Bequests making a difference

 

 

 

John Lillie was one of “nature’s gentlemen”. A quietly-spoken man, he felt strongly about giving back to the Western Australian community.

 

When he passed away in 2004 at the age of 88, John left a generous legacy - the Institute’s largest ever bequest, to be used for research into childhood cancers.

 

When he remembered the Institute in his Will, John left behind an important gift that has already enabled the purchase of a critical piece of equipment for our childhood cancer laboratory.

 

John’s investment in the Institute will also be used to establish a prestigious five-year Cancer Research Fellowship to attract a high-achieving researcher to WA to work in the Institute’s internationally-recognised cancer research team. It is hoped the bequest will attract additional funds from a partner University to add to the prestige and opportunity it offers.

 

A dedicated serviceman
In World War II, John joined the Australian Imperial Force becoming a Lieutenant in the 2/3 Australian Commando Squadron which was stationed in New Guinea.

 

When he was seriously injured, John returned to Western Australia and took up farming with his wife Margaret in the Wheatbelt town of Williams, around 165 kilometres south-west of Perth.

 

His generosity and commitment to the service of others saw him become involved with Legacy, a group established in 1923 by ex-servicemen dedicated to the task of caring for the widows and dependants of their comrades. His support of Legacy continued for 40 years.

 

After retiring in South Perth, John served as a local Councillor and spent many days practicing his swing at the Royal Perth Golf Club.

 

Both John and Margaret were staunch supporters of Professor Fiona Stanley’s work. When Margaret, an ex-nurse, passed away in 2000 she too left a generous bequest to the Institute for children’s cancer research.

 

When first informed of the enormity of John and Margaret’s generosity, Professor Fiona Stanley was overwhelmed.

 

“A bequest is the ultimate commitment to child health research,” she said.

 

“This bequest means a lot to us – it is an investment in the Institute’s long-term goal to be at the forefront of child health research and advocacy.”

 

The Institute’s Corporate and Community Relations Manager, Sarah Fordham, said a growing number of Australians are leaving lasting legacies through bequests.

 

“It’s a major way that our Institute can plan for the future,” she said. “While your bequest intention is kept confidential, it is helpful to let the Institute know of your Will as it will assist us to plan for future child health research projects and gives us the opportunity to say thank you.”

 

The only way to ensure that your wishes are carried out is to include them in a legal Will. A Will should be written with an experienced solicitor and it is essential that your Will is updated on a regular basis.

 

A valid Will ensures that your loved ones are taken care of when you pass away and a bequest in your Will then allows you to provide for the charities you have supported throughout your life.

 

A bequest can take the form of a specific piece of property, a specific sum of money, a percentage of your estate, stocks, shares, or the residue of your estate. Seek the advice of a solicitor who offers a Wills service to ensure that your bequest is clearly and legally stated.

 

By deciding to leave some of your estate to the Institute in your Will, you are ensuring generations of young lives will be improved.

For further information about leaving a bequest to the Institute, drafting your Will or the correct wording for a bequest to the Institute, please contact our Public Relations Office on 08 9489 7777 or email pr@ichr.uwa.edu.au