NHS Fife blazing a trail to improve lives of children born with hip dysplasia
At our recent charity Trustees meeting, we were pleased to hear how one of our large grants is making a difference for some of Fife’s youngest residents and their families. The charity provided £38,600 funding to support the Baby Hip AI research project. Led by specialist physiotherapist, Joyce Henderson, this project is evaluating the use of an AI-enabled portable ultrasound device to identify developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in newborns. Joyce shared an update with the charity on the outcomes that have been achieved so far.
Joyce Henderson, Specialist Physiotherapist
Trustees heard that the project has established national and international partnerships and positioned NHS Fife at the forefront of innovation in this field. Early findings have been positive, with several cases of hip dysplasia identified using the ultrasound device that would have been missed by traditional methods. In doing so, this has potentially prevented significant long-term health complications for affected children. Joyce highlighted the positive feedback received from families and outlined opportunities to redesign infant and paediatric services through more accessible, community-based approaches.
The success of the research project findings so far has led to a further £300,000 of external research funding being secured. This will hopefully lead to the AI-enabled portable ultrasound device being developed to a stage which will allow approval for widespread use in Scotland and internationally.
Tea parties held for patients across NHS Fife...
Over the last few months, many of NHS Fife’s in-patient wards have been holding tea parties to mark key events and raise awareness,
...World Cup Tea at Tarvit Ward, Adamson Hospital
Tarvit Ward at Adamson Hospital held an afternoon tea to mark the opening of the World Cup with a vibrant celebration full of football themed fun, including a football quiz. The ward was transformed with colourful, handmade decorations created by the patients in the lead up to the event, along with plenty of festive bunting.
...Dementia Week Tea at Muirview and Elmview wards, Stratheden Hospital
Staff and people living with dementia in Muirview and Elmview wards have marked Dementia Awareness week with an afternoon tea. Those who attended enjoyed a buffet from Stratheden Kitchen, funded by Fife Health Charity.
Musical entertainment was provided by Music Therapist Harry Harris which brought joy to patients, carers, staff and families with many singing or dancing along during the afternoon.
A big thank you to all the staff in both Muirview and Elmview for their continued hard work, compassion, and dedication to our patients every day. Your support and teamwork helped make the event such a success.
...Chest, Heart and Stroke Tea at Letham Ward, Cameron Hospital
Letham Ward, Cameron Hospital held an afternoon tea party for patients and visitors in collaboration with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.
This tea party was aimed at improving patient wellbeing by reducing feelings of isolation, boredom and anxiety during their hospital admission. The event provided light refreshments, music and themed decorations to create a ward and welcoming atmosphere for everyone involved.
Art Therapy helps veterans in so many ways
Many of the veterans we support experience significant barriers when it comes to taking part in traditional social groups. Challenges linked to mental health, trauma, or neurodiversity can make these environments feel overwhelming or inaccessible. What we have seen, however, is that veterans are far more able to engage when the setting offers a practical activity and a clear, hands on focus.
With £2,000 funding from Fife Health Charity, NHS Fife has set up a new art therapy group to offer exactly that — a safe, welcoming space where veterans can build confidence, connect with others, and experience meaningful improvements in wellbeing through creative expression.
Veterans taking part in the group have already shared a number of positive outcomes:
- Safe social connection — The group provides a calm, predictable environment where veterans can meet others without pressure, supported by a shared creative focus.
- Growing confidence and self esteem — Many participants have discovered new artistic skills they never knew they had, helping them feel proud, capable, and motivated.
- Therapeutic benefits — Several veterans have reported reduced anxiety and improved mood as a result of the gentle social contact and structured activity the group offers.
From an initial group of ten interested veterans, four have chosen to attend regularly — a strong indication of the group’s value for those who feel most able to engage.
“The success of the art groups will encourage our service to continue to think laterally about how it can meet the mental health and wellbeing needs of the veterans we serve.”
Dr Sharon Doherty, Consultant Clinical Psychologist
For me personally, prior to the art group I hadn't done much drawings as I wasn't encouraged ... a picture of my first completed art ... is going to be displayed at the Rosewell centre. I think I'm trying to say it's helped me in so many ways.
