Bequests making a difference

 

 

 

Kath Banfield had never visited the Telethon Institute but was particularly interested in the health and wellbeing of chidlren.

 

It wasn't until she passed away in 2004 that the Institute was notified by the executor of her Estate, Peter Eastwood, that she had left a substantial donation to the Institute in her Will.

 

Her generosity is now helping our research scientists as they search for the causes of childhood illnesses and diseases, in the hope of preventing them.

 

Mr Eastwood said Kath was not a scientist, but in her latter years she was able to clearly see where her money would be most useful.

 

"Kath made several gifts to relatives and close friends, and the remainder was given to several charitable organisations in Western Australia whom she felt would benefit from it," Mr Eastwood said.

 

A widow for nearly 20 years and with no children, Kath also made bequests in her Will to other organisations such as King Edward Memorial Hospital and Rocky Bay Crippled Children's Foundation.

 

By remembering the Institute in her Will, Kath left an important legacy that will provide vital equipment and support our labs.

 

Reflecting on the bequest, Professor Fiona Stanley said that this type of support is essential if our researchers are to remain at the forefront of their fields.

 

"Bequests are critical to our longevity and capacity for world-class research," she said.

 

"Without the help of generous people like Kath Banfield, we would struggle to provide the best possible resources to our researchers.

 

"We are very thankful for this kindness," Professor Stanley added.