Children's Hospice South West co-founder to retire

Having set up the charity with his late wife Jill in 1991, with two decades at the helm, he has decided now is the right time.

Explaining his decision, Mr Farwell said: "It's not been an easy decision.

"This charity was born out of wanting to provide something to families in the South West where they could feel the same love, care and support that we had experienced for our family without having to travel outside of the region."

The CHSW, now with three children’s hospices that support over 550 families, has surpassed his vision.

Their inspiration came when two of their children, Katie and Tom, were diagnosed with a rare degenerative disorder.

Helen House in Oxford provided the family with much-needed care and support.

It was their wish that families in the South West should have similar access closer to home.

In 1991, the couple set up CHSW in their family home in North Devon.

Their first hospice, the Little Bridge House, opened in 1995 in Fremington after raising one million pounds.

Demand led to building Charlton Farm, located near Bristol, in 2007, and the Little Harbour in St Austell.

Sadly, in 2004, Jill Farwell passed away from breast cancer.

Eddie Farwell then stepped into her shoes as the chief executive of CHSW in February 2005.

On his retirement plans for 2025, he explains: "2025 will be the 30th Anniversary of the opening of our first hospice, Little Bridge House, and for me will also mark 20 years as CEO.

"CHSW has been Jill's and my life's work, and it has been a privilege to be involved in such an endeavour."

Tricia Morris, chair of trustees at CHSW, added: "To say that Eddie will be missed is a huge understatement.

"Eddie has been steering the CHSW ship with dedication, careful thought and passion that is so unique to him and his personal experience; that is what has made this charity's work and its hospices so special."