How one man’s gift is helping fund a cancer free future

When John and Ray first met as teenagers in a Sydney high school in the 1960s, neither could have imagined how their friendship would stretch across decades or how, in the closing chapter of Ray’s life, his last act of generosity would leave a powerful legacy.

Raymond, known simply as “Ray” to those closest to him, died in 2019 after being diagnosed with oesophageal cancer. In his final weeks, it was John and his wife Jo who cared for him, ensuring his last wishes were honoured – from a final reunion with his sister to spending his remaining days surrounded by people he loved.

But amid the small, tender details of those weeks, there was one revelation that left John and Jo stunned: Ray had quietly arranged to leave a substantial gift in his Will to Cancer Council.

“We didn’t know until those last conversations,” Jo recalled. “It shocked me. I’d seen him make small donations here and there, but he was far more committed than I realised. It really opened my eyes.”

The gift became, for John and Jo, a source not only of surprise but of admiration.

“I thought it was terrific that Ray actually stood up and put his money on the line,” John said. “It gave me a great deal of pride in him.”

A gift that lives on

Ray’s contribution is already in motion, helping to fund research, prevention programs and support services for people living with cancer. 

Jo said she has no doubt how her friend would feel if he could see the impact.

“He would be tickled pink,” she said with a smile. “He’d be over the moon that his contribution is playing a real part.”

Inspired by Ray’s foresight, Jo and John have since included a similar gift in their own Wills. With children, grandchildren and now great grandchildren, the couple said their decision reflects both personal experience and a desire to shape a better future.

“John’s had cancer. I don’t want cancer. And I don’t want my grandchildren to face it either,” Jo said. “I want them to live their lives free from that fear.”

Paying It Forward

For Jo, the motivation comes down to one philosophy: paying it forward.

“We’ve been lucky in many ways. And when life gives you that luck, we believe you should pay it forward. Supporting cancer research feels like the most important thing we can do.”

John agrees and is unflinching about what he hopes those contributions might one day achieve.

“A future without cancer would be fantastic,” he said. “If it’s one thing humans could get rid of, let it be cancer. And with enough support, I think we can.”

More Than a Donation

Gifts in Wills provide a vital source of funding for cancer research and services. For the Cancer Council, they represent more than a financial legacy but a lasting act of hope.

Ray’s generosity – echoed now by Jo and John – is part of a ripple effect that will reach well beyond his own lifetime.

“I hope others think about it too,” Jo said. “It’s so important that Cancer Council has the support they need. For us, it wasn’t even a question.”

For John, it is simpler still:

“It’s sort of a no-brainer,” he said. “We’ve all been touched by cancer. Why wouldn’t you want to help stop it?”

Raymond’s legacy lives on not just in the memories of his closest friends, but in the lives of Australians who will receive help from the treatments and breakthroughs his final act helped to make possible. And thanks to John and Jo following his lead, that legacy will stretch long into the future – one gift at a time.

If you are considering leaving a legacy to create a cancer free future, the Cancer Council team is ready to provide personal, confidential advice and discuss your options. They would love to learn about the causes you care about and how your gift can make the greatest impact.

To contact your state Cancer Council team, visit Gift in Will | Cancer Council

Your legacy could be the reason for a cancer breakthrough happening, a family is supported, or a life is saved. Help secure a brighter, cancer free tomorrow by leaving a gift in your Will, today.