The Georgia Pyman Fund was established by her loved ones to raise much-needed funds for the paediatric palliative care service at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Georgia was diagnosed with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) while still in the womb and wasn’t expected to survive birth.  She went on to live life with a courageous heart and a big smile, passing away at the age of 14.

Kirsteen Calder and daughter Georgia Pyman. 

Her mum, Kirsteen Calder, decided to honour Georgia’s life by leaving a gift in her Will to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation. Here she tells us about her decision and the difference she hopes her bequest will make to future generations.

“Georgia was a ray of sunshine in this world. Everyone who met her fell in love with her.

“I first became involved with the WCH Foundation when Sara Fleming from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital’s paediatric palliative care service, and a group of parents who had used the service, got together to begin discussions on building a beach house.  After my daughter Georgia passed away in 2013, I established a fund in her memory with the help and guidance of the WCH Foundation.

“I am passionate about fundraising for paediatric palliative care because the team cared for Georgia and my family for eight years, providing us with love and care while preparing us for what the future held.  Our family would have been lost without this amazing service being with us each step of the way.

“After Georgia passed away, my husband John and I updated our Wills. It was a very easy decision to leave a gift to the WCH Foundation. Georgia was still very much a part of our family and always would be. We wanted to acknowledge her in our Will just like our other children were being acknowledged.” 

For Kirsteen, the WCH Foundation – as a charity partner of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital – was the right charity to receive this special gift.

“The WCH Foundation is making a difference because it is raising essential funds to support the WCH and highlighting the need to support this amazing Hospital we have on our doorstep.

“The thought of a gift being left to support the Hospital’s paediatric palliative care service in Georgia’s memory filled my heart with joy. This gift is for our future generations – my family and all the families of South Australia.”

When considering leaving a gift in your Will to a cause that is important to you, Kirsteen believes that communicating your wishes to other family members and loved ones is a key step.

“Having an open discussion about your wishes is important because it allows you to explain how you came to your decision and how it will benefit others. It is also important to let your family know how good your decision has made you feel.”

For others considering making a bequest to the WCH Foundation, Kirsteen says, “If you leave a gift in your Will to the WCH Foundation you will be leaving a gift to all the children of South Australia. Most of us, in some capacity, have had loved ones spend time at the WCH. Leaving a gift to the WCH Foundation will support this amazing Hospital – I view my gift as building a future of care for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”

If you are passionate about creating a better future for women, children and their families, please consider leaving a gift in your Will to the WCH Foundation.

Contact us for a confidential discussion – email bequests@wchfoundation.org.au, phone 08 8464 7900 or read more on our bequests page

As South Australia’s only specialist paediatric hospital and the State’s largest maternity and obstetric service, the Women’s and Children’s Hospital has cared for generations of South Australians, as well as patients from the Northern Territory, Broken Hill and the Sunraysia region of Victoria.

Fred and Mavis Boyle.

The mission to provide children, mums and families with the very best healthcare still exists today, as does the philanthropy needed to support it.  After first making provision in their Will for their many loved ones, Fred and Mavis Boyle decided to leave the remainder of their estate to support the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation.

Fred and Mavis married in Broken Hill, NSW in 1928 and moved to Adelaide around 10 years later to realise the dream of starting their own business.  Determined to build a good life for themselves, they began by buying almonds in shell and hand cracking them at home before selling them as kernels for a profit.

From humble beginnings, they went on to establish a business on Adelaide’s Peel Street where they processed local almonds and dried fruits for retail sale.  An early customer included a small firm called Charlesworth Nuts.

For a time, they owned an almond orchard at Willunga and a grazing property at Mount Compass. Many weekends were spent at these properties with friends and employees, harvesting almonds.

During World War II it became difficult to obtain supplies of confectionary so Fred, sensing an opportunity, decided to manufacture his own.  Initially, they produced plain boiled sweets and later they purchased machinery to make Licorice Allsorts and even the first automated production of marshmallows in Australia.

The businesses continued to prosper until their sale in 1964.  Fred and Mavis went into semi-retirement but stayed active – Fred taking an interest in golf and horseracing, while Mavis enjoyed entertaining.

