This International Nurses Day, we celebrate inspiring nurses like Janine Emsley, whose unwavering commitment continues to make a meaningful difference.

Starting her nursing career in 1962 at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH), Janine’s story is one of heartfelt dedication to patients and a legacy that continues to touch lives through her support of the Golden Hearts Bequest Society.  

For Janine, pursuing a career in nursing was a dream nurtured from childhood. “Ever since I was a little girl… I said I was going to be a nurse,” she shared. During her training, Janine earned accolades for her exceptional performance, all while navigating challenging yet impactful moments that shaped her career and transformed her approach to patient care.

Reflecting on one standout experience, she fondly recalled a patient named Peter, a quadriplegic she cared for early in her training. “One day he actually moved a toe, so exciting, and we just developed a lovely rapport,” she said. Their bond grew strong, with Peter even expressing disappointment when Janine had to move to another ward, telling his doctor, “My nurse is moving, and I want to go with her.” 

During her time at the WCH, Janine found deep fulfillment working in wards like Susanne (gastroenterology) and Duncan (burns). “I loved working in Duncan… you could see things happening with this burnt skin every day, improving and getting better,” she recalled.

Janine working in the WCH Angas Theatre in 1965.

Janine’s commitment to care extended beyond her active nursing career. Now a proud member of the Golden Hearts Bequest Society, she has chosen to leave a gift in her Will to the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation as a way of giving back to a place that means so much to her.

“I just loved working there, being with the kids, and thought this was something I could do to repay the Hospital for all that they gave me.”

Being part of the Golden Hearts Bequest Society has also been a source of joy and reflection for Janine. Though hesitant at first, she now attends events and appreciates the community it fosters. ‘Recalling a recent visit to the Foundation’s ‘Laklinyeri’ Beach House, partly funded through bequests, she shared, ‘

“I get a lot out of it, like that visit to Laklinyeri, that was just amazing.”

Janine (second from the right) at a Golden Hearts Bequest event.

Janine’s story is a testament to the lasting impact a life devoted to others can have. Her nursing career touched countless lives, and through her ongoing generosity, she continues to make a difference today.  

To find out more about leaving a gift to the WCH Foundation in your Will, visit our bequests page

Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a truly special event for our Golden Hearts Bequest Society members at the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation ‘Laklinyeri’ Beach House, located within the picturesque Encounter Lakes in Victor Harbor.

The Laklinyeri Beach House, partly funded through bequests, serves as a place of solace for families with children who have complex medical needs, are in palliative care, or families who are recently bereaved. Purpose-built for comfort and care, The Beach House is designed with the unique needs of each family in mind.

For many members of the Golden Hearts Bequest Society, the visit was an emotional and inspiring experience, shedding light on the true impact their support has on these families.

The morning started with a guided tour of the Beach House, followed by meaningful conversations over lunch.

panel presentation

A highlight of the day was the panel presentation lead by Dr. Chelsea Mauch, Head of Programs and Impact at the WCH Foundation. Chelsea was joined by Dimi Patrinos, Psychosocial Clinical Lead for Paediatric Palliative Care Services at the Women’s and Children’s Health Network (WCHN), and Carolyn Groocock, Senior Art Therapist and grief and loss program facilitator. Their insights into the critical support and services provided to families was truly moving and gave our members a deeper understanding of how families are positively impacted through their support of the WCH Foundation.

A heartfelt thank you to all of our Golden Hearts Bequest Society members for their continued support.

To find out more about leaving a gift to the WCH Foundation in your Will, visit our bequest page.

Nan Witcomb was a well-loved friend of many in the WCH Foundation community. After passing away in November 2023 at the age of 95, Nan’s special connection and legacy of compassion – which started as a nurse trainee at the then Adelaide Children’s Hospital – will live on through a special gift left in her Will. 

Nancy “Nan” Witcomb, born on 27 May 1928 in Adelaide, captivated hearts through her diverse endeavours, shaping her identity as a poet and storyteller under the pseudonym “Nanushka”.

