COOTAMUNDRA will benefit from several major new cancer projects and services thanks to a generous $94,000 bequest from former Cootamundra resident, the late Mrs Shirley Elford.
Having no family, it was Mrs Elford and her late husband Geoffrey’s wish to have their entire bequest donated to the Cancer Council.
This donation will leave a lasting legacy, with the money going specifically towards local projects that will directly benefit the people of Cootamundra and district.
Regional Manager at Cancer Council’s South West Region Office, Annemaree Binger accepted the donation from local solicitor Ray Luff last Friday, outside Mrs Elford’s former home.
Mrs Elford and her husband Geoffrey (who died on September 18, 1998) resided at 110 Berthong Street for more than 30 years before her death on March 12 this year.
Ms Binger said most people don’t realise that bequests play a vital role in helping fund the work of Cancer Council NSW.
“When someone like Mrs Elford chooses to leave a sum of money in their will, the benefits of their generosity can be felt by future generations for a long time to come,” Ms Binger said.
Ms Binger said the funds will be used to help build an Understanding Cancer Program in Cootamundra, a free service led by a trained facilitator that offers practical advice and support.
A Cancer Information and Support Service also in Cootamundra will enable cancer patients, families and carers to access information, provide local support services and resources to help them cope with their cancer journey.
Part of the proceeds will also be donated to the Cancer Council research division, which has a number of active research studies in the region.
Ms Binger said an example of a research study is the Cancer Council’s CLEAR Study, the most comprehensive body of work to date of how lifestyle and genetic factors affect the risk of people in NSW developing cancer.
“The CLEAR Study is actively recruiting people in our region,” Ms Binger said.
She said some may think $94,000 won’t go along way; however another portion of the funds will be given by way of a grant to a Health Science PhD student at Charles Sturt University in Wagga who is studying in a cancer related field.
The grant will be named after Mr and Mrs Elford.
Thanks to the bequest, Ms Binger said the South West Region office would also be able to deliver more awareness, prevention and support programs to the local community.
Ms Binger said she looks forward to working with the community to empower local people about healthy living and lifestyle, which can help reduce cancer risk.
“Mrs Elford’s bequest provides wonderful support and we are excited by the new projects and services we can now offer the local community in her memory,” Ms Binger said.
Mrs Elford’s long time friend and neighbour Mrs Fay Hartshorn said Mrs Elford would be pleased her bequest was staying local to support Cootamundra and district cancer patients.
“It was always Geoffrey’s wish to have their estate given to the Cancer Council, this was something Mrs Elford continued, it is terrific what she has given to our community,” Mrs Hartshorn said.
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