Married for 65 years, Fred and Mavis never had children of their own but decided to leave a bequest to support the health and wellbeing of future generations.  Their gift, left to areas of greatest need at the WCH, has been extended to every corner of the Hospital – funding leading medical research, quality facilities and important support programs run by the WCH Foundation.

For more information about leaving a bequest to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, click here or contact Fern Cargill, Bequests and Research Manager, on (08) 8464 7900 for a confidential discussion.

As the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation celebrated 10 years of delivering our vibrant Arts in Health program, it is fitting to remember Barbara Auld (1921-2011) who was an early pioneer in using creative expression to support young Hospital patients.

Barbara is believed to have been the first handicraft instructor at the Hospital, teaching arts and crafts during the mid-1940s at both the Adelaide Children’s Hospital and the Northfield Military Hospital.

Barbara Auld (1921-2011) was an early pioneer in using creative expression to support young Hospital patients.

She went on to achieve a Diploma in Social Science at the University of Adelaide and took up employment as a social worker in mental health. She was eventually appointed as Chief Social Worker – Mental Health Services in 1969 and witnessed some major advances in the field during her tenure.

Barbara remained a loyal donor to the WCH Foundation throughout her lifetime, making one or two donations each year for more than 20 years. Given her long-standing connection, she decided to leave a gift in her Will of $50,000 to continue her support of the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. She said:

“I was the first handicraft instructor in the schoolroom at the then Adelaide Children’s Hospital. I found the experience rewarding and I also realised the needs of the setting and empathised with the cause.”

Today, Barbara’s special connection to the Hospital lives on. Thanks to the support of donors and gifts in Wills from people like Barbara, our Arts in Health program continues to use art, play and music to provide creative activities for young patients – helping to alleviate anxiety and distract them from the stresses of being in Hospital.

To find out more about how you can support South Australia’s only specialist children’s Hospital with a gift in your Will, contact us for a confidential discussion.

For more information about leaving a bequest to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, click here or contact Penny Haltis, Bequest Manager, on (08) 8464 7900 for a confidential discussion.

Throughout our 140-year history, the kind-hearted people of South Australia have shown how much they care for our Women’s and Children’s Hospital.  Even during its formative years, forward-thinking supporters helped to shape our wonderful Hospital that now holds such a special place in the hearts of so many people.

In 1898, just 20 years after the Adelaide Children’s Hospital was first built, a prominent South Australian property owner named Thomas Martin passed away leaving one-fifth of his estate to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital.

Thomas Martin left a gift in his Will to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital in 1898. 

Thomas Martin, who arrived in Holdfast Bay by boat in 1836, is believed to have been one of the earliest colonists and pioneers of Adelaide and South Australia, and among the largest owners of city freehold properties.  Although he returned to England in 1854, he continued to earn a considerable income from his investments in SA.

As a result of these investments, Thomas Martin possessed a substantial portion of prime acreage in the city by the time of his death.

An article in the Adelaide Observer dated 2 July 1898 notes of Mr Martin that: “Although he was far away he had undoubted faith in the colony, and for a long time the whole of his capital was sent out to his attorney for investment in city properties.”

After the passing of both Thomas Martin and his second wife some years later, his Will dictated that his estate was to be split into five equal parts with one-fifth directed to support the Adelaide Children’s Hospital.

The majority of his properties were being leased and so during the early 1900’s the Children’s Hospital received a share of the income which was placed into an endowment fund.  Bolstered by the eventual sale of the properties, it is estimated that the Hospital received £50,000 – £60,000 from Thomas Martin’s bequest – a princely sum that would equate to several million dollars in today’s terms. Interest accrued from the endowment played a crucial role in seeing the Hospital through difficult times in the years that followed such as the Great War and the Great Depression.

In 1907 the Adelaide Children’s Hospital Annual Report stated that “by devoting a generous proportion of the wealth he had acquired as an Adelaide citizen to the philanthropic institutions of the country in where he lived and prospered, Mr Martin has secured benefits in perpetuity to great numbers of less fortunate fellow colonists, thereby setting an example which is worthy of admiration and esteem.”

