From childhood illnesses and unexpected emergencies to the moments that change everything, the RUH Bath has been caring for people across our community for generations. And thanks to gifts in Wills, that extra-extraordinary care the RUH is known for, will continue long into the future.
One person who wanted to make sure of that was Helen, and this Remember a Charity Week, we are honoured to share her story with you.
Helen’s connection to the RUH began long before she joined the nursing profession. As a young girl growing up in the 1960s, she would accompany her father, a consultant surgeon, on Christmas Day visits to patients and staff.
“Those were the days when a whole turkey with all the trimmings would be brought to the wards. Every year as a ‘Thank You’ Sister Barlow would present my father with a festive apron to wear whilst carving!”
Inspired by the family community here, Helen had her heart set on becoming a nurse, and after completing her training joined the RUH in 1973 to begin what would become a remarkable 42-year career.
The RUH Bath main entrance, pictured during a 1990’s renovation
Over the years, Helen experienced the RUH from many different perspectives: as a nurse, a colleague, a daughter supporting her parents through treatment, and eventually as a patient herself. Perhaps you’ve known the RUH in different ways too? As a patient, a visitor, a family member or someone who works here. Like Helen, those experiences can stay with us for a lifetime.
Caring for those who care for us
Helen believed in the future of her hospital. She knew that while healthcare continues to evolve, there will always be opportunities to do more for patients, families and staff. We asked Helen at the time, why pledging a gift in her Will to the RUH was important to her?
“If you can give something ‘extra,’ including a gift in your Will is a positive action that will benefit those delivering care as well as those receiving it. My gift will make providing those extra things possible; it’s a powerful way to make a difference and change lives.”
Helen specifically requested that her gift should support hospital staff, recognising the dedication and compassion they bring to patients every day. For Helen, those “extra things” were the opportunities, spaces and support that help people feel cared for, valued and supported, whether they’re receiving treatment, visiting a loved one or caring for others.
Helen sadly passed away in May 2025, but her connection to the RUH lives on through her gift and through the many people whose lives she touched.
We recently spoke to staff from the RUH Education Department who worked alongside Helen, and one theme came through again and again: her heartfelt commitment to others.
“Helen was one of the most loyal people I’ve ever worked with. Whether it was a project she believed in or a person she cared about, she gave her whole heart to it.” Debra Scoplin – OD and Medical Appraisal/Revalidation Admin Support
“Working alongside her, you always felt supported, valued and encouraged to be your best.” Nardina Storey – Head of Learning & Development
“She never forgot a birthday, always remembered important occasions and delighted in making people feel special. It was these small acts of kindness that meant so much to so many people.” Lucy Tainton – Learning & Development, Medical Appraisal/Revalidation Admin Support
Helen, who sits second on the left in the top row, pictured with the Education Department team members.
Just as Helen cared for others throughout her life, her legacy will continue supporting the people who care for patients every day.
One of the most remarkable things about a gift in your Will is that its impact can continue long into the future. Helen’s story is a powerful reminder that a gift isn’t measured by its size, but by the difference it makes to people’s lives and their experiences.
These extraordinary gifts fund life-changing innovation like the creation of the Dyson Cancer Centre. The RUH provides cancer services to over 500,000 people in the South West and is one of the largest cancer centres in our region.
They also support those small but meaningful touches that make a big difference, like toys for the children’s ward or cosy bed socks for elderly patients, helping to reduce anxiety, bring comfort and make time in hospital a little easier.
If this Remember a Charity Week, you are considering the impact you could make at the RUH with gift in your Will, we’d love to hear from you.
You can request a free gifts in Wills guide today by clicking here or email us at giftsinwills@ruhx.org.uk and discover how you could help write the next chapter in the RUH’s story of care.
