Stephen’s charity efforts earn Citizenship award

A “CHARITY champion” who has devoted 45 years of his life to a Capital-based good cause has been honoured for his efforts by the city.

Lord Provost Donald Wilson and Su Millar present Stephen Seaman with his award. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Stephen Seaman was presented with the Sir William Y Darling Bequest for Good Citizenship by Lord Provost Donald Wilson during a reception held in the City Chambers yesterday.

Mr Seaman was praised for his dedication to the Life-Care (Edinburgh) organisation, which provides services to support the wellbeing and independence of older people in the Capital, including those with dementia and people who are housebound.

He followed in the footsteps of cancer fundraiser Lynne McNicoll, who received the bequest last year.

Mr Seaman said: “I am delighted to be recognised with the Sir William Y Darling Bequest for Good Citizenship.

“I welcome the recognition of all the work that goes on behind the scenes in charities such as LifeCare by our volunteers, including our board of trustees.

“It is especially welcome as LifeCare enters its 75th anniversary in 2016.”

A successful solicitor in Edinburgh, Mr Seaman was originally sought out in 1970 to revise LifeCare’s constitution.

In 1974, he became the charity’s honorary treasurer and continued in this position for 28 years.

He continued to provide perspective on the organisation’s development as a trustee and director when it adopted business status in the early 2000s, but recently stepped down from his role, leaving behind his vision for LifeCare in the hands of chief executive Su Millar.

The Lord Provost said Mr Seaman was a fitting recipient of the prestigious honour.

He said: “This is a well deserved recognition and I am amazed by the valuable time, patience, hard work and commitment Stephen has given back to the community through his work with LifeCare.

“Mr Seaman has been described by many over the years as a still, quiet voice of reason for the organisation.

“His nomination is testament to his perseverance and character, and the award is presented with gratitude for what he has done for the citizens of the city.”

The award, which is made annually to a citizen or citizens who, in the opinion of the city council, “has or have done most for the city’s honour and welfare”, was instituted by the will of the late Sir William Y Darling, Lord Provost of Edinburgh from 1941-44.

Ms Millar said: “We could not have achieved everything we have without him. With his solicitor’s background he was able to give very wise and sound advice.

“His legacy with LifeCare is as a very sensible, straightforward, down-to-earth ambassador to the organisation.”

LifeCare Edinburgh, now based in Cheyne Street, Stockbridge, originally began as The Edinburgh Old People’s Council in the autumn of 1941.

The purpose of the organisation was to look after the welfare of older people across the city, and to enable them to pursue a fuller share in community life.

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