Large Grants
We have made some changes this year to how we review applications for Large Grants (grants over £10,000). We will now consider applications for Large Grants up to £99,999 twice a year in August and February at our Grants Committee. For those applications over £100,000 these will be considered in October and February by the full board of Trustees. If you have an idea for a Large Grant please contact us at fife.healthcharity@nhs.scot.
Small Grants
Since April 2026, we have awarded 10 Small Grants totalling £46,700.
Small Grants range from £1,000 tp £9,999. You can read more about the grants we make in our What we've funded section or use the links below.
Peaceful retreat for families within cardiology
Families visiting loved ones receiving cardiology care at Victoria Hospital can now access a private, quiet and comforting environment where they can talk with medical staff, spend time together, or simply take a moment for themselves during what can often be emotional and difficult circumstances. NHS Fife’s cardiology team were keen to create a second calm and welcoming family room for visitors to Wards 21 and 23 having recognised how important this is for families whose loved ones are cared for in the wards. A larger space on Ward 23 was identified, and with refurbishment and comfortable seating, it has now been transformed into a peaceful retreat.
• Final touches – The Haven, VHK
• Physiotherapy – Digital innovation
• Theatre mural – Follow the Fish
Further examples of small grants:
- Installing LED ceiling panels in the Oral & Maxillofacial Department, Victoria Hospital
- Portable speakers for theatres and the Day Intervention Unit, Victoria Hospital
- Bereavement Books for children supported by the Fife Specialist Palliative Care Service
- Supporting the NHS Fife 2026 Staff Awards
- Refurbishing the of patient waiting area in the Cardiology Ward, Victoria Hospital
- Refurbishing the Pharmacy department staffroom
- Enhancing Consultant Led-Unit Rooms in the maternity service to make more comfortable for patients
- Enhancing the maternity daycare service area
- Expanding the use of NHS Fife’s digital platform for patient information sharing across Fife hospitals
Micro Grants
Since April 2026, we have awarded 84 Micro Grants totalling £19,624.
Micro grants have a maximum value of £999 but in reality awards can be made for smaller amounts, whilst still making a big impact. The average grant award was £236.
Playlist for life
Since it’s launch in NHS Fife several years ago, the charity has continued to provide funding for the delivery of Playlist for Life across Fife Hospitals and communities. We want to congratulate NHS Fife colleagues at Tarvit Ward which is the latest to be awarded Playlist for Life Certified status. By embedding personalised playlists, created with their patients and families, into their care, the ward team are helping to reduce stress, lift moods, and make hospital stays easier for patients.
Further examples of micro grants:
- Staff retirals – providing the chance for staff to celebrate their colleagues retiring from the NHS
- Providing complementary therapies for palliative care patients at Victoria Hospice, Tarvit Ward and St. Andrew’s Community Hospital
- Stay and Play Group items – Rosyth Health Visiting Service
- Toys for children’s ward and high five box for ADHD clinic
- Garden supplies for the gardens at the National Treatment Centre and Stratheden hospital
- Staff hub refreshments
- Staff wellbeing workshops
- Folding bed for Ward 41 to support family members staying overnight with their loved ones
- Summer garden event for patients and their visitors at Ward 5,6,7 & 8, Queen Margaret Hospital
Training and Development Grants
In 25/26 the charity was delighted to formally launch our Training and Development Grants Programme which is promoted through StaffLink, now StaffPoint. Grants are available to all NHS Fife employees, however applications from non-clinical staff have been actively encouraged.
The charity’s aim is to support staff groups who may not previously have considered applying for training and development grants to enhance their skills and knowledge and support their personal development in their roles.
Read more Training and Development Case Studies
Community Grants
Increasing support for children and young people in our communities across Fife is one of the charity’s key priorities. Through our 2025/26 Community Grants Programme, we are funding 14 charities that are providing incredible support for children and young people in Fife. In June the charity team has been out and about visiting some of those charities. At EATS Rosyth we heard how mentoring is supporting volunteers with disabilities and improving their wellbeing. On our visit to the Wave Project at St Andrews West Sands, we learned how the surf school is helping young people to develop resilience and mental wellbeing. A trip to MCCI in Methilhill saw first-hand the Friday evening youth club which is enabling local primary school children build new friendships and enjoy new experiences in the heart of their community.