With a gift in your Will to the WCH Foundation, you too can shape the future of health and care at your Women’s & Children’s Hospital.

Find out more today – email bequests@wchfoundation.org.au, phone 08 8464 7900 or visit our Bequests page

“Eli is a happy boy who loves cars… he is the ultimate miracle story to be honest,” Mathew Morgan, Eli’s Dad, said.

In November, Eli will celebrate his third birthday with festivities no doubt involving playing with Lego and racing toy cars, two activities that currently top the list for Eli and Mathew’s favourite father-son activities.

Milestones and birthdays are incredibly special moments for Eli and his family, as this time last year he was undergoing surgery to remove the cancerous tumour in his chest.

Mathew and Kodie with their beautiful son Eli.

From the moment Mathew and his partner Kodie were told of the tumour by doctors to the time of surgery – Mathew said he found strength within himself he didn’t know he had.

He has shared his Super Dad story with us.

“At the routine 32-week scan it was discovered Eli’s heart wasn’t in the right spot. We did follow-up scans revealing a mass on his chest and pushed Eli’s birth forward,” Mathew said.

“On the day he was born the tumour was biopsied and the results came back that it was cancerous. Two days later Eli started to receive chemotherapy.

“It was three to four weeks before we got to hold Eli, which was so hard. We were just sitting by his bed watching him.

“The first round of chemotherapy was really successful, and the tumour shrunk by half, but after that it started to grow again. We changed dosages and different types of chemo and again it shrunk, but then it got bigger. At its largest the tumour was the size of a softball.

“At age one, Eli went into palliative care and we thought all hopes were lost.

“Maria Kirby, our oncology doctor at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, engaged with an America drug trial and a new DNA-targeted cancer drug. We managed to get on that trial and with every scan the tumour kept shrinking and shrinking until it was small enough to be removed.

“The first year and a half of Eli’s life was tough on Kodie and I, we struggled but we got through it. We only had one target in sight and that was to make the right choice for Eli.”

Eli and his Dad in the Women’s and Children’s Hospital and more recently

Kodie said while Eli was in the Hospital it was a very challenging time.

“Mathew was tremendous throughout, he was so very supportive and also maintained full-time work to support our family,” she said.

“He is such a great Dad to Eli – probably because he still is a kid himself! They have such a special bond with one another and love playing games together.”

When asked the words Kodie uses to describe Mathew she replies, “loving, caring, selfless and reliable”.

On Father’s Day Eli, Mathew and Kodie will be in Victor Harbor, enjoying the animals at the wildlife sanctuary and the SteamRanger train.

Nominate your Super Dad and share his story here to win him a Charlesworth Nuts gift basket.

Remiko Prosser calls her Dad, Gary Graham, her ‘wingman’.

As many in our community know, Remiko is the amazing mother to 10-year-old Allira, who is just one of 700 people in the world diagnosed with a genetic condition called congenital disorder of glycosylation.

With Father’s Day just around the corner, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to share the story of the man who has supported and helped shape Remiko into the wonderful woman and mum she is.

Gary and Remiko at her 18th Birthday celebrations.

“When Remiko asks me to an event she says, ‘can you be my wingman?’,” Gary explains.

“Remiko knows I like meeting people; I like having a chat with people. At the events we have attended for the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, Remiko often shares her and Allira’s story. When the video plays and family photos are shown, there’s not a dry eye in the house. I’m a sook, I’ll be crying too, and I’m not embarrassed about that.

“On the day Allira was born I was so proud of Allira and everyday since I have been in awe of the strength she has. Allira has been in and out of the Hospital so many times. Once Allira is in there, I am at the Hospital every day too. Allira gets much of the attention, but I think it’s so important to look after her Mum and that’s my main focus with Remiko, to provide her the support she needs.”

Remiko was all smiles growing up!

Gary is the father to four, with Remiko the eldest, followed by Jemma, Dion and Georgia.

“I was 30 when Remiko was born so I wasn’t really young, but what dawned on me quickly was the responsibility of starting a family and trying to be a good role model for your children,” Gary said.