Nan’s lifelong connection with our Women’s and Children’s Hospital began after leaving the workforce at the Bank of Adelaide to pursue her passion for caring for others. She commenced her training as a nurse at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital and was later recognized with a Silver Cross medal for her dedication to nursing.

It has been said she loved her role as a children’s nurse, however her best friend Heather contracted polio. Whilst Nan cared for her until she passed, Nan felt she could no longer stay in nursing.

Nan’s life was marked by remarkable achievements and experiences. She was the sole woman on a flight to the atomic test area at Maralinga in 1956, the first woman interviewed on live TV in South Australia, and a writer for various comedy shows. Nan’s memoir, Up Here and Down There, chronicled her adventures as a senior regional hostess for Australian National Airlines (Ansett Australia), where she embarked on a 23-year career.

In the 1970s, Nan self-published her poetry and her work The Thoughts of Nanushka, which saw her gaining friends and fans worldwide. Her poem To Mourn Too Long for Those We Love resonated deeply, even being read at the funeral of INXS lead singer Michael Hutchence. Nan also ventured into radio hosting, captivating audiences with her warmth and wit on Adelaide AM station 5DN Cruise 1323.

Throughout her life, Nan’s bond with our Hospital remained as a regular attendee at many of our events with past nurses and other WCH Foundation donors. It is a special honour to now remember Nan and her legacy of compassion and support for others, knowing this spirit will live on through her wonderful Will gift.

To find out more about leaving a gift to the WCH Foundation in your Will, visit our bequest page.

learn more about the nursing history of the Hospital

 

For many South Australians, the Blackeby family name is synonymous with much-loved lollies from our younger years – humbugs, liquorice allsorts, fish lollies and peanut brittle to name just a few. But few people in our community realise that while William Edward Blackeby may have been the face of Blackeby’s Lolly Shop, he had a sweeter side that was kept very much under wraps.

William Edward Blackeby, known as Bill, was born in 1909. He followed in his father’s footsteps by entering the confectionary business. The family had a stall in Adelaide’s Central Market – which today still sells Blackeby sweets and is considered one of the oldest traders in the Market. Their stall was the very first to have a cash register and as a young boy, Bill would operate the register on Friday nights after school to the amusement of customers.

Bill formally joined the family business in 1925 and continued to work hard, expanding the business and adding to the lines of lollies and sweets manufactured. He married his wife Eileen and they went on to have 6 children. It was during this time that Bill began to support causes that were close to his heart.

Bill Blackeby’s generosity

His children remember their father as a very humble and generous man. They shared:

“As far as we know, our father regularly supported at least 27 charities in addition to giving donations to churches, schools and individuals in need. Most of his donations were given anonymously.”

Blackebys' famous fish lollies.

Blackebys’ famous fish lollies.

One such recipient was the then Adelaide Children’s Hospital with which Bill had a long-standing association after two of his children were cared for there. His giving dates back to at least 1953. For a time it is believed his name was recorded in the Hospital’s Rose Ward in recognition of his philanthropy.

Each and every year, Bill continued his loyal support of the Hospital and other charitable organisations. Eventually, he decided it was time to pass the baton onto his children. They told us:

“One day in 1981 when we children were together, our father said that he had helped us during our lives. As we were all reasonably well off, he intended to set up a Trust to give money to charities. As a Christian, he had a heart for people – especially for children, the disadvantaged and those experiencing difficulties.”

Bill used his personal savings to set up the EB Charitable Trust with funds to be used solely for charitable giving.  After Bill passed away in 1997, his children became responsible for carrying out his wishes. This included continuing to distribute the funds to charity.

“We have been blessed to enable dad’s legacy to continue to help others,” they shared.

Blackeby's Sweets Depot in the Central Market Arcade.

