Like so many before and since, some 15 years ago Mike and Barbara decided they wanted a sea-change retirement - although for Mike who had previously been on the committee for both the Royal Brighton Yacht Club and the Sandringham Yacht Club, he's never been that far from the water.
Last year, following some direct experiences with our public health service and the Foundation, Mike and Barbara Fairweather made the important decision to leave a major gift to the Barwon Health Foundation as a bequest in their wills.
Originally from Melbourne where Mike was a successful builder and his wife Barbara having held senior roles for over 40 years with the ASX, the couple moved to Portarlington having been regular visitors to the area previously for holidays.
Mike continued his role as a builder in the region for several years before retiring from his trade and, not wishing to be completely put out to pasture, has taken on a role as a driver for Gull Airport service, and has been actively involved in the community for many years including his role raising funds for cancer research at the Andrew Love Cancer Centre together other members of the WAWSO (We All Were Something Once) group.
Meanwhile Barbara has learned piano and enjoys the coastal lifestyle.
Due to the heavy load that his profession had on his body, particularly his knees, some years back Mike had the need to have both knees reconstructed by surgeons at University Hospital Geelong. The procedure was very successful and both Mike and Barbara were immensely appreciative for the excellent service and care received through Barwon Health.
Not long after, Mike developed a blood clot on his lungs and it was again back to our hospital where he was looked after and brought back to good health.
"We are extraordinarily fortunate to have a public health service in our region that is second to none and provides a service that can look after the requirements of individuals, families and retirees such as Barbara and myself without any need to look to Melbourne."
"The decision to support Barwon Health was an easy one, not just as a grateful patient but also in gratitude to be able to live in this wonderful region and knowing that our contribution will give the gift of good health to so many."
"We would certainly encourage anyone to consider a gift to the Barwon Health Foundation in their wills. It will save lives, provide exceptional care and support our own"
Mike and Barbara are now members of the Tim Malloy Society – a group who have the common interest of supporting the Barwon Health Foundation and the extraordinary health service we are so lucky to have, with gifts in their wills.
For more information and a confidential discussion on leaving a bequest or registering as a member of the Tim Malloy Society, please contact Francis Trainor on 4215 8919 orftrainor@barwonhealth.org.au