“Growing up Remiko was a good kid, very sporty and athletic. I have been very lucky as my son and daughters have never caused any grief or problems. I am a youth worker at a detention centre and work with some troubled kids. I think the main issue is that they don’t have any role models. I have always tried to be a role model for my children and instil hardworking values.”

Gary, Allira and Remiko with family during their stay at the WCH Foundation Beach House.

Remiko said, “Dad has always had my back and is there whenever I need him, especially when I need a tip on the horses!”

“Times can be very tough when Allira is in the Hospital, but Dad is always there to keep me company and to help in anyway he can – coffee and cake tend to do the trick,” she said.

“I’m so lucky to have such a fun-loving Dad who always goes out of his way to check-in on me. His love and support is unconditional and I couldn’t imagine life without him in it.”

And Remiko’s favourite memory with her Dad…

“As a young adult I worked a short period at the Adelaide Casino as a cocktail waitress. Dad also worked there at the time as a Security Manager. One Saturday night a customer had too much to drink and was verbally abusive towards me, which ended in me crying by the blackjack tables. Little did this person know the girl he upset was the Security Manager’s daughter! Let’s just say his night ended really quick with a number of security personnel escorting him out the building!”

Nominate your Super Dad and share his story here to win him a Charlesworth Nuts gift basket.

Whether it is hosting tea parties and picnics or playing with her toys, four-year-old Harper – the winner of our cubby house giveaway – is going to love having a special retreat she can call her very own.

Harper, who was born prematurely at 26 weeks at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, is now the proud owner of the unicorn-themed cubby house created by the staff at Mossop Construction + Interiors, as part of their team building exercise called ‘My Cubby House Rules’.

Mossop Construction + Interiors, the company leading the sustainment project at the WCH, wanted to bring a smile to the face of a patient by delivering them a special cubby house.

Harper’s mum Kelli Nelson said this has definitely been accomplished.

Harper and her Mum Kelli in the cubby house on the day it was delivered.

Kelli said Harper is her beautiful little miracle.

“At my 12-week scan it came back that I had low Papp-A level, meaning that Harper could have a lower birth weight as my placenta was not working as well as it should have been and that there was an increased chance of an early birth,” Kelli explained.

“At the 20-week scan it showed that Harper was not growing and that my placenta was the size of an apple. From this point we had scans three times a week.

“I was admitted into the WCH at 26 weeks and our doctor said Harper needed to be delivered then or there was a high risk she would not live.

“Harper was born weighing a tiny 380 grams. After spending 97 days in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Baby Unit we were able to leave the Hospital. The day we arrived home was two days after Harper’s actual due date.”

As a result of her early birth, Harper has global development delay, chronic lung disease and anxiety.

“We spend quite a lot of time at home, because of Harper’s anxiety and low immune system, which can be quite isolating, but the cubby house will be Harper’s domain,” Kelli said.

Harper was born at the WCH at 26 weeks. She is now aged four.

“She loves to do a lot of role play with her soft toys, so the cubby will be a relaxing place where she can play. I also imagine we will have tea parties and picnics in the cubby, and games of hide and seek.”

Fairy lights, colourful cushions, plush bean bags and a wonderful assortment of toys are found inside Harper’s unicorn-themed cubby house created by the team at Mossop Construction + Interiors. 

About Cubby House Rules

Mossop Construction + Interiors hosted ‘Cubby House Rules’ that aligned with the start of the sustainment works at the WCH. The workshop was aimed at team building with a strong focus on creating a child centric mindset within the team as per the overall project objectives for the Hospital.

It was a fun filled afternoon where four teams battled it out to construct four personalised cubby houses for four children receiving treatment at the Hospital.

At the end of the day the cubby houses were presented to each of the WCH charity partners, the WCH Foundation, Starlight Foundation, Ronald McDonald House and Make-A-Wish Foundation.

In mid-July, the WCH Foundation launched a competition to find a proud owner of the cubby house. In entering the competition, parents were asked to share why their child would love the cubby.

The team at Mossop selected Harper as the very worthy recipient for the magical unicorn hideaway, with Harper’s ongoing medical issues they wanted her to have this cubby house as a place to retreat to and play with all her stuffed toys.