Blackeby’s Sweets Depot in the Central Market Arcade. (Supplied: City of Adelaide)

Supporting the Beach House

The EB Charitable Trust had a maximum term of 40 years. So this year, per its terms, it had to be dissolved. Upon its closing, the Blackeby family made a final donation from the Trust of $100,000. This was in support of the WCH Foundation Laklinyeri Beach House. The Beach House provides a medically-equipped holiday space for families with children in palliative or complex care at the WCH.

“Victor Harbor was our parent’s holiday venue every January when dad took his two weeks off from work. We know that he would be thrilled to know that this is where this donation has been directed.”

If you’d like to learn more about leaving a gift for future generations in your Will, click here or contact Fern Cargill, Bequests and Research Manager, on (08) 8464 7900.

A revolutionary therapy that homes in on and destroys cancer cells could soon be used to tackle hard to treat cancers, including those commonly seen in children.

The CAR-T Cancer Immunotherapy Research project is moving closer to its first-in-man clinical trials. The project was developed here in South Australia by WCH researcher and Chief Medical Scientist, Professor Simon Barry, with biotechnology research and development company Carina Biotech.

Initially backed by WCH Foundation funding in 2017, the CAR-T therapy involves genetically modifying a cancer patient’s own immune cells (T cells) with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that can recognise and attack the cancer. By using a patient’s own cells it avoids the problem of them being recognised as foreign, making the therapy much safer and more effective.

Early CAR-T research has already been shown to have great success in treating blood cancers, but the research team here in South Australia are directing their efforts toward designing a CAR-T therapy for solid cancers. These account for around 30 per cent of childhood cancers and are typically much harder to treat. Professor Simon Barry says:

“We are focused on building smarter CAR’s that have a unique homing capability. Cancer cells release hormones that the immune cells can sense and follow. If we learn what is being released by the tumour, we can add the relevant receptors so the CARs will follow it – so we are building receptors that can actively seek, recognise and destroy cancer cells. This ability is not needed for blood cancers because in that instance the CAR’s are mixed directly into the blood, however it is critical for treating solid cancers.”

CAR-T researcher, Professor Simon Barry.

CAR-T researcher, Professor Simon Barry.

CAR-T research progress

In the past two years, great progress has been made toward making this therapy a reality for children and adults with otherwise incurable cancers.

“Over the last two years, our research has focused on the ‘back room’ work that is required to build a clinical trial. We need to be able to say that we know how to make CAR-T better than anyone else – and we are close! We could be looking at our first human trials getting underway in as little as 18 months,” says Professor Barry.

Research funding provided by the WCH Foundation has been used for specialised researchers and experiments – two critical components when clinical trials are on the horizon. Professor Barry says:

“Clinical trials are safety driven and also very costly, so we must be able to undertake the very best research and development, and gather pre-clinical data to give us the most confidence to build a case for the clinical trial.”

A key success for the team has been improving the efficiency of the CAR manufacturing by optimising the research team’s own protocols. For example, the first approved CAR-T treatments target the antigen CD19 (present in blood cancers such as leukemia) with a CAR expression rate of only 50 per cent. However, Professor Barry and his team have managed to increase the amount of CAR being expressed to 90 per cent – an enormous improvement because the more CAR expressed, the more chance it has to find and kill cancer cells. They also believe it will last longer.

The team has also made advances in the time it takes to create these modified cells.

“Previously, it took 30 days for us to make the appropriate number of cells for testing. It now takes us only 9-14 days which is a huge reduction in cost and manpower. We’ve also broadened the CAR-T pipeline with new baroreceptor targets including a new lead targeting a gene called LGR5,” says Professor Barry.

Gifts in Wills supporting medical research

Gifts left in Wills are a major source of funding for medical research at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Importantly, these funds enable researchers to pursue promising research leads that may otherwise go unfunded.

“This success would not have been possible without the funding that we were fortunate to receive from the Foundation,” says Professor Barry. “This funding is critical for starting the type of high risk, high return research that the larger funding agencies are less willing to support until it is proven successful.”

