Honouring Brian: Sandie’s story
Sandie grew up in a household full of laughter and adventure, led by her larger than live father, Brian. A natural sportsman he excelled at many different sports. Representing at state-level in rugby and cricket, competing in pennant golf and participating in swimming, body surfing and skiing with equal passion. “He could do any sport he wanted,” Sandie recalls with pride.
Outside the sporting arena, Brian’s mischievous humour and love of practical jokes brought constant fun to family life. His easy-going nature made everyone feel welcome in his presence.
Weekends were treasured family times. Saturdays were for golf, Sundays for family lunches with extended family. Summer meant long drives to Cronulla, learning to swim and surf with cousins, celebrating achievements with cakes and creating memories that would last a lifetime.
But when Sandie was 11, something changed. On a family water skiing outing, her strong and capable father struggled to lift himself out of the water. “Something’s wrong with my hands. I just don’t have the strength in my hands” he said.
It was the first sign of MND, a disease that would take his life less than three years later.
The impact of losing her father at such a young age was profound. “Having Dad die when I was 13 had a huge impact on my life. We couldn’t speak about him. It was too painful.” That experience shaped how Sandie lives her life and raises her own children, ensuring she shares meaningful conversations and treasured moments with them.
Determined to make a difference for future generations, Sandie has included a gift in her Will to FightMND. “It’s been 50 years since Dad died. I wanted to honour his memory. I know it’s going to the top research projects. I really believe it’s going to come together soon.”
Sandie is driven by hope. Hope for a future where no one endures what her father went through. “Seeing Dad with MND was truly awful. But we’ve invested in such great research now. I really, truly believe a cure is going to be in my grandchildren’s future.”
For Sandie, including a gift in her Will is about investing in breakthroughs, funding research and supporting clinical trials so families today, and tomorrow, can have more time together. “If it can be used for good and ultimately find a cure, and in the meantime, helping people with MND get through their daily lives, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”
Sandie encourages others to consider including a gift in their Will to FightMND. “If you’re thinking about including a gift in your Will, it’s a really easy process. Knowing that your gift will be used in the future to help others with MND and to find a cure – It’s a great feeling.”
Including a gift in Your Will
After proving for your loved ones, you may wish to include a gift in your Will to FightMND. By doing this, you’re investing in a future where families don’t have to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one to MND.
A gift in your Will to FightMND is the gift of hope. It helps fund vital research, supports clinical trials, and contributes to better treatments and therapies for people living with MND. It’s an investment in a future without MND, so that families like Sandie’s can enjoy more precious time together.
You may wish to consult your solicitor or create an online Will.
If you would like to have a confidential discussion about the impact you can have on MND research long into the future, please reach out to Eloise Shepherd, our Gifts in Wills Coordinator, at [email protected] or (03) 7052 7004.