June 1, 2019 marked 15 years since the passing of Marjory Edwards, one of the most generous yet humble benefactors in the history of the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation.

During her lifetime, Marjory was an unassuming woman who was driven from an early age to help others less fortunate. Born in Adelaide and orphaned by the age of five, Marjory’s kind-hearted nature emerged as she chose to pursue a career in nursing, training at North Adelaide’s Calvary Hospital. Her aptitude for the profession was immediately clear and she topped all students in South Australia during her final year of studies.

Marjory married Roy Edwards, a respected Northern Territory pastoralist, in 1962 and together they moved to live on a 10,000 square kilometre cattle station called Newcastle Waters, in the west Barkly region of the Northern Territory. Life on the station was a totally new experience for Marjory, but the difficult environment did not deter the couple who transformed the cattle station into one of the very best in the Territory before selling it in 1980.

Portrait of Marjory Norman Edwards OAM featuring The pink scarf by Hilda Rix Nicholas, Gift of Mrs Roy Edwards through the Art Gallery of South Australia Foundation 1993, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, © Art Gallery of South Australia.

It was during her time at Newcastle Waters that Marjory’s passion for giving developed. Marjory and Roy began supporting the education of young people in the community by sending them to colleges and universities in the city. They also donated funds to medical research projects.  Alongside this, Marjory was able to draw upon her nursing skills by tending to the health and welfare of the couple’s more than 60 Aboriginal employees and their children. Marjory opened a clinic each day and issued various medications, vaccinated children and endeavoured to instil in people the need to practice healthy eating habits and to live in hygienic surroundings.

When Roy passed away in 1992, Marjory returned to Adelaide and pursued her passion for helping others. She became actively involved in supporting a number of Adelaide charities including the WCH Foundation.

Marjory passed away in 2004 and it was discovered that she had left gifts in her Will totalling more than $37m to 12 charities.

The Roy and Marjory Edwards Bequest, left to the WCH Foundation, has since enabled the funding of more than 150 paediatric health and medical research projects. Each year, around 10 grants are awarded to researchers at the Hospital to explore key areas of health for children, young people and women. Projects cover the spectrum of health and medicine, from paediatric mental health to immunology, genetics to cancer, and more.

Just two weeks after her passing, Marjory was posthumously awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the community, particularly through financial support for a range of medical research, educational and cultural organisations. Her charitable bequest remains one of the most generous ever made in South Australia and Marjory’s spirit of kindness continues to live on today, improving the lives of others.

More than 90 per cent of our current funding for research comes from members of the community who, like Marjory, leave a gift in their Will. These gifts, both small and large, continue to make a huge impact on research.

If you would like to find our more about leaving a gift to the WCH Foundation in your Will, visit our bequests page or contact Fern Cargill, Bequests & Research Manager, on 08 8464 7900.

The Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation was overwhelmed by the support of the South Australian community to our inaugural Home Lottery. The lottery was launched in April 2019 and across the three months tickets were on sale the Foundation was delighted to hear from many purchasers of the incredible care they or their family member had received at the Hospital over the years.

On June 29 2019 the winners of more than 4,100 prizes were drawn.

Tahlia on the Grand Prize, the $1.5 million Medallion Home. The school teacher was overwhelmed with emotions when she received the call that she had just become a home owner.

Tahlia enjoying the beautiful Medallion Home’s lounge room.

Tahlia has shared what it has been like living in the amazing and very big Medallion Home!

“I had been contemplating buying a home lottery ticket for a few years. When I first heard the WCH Foundation’s lottery ad I decided to buy one because some students and families from school have had a personal connection with the Hospital in one way or another,” Tahlia said.

“How has winning the home changed my life? Where do I start! I will never have a mortgage so being financially set up for life is huge. It has been life changing.

“I love the home’s open living space, the master bedroom is amazing, as well as the storage. I really love the high ceilings as it gives the house a sense of space and luxury, but it is still homely and practical.

“Thank you to everyone at the Foundation, it really has been an incredible experience.”