The team has also set its sights on establishing Australia’s very first clinical-grade virus facility right here in Adelaide within the next 5 years.

“Currently our lab has the expertise for pre-clinical virus manufacturing but we are limited by the need to purchase the virus for clinical trials from overseas providers,” shares Professor Barry. “If we can make CAR-T viruses for clinical trials here in Adelaide, it will reduce the cost of testing them in phase 1 safety clinical trials in Australia dramatically, and could provide this capability for all CAR-T trials in Australia.”.

If you would like to find out more about leaving a gift in your Will to support the health and care of future generations, please contact us or click here.  

From what started as a ‘hello’ and wave across the fence grew into a much-loved friendship for the Roberts family and their long-time neighbour the late Hazel Glencross. Hazel died in late-2019 and left a bequest to the Sam Roberts Family Fund in memory of the boy she called ‘dear little Sam’.

Many in the WCH Foundation community will know of the Roberts family. Marty and Michelle Roberts’ youngest son Sam passed away in 2005 at the age of four after a courageous battle with Niemann-Pick Disease Type C, a rare neurological disease for which there is currently no known cure.  They established The Sam Roberts Family Fund soon after leading the charge on raising funds in Sam’s memory.

“The care we received from the Paediatric Palliative Care Service at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital was much needed and made a huge difference to how we enjoyed the limited time we had with Sam.” Marty said.

This was the inspiration behind setting up Cycle 4 Sam – a biennial bike riding event which has so far raised over $750,000 for the WCH Foundation. The event helps other families supported by the Paediatric Palliative Care Service. Due to COVID-19, the Roberts family were unable to undertake their ride last year, so they were deeply appreciative to learn that Sam’s fund was to receive a special gift from Hazel.

“Hazel was a lovely lady who had long supported our efforts to raise money in Sam’s memory,” Marty said. “To learn that she has included a gift in her Will for Sam’s Fund is very special indeed.”

The late Hazel Glencross, who left a bequest for the Roberts Family Fund, pictured with Marty Roberts and his daughter Lucy Roberts.

The late Hazel Glencross (centre), pictured with Marty Roberts (right) and his daughter Lucy Roberts (left).

Hazel’s memory

During her lifetime, Hazel was a proud member of the Women’s Auxiliary Australia Air Force (WAAF) at the end of World War II. She travelled extensively in Europe and the UK, as well as working in the diplomatic corp in Asia.  She moved to Darwin around 25 years ago to join her son, Andrew, and his family who had relocated there.

“Hazel was our next-door neighbour when I was a young boy, and growing up she always remembered our birthdays,” Marty recalled. “Over the years she became a much-loved family friend and we stayed in touch, even after she moved to Darwin.”

Marty’s mum Margaret said, “Hazel often spoke about Sam because she called in on one of her Adelaide visits when I was looking after him. She called him ‘dear little Sam’. She was a very dear friend to us all and it’s such a lovely thing that she has done in leaving a bequest.”

Left image: The late Hazel Glencross (left), pictured with Margaret Roberts. Right image: Sam Roberts.

Leaving a bequest

You can dedicate a gift in your Will to the WCH Foundation in honour of someone you have loved and lost as a wonderful way of ensuring their memory lives on.

“Hazel had several conversations with staff here at the WCH Foundation when preparing her Will. She was clearly very passionate about ensuring that she could leave a gift in Sam’s memory.  She once said, ‘it won’t be a sheep station, but I’ll leave what I can’. We are so pleased to now be able to honour her wishes,” Fern Cargill, WCH Foundation Bequests and Research Manager said.

For a confidential discussion about leaving a Will gift, or to request wording for your solicitor, click here or contact Fern Cargill, Bequests and Research Manager, on (08) 8464 7900.

The Cycle 4 Sam will return in 2021 with preparations currently underway – stay up to date with the latest news here.

