Boost to palliative care in Connie’s memory

Clinical nurse specialist Robyn Cooksey, family friend Jacqui Dawson, St John of God chief Lisa Norman, Forest Edge owner and family friend Bev Butterworth and Connie's daughter Kirby Manley. Picture: GARY SISSONS.

By ALANA MITCHELSON

A FUND-RAISER in honour of Connie Manley has raised $61,300 towards St John of God Hospital’s new Palliative Care Unit in Berwick.
Family friend Bev Butterworth and Connie’s daughter Kirby Manley presented the Connie Manley cheque to St John of God on Wednesday 15 June.
Connie Manley passed away from cervical cancer in early 2015 at age 54.
“Rather than using the money towards furniture and fittings, we will be using it to make the unit into a unique and homely place where our patients and their families can have time together which is meaningful and special during the last days,” St John of God Hospital’s Lisa Carman said.
“We plan to introduce art therapy, a family room and a program where palliative patients can document their lives, in conjunction with their families, creating a personal book which will hold treasured memories for their loved ones once they have passed.
“Connie Manley’s memory will live on in the new unit through programs and initiatives which will make a difference to all of the families who find themselves at St John of God Berwick Hospital. Our aim is to make a very difficult time as special, comfortable and supportive as we can for both our patients and their loved ones.”
Ms Carman said the hospital was grateful to the Connie’s Day organising committee for their hard work and dedication and to the local community for supporting their efforts.
The Connie’s Day Committee was led by Connie’s husband Greg Manley with the support of his children Hannah, Richard and Kirby, and family friends Bev Butterworth, Maryanne Burr, Jacqui Dawson and Nicole Cashman.
The money was raised through a luncheon at Forest Edge in Gembrook where all proceeds from ticket sales and money raised via raffles and auctions went directly to the cause.
A brand new Mercedes-Benz donated by Mercedes-Benz Berwick was one of the top items donated during the fund-raising event, and Connie’s Day is expected to become an annual event.