nurses and clinical support workers from the Royal Edinburgh Hospital (REH) decided to scale Scotland’s iconic Kelpies, it wasn’t just for the thrill, it was to raise money for a project close to their hearts.

The six-strong team – Louise, Lauren, Sam, Erin, Rachel and Amy – took on the 25-metre aerial challenge to support the Purple Butterfly Project, a ward-based initiative that enhances comfort and dignity for families during end-of-life care.

Inspired by Compassion and Real-Life Experience

The idea for the Purple Butterfly Project began with a moment that stayed with the team: A devoted husband who spent nearly two weeks sleeping in a chair beside his wife as she received palliative care – refusing to leave her side.

He was sleeping in one of the chairs from the ladies’ lounge for nearly 12 days, it wasn’t suitable, and it was heart-breaking to watch,” said Louise.

Moved by his love and resilience, and determined to improve the experience for other families, the team wanted to do more to support families in similar situations. Drawing on their experience in care homes, Louise and Lauren remembered a simple but powerful symbol – a purple butterfly placed on doors to gently indicate when someone was receiving end-of-life care.

We wanted to bring that idea into our ward, but also take it further – by making sure families were as supported as their loved ones,” Lauren explained.

Fundraising with a Purpose

To achieve their goal of expanding the Purple Butterfly project to include more practical support for families staying overnight with loved ones, the team decided to take some action. That’s when they saw The Kelpies Experience, a fundraising challenge organised through their official charity, NHS Lothian Charity. It was the perfect opportunity to come together as a team, take on something bold, and raise money for a project that they deeply believed in.

Their fundraising goal was focused and heartfelt: to purchase a fold-away bed, comfortable bedding, and essential toiletries for family members staying overnight, ensuring dignity, rest, and support during one of life’s most difficult times.

But the climb was just one part of their fundraising journey. To help reach their target, they also organised a raffle and bake sale. The response was overwhelming – including support from the very family who inspired the project.

The patient’s husband donated £250 to our fundraising page, and then added another £700 after the funeral. He even asked guests to donate to our ward instead of traditional charities. It meant the world,” said Louise.

A Team Effort with Lasting Impact

All six members of the team had cared directly for the patient and family that inspired this project. As they faced the physically and emotionally daunting climb up through the The Kelpies’ head to the mouth, they were motivated by a shared goal.

It’s terrifying – I wish I’d watched the video first!” Louise joked. “But when it got hard, we remembered why we were doing it and the family that made this possible.”

Their efforts have already begun to inspire neighbouring wards within the REH, many of which also support patients with dementia and complex needs.

We care for ladies often at the latter stages of their lives, many with dementia, to be able to support their families too, and to continue this project beyond our time here, is something we’re incredibly proud of,” said Lauren

Support That Makes a Difference

Tumong Edwards, Community and Events Fundraiser at NHS Lothian Charity, reflects on the team’s achievement:

We’re incredibly proud to have supported this inspiring team in their fundraising challenge. The idea and drive came entirely from them — we simply offered the event and provided guidance, ideas, and encouragement to help them reach their goal.

“This is a powerful example of how small acts of kindness – and a bit of courage – can transform the experience for families facing the hardest of times. It demonstrates how NHS Lothian staff, driven by compassion and real-life experience, go above and beyond in their day-to-day roles to enhance care for their patients and families. The Purple Butterfly Project is a great addition to the support already in place, and it’s been wonderful to help the team take it further.

“We are also helping the team explore additional ideas such as bereavement bags and memory boxes for families and children who have lost loved ones, further enhancing the quality and dignity of end-of-life care.

“As the official charity of NHS Lothian, we’re here for anyone who wants to give back, say thank you, or raise money that helps enhance the care that they or a loved one receive. All donations, no matter the size, can make a direct and lasting impact. A huge thank you to everyone who took part in The Kelpies Experience. Together, we raised over £21,000 to support patients and families across NHS Lothian.”