It's fair to say that when you think of Glasgow, the similarities with Brazil are few and far between.
While one is characterised by dense tropical forests, endless sunshine, gorgeous beaches, the closest Glasgow gets to exotic is to be found within the Botanic Gardens glasshouses and Kibble Palace.
So the fact that there is a connection that united the two, characterised by a level of benevolence almost unheard of in Glasgow, is quite baffling.
We are referring to the unusual yet extremely generous fund set up at Glasgow Royal Infirmary in the pre-NHS days, which allowed that ‘any necessitous Brazilians resident in Glasgow should receive treatment in the infirmary free of charge’.
The fund was set up by John James Weaver, formerly of Manaos, Amazonas in recognition of the courtesy and consideration extended to him in Brazil.
A plaque commemorating the fund remains on display at The Royal Infirmary on the first floor surgical block.
Mr Weaver, who died on July 2, 1923, left funds to the value of £27706, to be known as the Catherine Weaver Bequest in memory of his mother.
That amount is the equivalent of £1,627,173 in today’s money, according to inflation calculations, which note that £1 in 1923 is the equivalent in purchasing power to £58.73 in 2018.
It is not known if any Brazilians took advantage of the fund prior to the launch of the NHS in 1948.
Having contacted NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, a spokesperson confirmed that the funds were likely absorbed after a national act was brought in in 1955 around endowment funds.