The 2026/27 community grants programme will launch in early September 2026 with further information available on our Community Grant Programme page.
Other ways your donations are making a difference here in Fife
There are many reasons why people decide to support Fife Health Charity. We are incredibly grateful for each and every donation we receive and are constantly inspired by the stories behind each gift.
Many of our donations come through monetary donations from the relatives of loved ones who’ve received outstanding care in hospital.
Kenney Takes on a 57-Mile Ultra Marathon for Victoria Hospice
Kenney is taking on his biggest running challenge yet – the 57-mile Glasgow to Edinburgh Ultra Marathon this October – to raise funds for Fife Health Charity, with the wish that the money he raises will support Victoria Hospice in Kirkcaldy.
The demanding race starts at the Riverside Museum in Glasgow and follows the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals, passing the iconic Falkirk Wheel before finishing at Saughton Sports Complex in Edinburgh.
Having already completed the 2025 and 2026 Rob Burrow Leeds Marathons, Kenney is now aiming to raise at least £2,500 to support the hospice's vital work.
After spending time with the Victoria Hospice team, Kenney saw first-hand the exceptional care and compassion they provide to patients and families. From creating special moments for loved ones to offering invaluable support during the most difficult times, the team goes above and beyond every day.
You can support Kenney and help him reach his fundraising target by making a donation through his fundraising page.
Kenney Collins is fundraising for Fife Health Charity
Everyone at Fife Health Charity wishes Kenney the very best with his training and his incredible 57-mile challenge. Good luck, Kenney!
Help Kenney to raise funds for Fife Health CharityThis isn't just another charity where donations disappear into a pot. You can genuinely see the impact every pound makes, and that's why I want to raise as much as possible.
John & Kass Raise Over £3,300 for Cherry Blossom Suite
Congratulations to John and Kass, who successfully completed the 96-mile West Highland Way and raised more than £3,300 for Fife Health Charity, with the funds supporting the Cherry Blossom Suite at Victoria Hospital, Kirkcaldy.
John and Kass took on the challenge in memory of their much-loved grandson, Blair, and to thank the Cherry Blossom Suite team for the exceptional care and compassion they showed their family during an incredibly difficult time.
Everyone at Fife Health Charity extends a heartfelt thank you to John and Kass for their determination, generosity and for turning their loss into hope for others.
Challenge Complete: Edinburgh Marathon Festival 2026
Congratulations to all our 2026 Edinburgh Marathon Festival runners! Together, they raised an amazing £1,363.25 for Fife Health Charity.
We are incredibly grateful for their dedication, commitment and fundraising efforts. Every mile they ran and every penny they raised will help us continue to support projects that make a real difference to NHS Fife patients, families, staff and communities.
Thank you for being part of #TeamFifeHealthCharity!
Places for the 2027 Edinburgh Marathon Festival are now open! If you’d like to take part and claim your free charity place, contact us at Fife.healthcharity@nhs.scot to find out more.
Please help us find a name for our mascot
We're looking for a name for our newest team member!
Fife Health Charity's bear mascot has been out and about meeting supporters this summer, spreading smiles and helping champion the incredible work made possible by your donations.
There’s just one problem… they’re still nameless!
We've had some great contributions so far. We’re looking for a great Fife-themed name and we'd love to hear your ideas.
Whether it's inspired by a local place, landmark, history or a famous Fifer, let us know by emailing us your name idea at fife.healthcharity@nhs.scot or by commenting on our social media posts.
Fundraising | Ordinary people doing extraordinary things
These are just a few donation stories from recent months of ordinary people doing extraordinary things for Fife Health Charity to benefit people across the Kingdom.
Perhaps you too could help us by organising a fundraising event in aid of Fife Health Charity? Don't have time to plan? Then maybe an organised event would work for you. Why not sign up for one of the running events taking place over the next few months?
