The Cuminga Trust
Since the 1990s, the Cumming family has supported small projects and benefactors through a family trust. In 2014 this was relaunched as The Cuminga Trust. Ann and John Cumming previously ran the Trust and now this responsibility has passed to their son, Ian.
The Trust’s reach is far-ranging. Their objectives relate to areas such as the advancement of education, the prevention or relief of poverty, the advancement of health, and the advancement of citizenship or community development.
The achievements of Edinburgh Napier’s graduating students are recognised by the Trust through the awarding the of the annual John Cumming Business School Prize and the Ann Cumming Prize for Dementia Care. Additionally, this past year, the Trust has bestowed £2000 to nursing students from the School of Health and Social Care who are undertaking placements located in the Scottish Highlands and Islands.
The Ann Cumming Prize for Dementia Care
The prize is awarded to a nursing student from the School of Health and Social Care who has demonstrated exceptional care to patients and the families of patients with dementia.
Ian Cumming, Trustee, tells us more:
“Having been my late mother’s primary carer between 2012-2020, our family’s full immersion into the world of dementia presented us with a new unknown world. Although not easy, at the same time it has been a privilege to meet young students doing their internships, seeing them join the care team of my mother and start the journey to becoming highly-skilled professionals in a world which desperately needs them.
“Together with ENU, we wanted to let the ‘story tell the tale’ by finding examples of exceptional care given to patients and parents – in this way we recognise and celebrate an individual but also communicate their particular achievement for inspiration to others.”
Meet this year’s winner!
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Leeann Muir was awarded the 2021 Ann Cumming Prize for Dementia Care. Learn more about her below!
Leeann’s journey to ENU
“After spending a number of years working in retail, I moved into Care in the Community where I worked with dementia patients.
“My time at Edinburgh Napier has been a rollercoaster full of ups and downs. It has been one of the greatest times of my life. It has been transformational.
“I have had great support from the university staff. If it wasn’t for Edinburgh Napier accepting me then I wouldn’t be where I am today. For this I’m so grateful.”
Winning the Ann Cumming Prize for Dementia Care
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“To win the Ann Cumming Prize for Dementia Care is nothing short of amazing. The topic of dementia touches home as my grandad had it years ago. It is an honour to win such a touching prize. I believe that the care I give to those living with dementia is full of compassion, empathy and is person-centred. Winning this prize has shown me that I’m doing things right and I will continue to develop within dementia care in the coming years.”
What does the future hold?
“I currently work in a dementia unit and I know I’m in the right job. This is my first staff nurse post and I really enjoy it. It is full of learning opportunities and my colleagues offer great support.
“I would like to further my career by going on to do a Masters degree within dementia care and then one day become a dementia specialist. Winning this prize has touched my heart and I’m ever so grateful to those who put my name forward. It truly does mean the world to me.”