David’s selfless gift towards a blood cancer-free future
Although never touched personally by blood cancer, David Pratt was so moved by the stories of families battling the disease that he has made the ultimate commitment to improve their future with a gift in his Will.
It was over 20 years ago that David received a call to take part in the Leukaemia Foundation’s Doorknock Appeal.
“I was phoned up and asked whether I’d like to do the collection for my street,” said David. “I enjoyed it so much that I participated every year.
“I then started getting invited to morning teas where there would often be a patient speaker who would get up and tell their story to the group.
“I also attended tours at the Leukaemia Foundation Patient Accommodation Villages and actually got the opportunity to speak to some of the residents there.
“To hear first-hand how much the support of the Leukaemia Foundation had meant to them was incredibly powerful and had a big effect on me.
“It’s also striking just how indiscriminate blood cancer is and that it can impact anyone of any age.”
With a family of his own, a beloved wife, Juliette, 20-year-old daughter, Chloe and 25-year-old son, Taylor, David can only imagine the devastation should one of them be faced with a diagnosis.
“Hearing those stories made me reflect on my own life and how grateful I am that my family has never been affected by blood cancer,” said David
“I suppose there’s no greater expression of that gratitude than leaving this gift in my Will and ensuring others who aren’t so lucky are well-supported into the future.”
When David recently updated his Will, he took the chance to also confirm his gift to the Leukaemia Foundation.
“It was a very easy process, my solicitor explained my choices, that I could have a defined amount or percentage of my estate,” said David
“We then took the clause which the Leukaemia Foundation has put together and amended it to reflect my exact wishes.”
“I of course spoke to my loved ones about my decision as well and they were all fully supportive.”
“It’s a very straight forward process and I felt incredibly positive about the whole thing.”
David has also taken the chance to learn as much as he can about blood cancer since confirming his gift in Will.
“I get invited to special webinars with a range of speakers from across the blood cancer community, including patients, carers and researchers,” said David.
“I have also been through some of the research facilities and am so impressed by the work being done to find a cure.
“However, I am also very mindful that is a long-term process, so in the interim we must ensure people who rely on the support of the Leukaemia Foundation are cared for.
“I feel incredibly content knowing that my gift will do just that and would encourage others to consider doing so.”
Leaving a Gift in Will
To learn more about leaving a gift in your Will, please contact our Gift in Wills Manager, Emma Dwyer, on 08 8169 6051 or email giftinwill@leukaemia.org.au.
Please seek professional legal advice before making or amending your Will.