We have something truly special to share with our Life After Lary community, a story of generosity, friendship, and the remarkable impact one small support group has had on people living with a laryngectomy.
For more than three decades, the Fife Laryngectomy Support Group (Chinwags) has been a source of comfort, laughter and solidarity for people across Fife. Earlier this year, the group made the difficult decision to close after many years of dedicated service. As part of bringing their work to a close, they reached out to organisations who continue to support laryngectomees across the UK.
What followed is a story rooted in kindness and in one man in particular.
The legacy of Willie Buchan
Much of what Chinwags has been able to give comes from the extraordinary generosity of Willie Buchan, a long‑standing member of their group. Willie had his laryngectomy in 2008 and, despite describing himself as “a loner,” he quickly became one of Chinwags’ most loyal and well‑loved members. He was always first to put his hand up for outings, always ready for company, and always a gentle, steady presence.
When Willie passed away in 2018, the group discovered that he had left his entire estate to Chinwags, a gesture that spoke volumes about the sense of belonging he found there. Over the years, his legacy has supported Maggie’s, the local ENT Unit, and a range of wellbeing initiatives. And now, as Chinwags closes its doors, the group has chosen to share the remainder of Willie’s gift with organisations who continue the work they cared so deeply about.
As part of this process, Chinwags contacted Life After Lary to learn more about our work and our community. We have been in close contact with the SLT team and with a Chinwags member, who has already been in touch with us directly.
Carrying Chinwags legacy forward
We are honoured that Chinwags chose to support Life After Lary as part of this final act of generosity. Their gift will allow us to take meaningful steps forward, including expanding our face‑to‑face meetings and extending our reach right across Scotland, ensuring that more people can access the connection, reassurance and peer support that make such a difference after a laryngectomy.
And now, for the moment of fanfare…
Chinwags has donated £44,000 to Life After Lary.
We are deeply grateful. This remarkable contribution, shaped by the spirit of a group that spent decades lifting others up, and by the quiet kindness of Willie Buchan, will help us support even more people in the years ahead.
We will honour Chinwags, and Willie, by ensuring their legacy continues to change lives.
Life After Lary has already been in touch with a Chinwags member, and we will be continuing that group in Fife, always in Willie’s memory.