Calling all fundraisers
We would love to support your fundraising in 2026!
Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or this is your first time, Alice our fundraising manager will support you all the way. Get in touch and let us know about your 2026 fundraising ideas. You can contact her at fife.healthcharity@nhs.scot
Events
The Kiltwalk
Good luck to all our #TeamFifeHealthCharity Kiltwalkers taking on the Dundee Kiltwalk on 16 August and the Edinburgh Kiltwalk on 13 September in aid of Fife Health Charity.
Thank you for putting your best foot forward! Your support will help us continue to fund projects that make a real difference to NHS Fife patients, families, staff and communities across Fife.
Every penny raised in Fife, stays in Fife.
There is still time to join #TeamFifeHealthCharity at the 2026 Kiltwalk!Choose your distance, pick your city, pull on your free Fife Health Charity T-shirt and join us for a great day out.
Sign up today and select Fife Health Charity as your chosen charity: The Kiltwalk | Scotland's lowest cost fundraising event.
Images from 2025 - 2025- Kiltwalk
Running Events
Whether you want a full on fitness challenge or simply want to help our charity, we’d love to hear from any runners who’d like to fundraise in aid of Fife Health Charity. Simply choose the event that best fits your location, fitness and preference. Contact Fife.healthcharity@nhs.scot and we’ll do the rest.
- Scottish Half Marathon and 10K on 16 August 2026
- Men/Women’s 10K Edinburgh on 20 September 2026
- Supernova Forth Bridge on 7 November 2026
- Supernova Kelpies on 12-13 March 2027
- Edinburgh Marathon Festival on 29-30 May 2027
If you would like to discuss making a donation you can also contact us at fife.healthcharity@nhs.scot or simply donate by visiting our Justgiving page.
Message from our Charity Director | Summer 2026
It’s hard to believe how quickly 2026 is moving – we’re already halfway through summer! However, writing for our newsletter is always a great opportunity to step back and reflect on the work we’ve been doing this year. I hope you have enjoyed reading the stories we’ve shared in this edition. I’ve been struck by the incredible variety of the work which our charity funds. From world-cup themed tea parties for patients; to cutting edge research that will change people’s lives; to supporting NHS staff to develop their knowledge and skills as they seek to deliver ever higher standards of care and support for the people of Fife; our grants help people across Fife in so many ways.
All of this is only made possible because of the kindness and generosity of the people who support our charity. These donations enable us to fund activities, opportunities and projects which would not happen otherwise. The stories in this newsletter are great examples of how the charity adds to what the NHS itself offers and helps to improve people’s health and wellbeing. We also had the opportunity to celebrate the difference your support and donations make during our first ever Fife Health Charity Fortnight which took place in the first two weeks of June. I really hope you enjoyed hearing about the difference your donations are making across Fife and I’m pleased to share that our Impact Report 2025-26 is now available on our website. Make sure you are following our social media channels where you can hear more about the difference we are making together.
Looking forward to the rest of 2026, the charity will continue to be working hard to provide more grants to benefit people in Fife. In September 2026 we will be launching this year’s Community Grants programme; our Training & Development Grants for NHS Fife staff will continue throughout the year, and we hope to fund a range of new Large Grants. I look forward to telling you more about the difference these grants are making in our next newsletter in the Autumn.
Mark McGeachie, Charity Director
Support us | Money donated in Fife stays in Fife
Every donation to Fife Health Charity stays in Fife, helping us enhance lives across our communities. From funding vital equipment to supporting local health initiatives, the generosity of our wonderful supporters directly improves the wellbeing of those we care about most.
There are many ways that people can support our charity! You can donate directly with a one-off donation on our Justgiving page where you can also set up a monthly donation. You can also get involved by organising a fundraising event in aid of Fife Health Charity; or by taking part in an event, such as one of the organised local running events to raise funds; or nominating Fife Health Charity as ‘charity of the year’ in a local business. If you would like to discuss making a donation you can also contact us at fife.healthcharity@nhs.scot – we’d be delighted to hear from you!
Your support makes a difference
