Charity formed by previous Wandsworth Mayors donates £20k to Putney’s Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability

The Benjamin Weir Trust is comprised of former mayors of the borough with the aim of supporting the local community and improving the well-being of residents.

And last week the current Mayor of Wandsworth Councillor Juliana Annan performed the official unveiling of the trust’s latest project – the refurbishment of The View – a comforting and welcoming space that provides a haven where patients and their families can relax and find solace together during their time at Putney’s Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability. 

The donation was made in memory of the late Diana Whittingham, herself a former Mayor of Wandsworth, who also served as a hospital board member between December 1997 and March 2009 and championed its work with severely disabled adults for many years. 

Councillor Annan said: “It was a privilege and an honour to be asked to perform the official unveiling of this revamped and refurbished space at the hospital, which has benefited from funds raised by my predecessors.

“The RHN is a special place and I was thrilled to be part of this important event.”

Brenda Berge, Leisure and Family Services Manager at the RHN said: “We were deeply moved at the generous donation from the Benjamin Weir Trust. The View' serves as a one of few spaces for our patients and their families, offering comfort, relaxation, and a sense of normalcy during challenging times. We are immensely grateful for the trust's support in our mission to provide exceptional care and support to our community.”

The RHN was founded in 1854 and provides specialist care, therapies and innovative technologies to meet the complex needs of people with profound disabilities. It is one of the oldest independent charity hospitals and research centres providing rehabilitation and care for adults with complex brain injury and neurological conditions.