The difference the Lottery makes

The real winner of the Home Lottery is your Hospital with proceeds supporting upgrades to Hospital facilities, making the journey for our families look and feel better.

To learn more about the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation Lottery, click here

After eight years of planning and with the support of so many in the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation’s community, last month we celebrated the opening of our ‘Laklinyeri’ Beach House and had the absolute pleasure of welcoming the first families to stay.

WCH Foundation CEO Jane Scotcher reflects on welcoming the first two families to the Beach House, the wonderful community who made the House a reality and the official opening events.

Welcoming the Halfpenny and Prosser families

In July, we welcomed both the Halfpenny family and the Prosser family to the Beach House.

Their feedback was outstanding, and I am delighted to share some of their words with you.

Jessika Halfpenny, the nine-year-old daughter of Wayne and Emma, said, “I like the Beach House because my brother and I get to play outside in the cubby house. It is nice to relax and play with my family.”

Jessika Halfpenny, the nine-year-old daughter of Wayne and Emma, said, “I like the Beach House because my brother and I get to play outside in the cubby house. It is nice to relax and play with my family.”

Jessika and her brother Jakob enjoying time in the cubby house. Photo credit: Kate Elmes Photography.

Remiko Prosser and her daughter Allira invited family and friends, including Allira’s best friend Harper, to the Beach House.

Remiko said, “Our weekend getaway with Allira at the Beach House was beyond our wildest dreams. We absolutely loved that the Beach House allowed us to spend stress free quality time together not only as a family but also with extended family and friends. For the first time ever at 10 years of age Allira got to experience a sleep over with her bestie, a special memory we will all cherish.”

Allira and Harper were all smiles at the Beach House. Photo credit: Kate Elmes Photography.

Celebrating the extraordinary home

Throughout the Beach House project, it has been a pleasure to see how honoured and excited everyone is to be involved with this extraordinary home.

Some highlights include witnessing the pride felt by Paul and Marisa Bellardino of Bella Build & Design the day they handed the House over to our Chairman Nick Begakis AO and myself, the pride of the Victor Harbor community who have welcomed us with open arms and countless inspirational South Australians who through their generosity made this dream a reality.

Across the weekend of July 20 and 21, multiple events were held to celebrate the opening of Beach House and acknowledge many of the wonderful people involved. It was such a special weekend, with over 400 people visiting the Beach House, and one that I will personally hold as a highlight of my time as CEO of the Foundation. You could palpably feel the sense of achievement and warmth in the room – it was outstanding.

One of the beautiful moments from the weekend was when a quote by Ella Stratton, a member of the Beach House’s Project Advisory Group, was shared.

Ella and Jarrod’s son, Hunter passed away at the age of 12, after being cared for by the Hospital’s Palliative Care Service. On visiting the completed Beach House in late-June with fellow founding families, Ella reflected on being involved in the project with these words.

“We were lucky enough to have had holidays to create memories and photos with Hunter, which are the most precious things we have now Hunter has gone. To know families can have those same opportunities to spend quality time together in such a beautiful, purpose-built space is so heart-warming. There is so much love and heartfelt emotion in the Beach House. I feel a few angels around who would be very happy.”

WCH Foundation Chairman Dr Nick Begakis AO, His Excellency the Honourable Hieu Van Le AC and WCH Foundation CEO Jane Scotcher at the official opening of the Beach House on Saturday 20 July. Photo credit: Andrew Beveridge. 

Acknowledging our community

Thank you Sara Fleming, Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner at the WCH, for your vision of the Beach House, which is genuinely family focussed, and our founding families who never gave up over the years when the project slowed and so bravely shared their knowledge and experience.

Thank you to the Women’s and Children’s Health Network for trusting us with this very special project.

The Beach House is a gift from the people of South Australia for the families who will stay at the home. The Beach House highlights how much our state cares about these families and the willingness to support them when they need it most.

From the stories we have heard and the smiles seen on the faces of our first families, the Beach House is already having the impact we envisioned. This is a wonderful outcome; I cannot thank everyone who contributed enough for your interest and support.

For more information on the Beach House and how you can support the ongoing program, visit our Beach House page.