When Doris Henderson (née Findlay) was training to be a nurse at the Adelaide Children’s Hospital in 1968 there was no university course, most of the trainees were 16 years old and they were required to live in quarters adjacent to the Hospital.

Young woman training to be a nurse.

Doris Henderson (née Findlay) in her nurse trainee uniform.

“A lot has changed since then,” Doris exclaims!

In the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife, the WCH Foundation caught up with Doris to hear her tales of working as a nurse and why she is a passionate supporter of our Foundation.

“I was 16 when I arrived in Australia in 1964 and wanted to start nursing straight away, but my parents urged me to get an office job and start earning money. After experiencing work in an office my desire to be a nurse grew even more and I made an application to the Adelaide Children’s Hospital and commenced my training on 8 October 1968.

“I was the oldest of our training class at 20 and at our 30th reunion one of the girls let me know they had looked on me as being the ‘granny of the group’ and very wise! I arranged our 50th reunion in 2018 and it was a very special event.

“The course was three years and comprised of study blocks and placements on the wards. It was hands-on learning when working alongside senior nurses on the wards.

“My favourite wards were Walker, which was surgical, and Rose – newborn babies. I could have spent all my time on Rose Ward – I just loved it!

“One experience on Walker leaves a great memory in my mind. A three-year-old patient needed to go to the Royal Adelaide Hospital (RAH) for a brain scan – in those days they didn’t have that technology at the Children’s. We managed to get him on the bed, but he wouldn’t lie down and was upset, so I asked if I could have five minutes alone with him. I sang to him and he dozed off to sleep, meaning the scan could be done.

“The next day the nursing director asked to see me immediately. On her desk were two gifts and two cards from the boy’s grandfather and parents to thank me for the way I cared for him. I thought that was lovely.”

Just over a year into her nursing course, Doris was engaged and planned to be married early in 1970. As student nurses had to live in the nurses’ quarters Doris had to give up her course. However, her training to date, having passed her first year examination, meant she had achieved an enrolled nurse qualification. After having her first son, she couldn’t return to nursing as there were no Hospital shifts suitable for mums, so Doris sold Tupperware for eight years and also worked for her husband’s business when needed.

In 1986 the State Government put out a campaign about attracting former enrolled nurses back into Hospitals,” Doris explained.

“They announced an information session to be held at the Modbury Hospital to enable us to register our interest in undertaking a nine-week refresher course. We had to sit an exam and if we were successful, we then had an interview. From 140 people who attended the first session, there were eight nursing roles available and I was fortunate to be offered one of them.

“I contacted Sister Zetta Karay whom I knew from my trainee days and who was still working at the Children’s. I told her I was doing the refresher course and would like to resume working at the Hospital on completion of it and with her assistance I gained a position and was placed on Brookman Ward – the oncology/renal/cardiac ward. I had requested three night shifts a week. It was very rewarding, and I felt very privileged to be there. In those days enrolled nurses were able to assist with drug administration and I was regularly assigned to patients receiving treatment for Leukaemia for my full shift.

“My time as a nurse at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital has ingrained it in my heart as a place I want to support, and having seen evidence of the amazing work of the Foundation,  I am very happy to assist this group of dedicated workers.

A man and woman sitting at a table at an event for the WCH Foundation.

Peter Stobie and Doris Henderson at a Golden Hearts event.

“Through my passion as a musician and singer, I have a very special interest in the Arts in Health program the Foundation funds, including the Animal Assisted Therapy program.

“Having attended a session where I was able to meet the handlers and hear about the benefits of pets being brought on to the wards and also being used to encourage some patients ‘reluctant’ to do prescribed exercises by  going across to the parklands and playing  ‘games’ with the pets – this is one of the best programs I have seen. I want to contribute to programs like this.

“I also recently visited the Beach House at Victor Harbor on a Golden Hearts event – the house is amazing.”

Would you like to find out more about the Golden Hearts Bequest Society or how to leave a gift in your Will to the WCH Foundation?

Click here for more information

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

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

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

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.

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