Tonic Arts

Introducing our #CharityChampion Julia!

She is raising money in memory of her mum and to say thank you to the team that treated her back in 2021.

Julia said, "The challenge - From November 1st this year, I am taking on my biggest side quest yet - Mount Everest Base Camp (5,364m / 17,598ft) - the base camp of the tallest mountain in the world. Although this may not be quite as impressive as Mount Everest itself, I think my experience may be slightly off of that for now🤣 Regardless, it will undoubtedly be the most physically and mentally challenging thing I will have ever done.

A 12 day trek through the Nepalese Himalayan mountains, somewhere I could’ve never dreamed of going, alongside 16 strangers. Starting off by taking what’s known as the most dangerous flight in the world into Lukla airport with the runway off the edge of a cliff, a total of 5,364m in elevation gain which is a good 4000m higher than I’ve ever currently been, trekking around 5-8 hours per day, extremely cold conditions expected to potentially get down to minus 20°C at night time, sleeping in tea houses with little to no warmth, showers or electricity (all things my Mum would’ve absolutely hated🤣)"

Please join us in wishing Julia the best of luck on her challenge, if you would like to find out more or donate you can do so on her Just Giving page! ...

The #TonicArts Collection team are pleased to share details of their recent artwork install at the Royal Infirmary’s Pregnancy Support Centre.

Working closely with staff, a curated selection of two works by artist #BobBatchelor were chosen to enhance the centre’s waiting area. Featuring rich and full colours and details of flowers from the artist’s former garden, the works provide a sense of tranquillity and creativity to the space.

Projects like this demonstrate the impact of art in clinical spaces and help to create a more welcoming and relaxing environment for the patients.

#NHSCharity @nhs_lothian #adoseofcreativity #artsandhealth ...

Thank you to Sophie`s family for their generous donation to Ward 1 at East Lothian Community Hospital. 💜

On 16 May 2026, Sophie was admitted to hospital after developing a droopy face and slurred speech, with doctors initially suspecting she had suffered a stroke. Her family were soon given the devastating news that, instead, Sophie had CNS lymphoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. The family were initially told that Sophie might have only six weeks or less.

But Sophie was a fighter. True to her stubborn and determined nature, she held on for an incredible 14 weeks — spending around six weeks at the Royal Infirmary before moving closer to home to Ward 1 at East Lothian Community Hospital in Haddington, where she spent her final eight weeks. Sophie passed away on 25th August 2026 surrounded by her family.

For Sophie and her family, the nurses and healthcare staff on Ward 1 became so much more than the people caring for her medically. They became familiar faces, a source of comfort and an important part of our lives during an incredibly difficult time.

Sophie`s Family said: “The care, compassion and kindness shown to Sophie and to us as a family meant more than we could ever put into words. They supported us through some of the most difficult moments of our lives, and we will be forever grateful. To Helen, Landa, Hazel, Katie, Angela, Lorraine, Candice, Christine, Dr Kirsten and all the staff at Ward 1 — thank you. The care you gave Sophie and the kindness you showed our family will never be forgotten. 💜”

The family would like to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to PureMalt Products Ltd, as well as everyone who donated through the MuchLoved page and contributed to the funeral collection. Every donation and gesture of support has meant so much to the family and will help support the wonderful team on Ward 1.

Sophie’s MuchLoved tribute page will remain open for anyone who would like to make a donation or share a memory or story about her. ...

Today is World Mental Health Day, our Charity helps create calming spaces and events for staff to allow them to take a moment.

Since April, our Creatively Minded programme has been providing a range of creative engagement activities that highlight works in the Tonic Art collection.

The project, which is specifically designed for NHS staff identified with high levels of stress and anxiety, provides a flexible model across different sites. Activities include art walks, drop-ins, and workshops that guide discussion about works in the collection with time for personal reflections and space to create art with each other.

Drawing on a wealth of knowledge that proves engagement with art reduces stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation - Creatively Minded introduces tools to relax, find joy and connection.

As NHS staff face increasing challenges, finding these moments of comfort and respite are more important now than ever. Our aim is to support the wellbeing of healthcare staff with positive impact for the wider healthcare environment.

Find out more about our Creatively Minded Programme 👉 https://ow.ly/elHB50ZWlqG

With thanks to funding from @museums.galleries.scotland. ...

From rockets and distant planets to jungles, forests and underwater worlds. 🚀🌳

Almost 600 square metres of colourful artwork has transformed clinical spaces at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, helping distract, reassure and relax children and young people on their journey to theatre.

Artist, Lauren Morsley said, “I am so excited to start working on this project. Not only is the scale of work exciting, but it`s also an honour to be chosen to create designs that will directly impact the children`s experience here at the hospital. Making the journey through the hospital a little easier for some patients is extremely important to me.”

With many thanks to our partners: Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (@ECHCharity) and generous donors including Coldstones Charitable Trust ...