Ms Scott said she knew Mr Hemming was planning to donate the proceeds of the house sale to charity, but didn’t realise he had committed the money to Ovarian Cancer Australia, until after his passing.
“When Mr Hemming’s dad passed away some years ago, Ian started talking about what he might do with the house and said he wanted to do something positive,” she said.
“He knew the daughter of a close friend of mine was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and that’s where he got the idea from.
“I didn’t know for sure if he would donate the whole amount but I thought it was likely as they don’t get a lot of publicity and he was a really humble, kind-hearted man, and wanted to make a difference.”
Mr Robson said Ovarian cancer research is very close to his heart after losing his mother in law to the disease several years ago.
“This is a great opportunity for me to honour her and do something to give back that raises awareness and funds for ovarian cancer,” Mr Robson.
Ovarian Cancer Australia CEO Jane Hill said the team at Ovarian Cancer Australia is thankful to the late Ian Hemming and executor Ros Scott for so generously donating the proceeds of this home to Ovarian Cancer Australia. We also thank Neil Robson for handling the sale.
"At any given moment there are more than 4,000 women in Australia living with an ovarian cancer diagnosis. Ovarian cancer’s poor survival rate coupled with high recurrence rate causes many women to experience clinical levels of anxiety and depression," Ms Hill said.
"Women living with an ovarian cancer diagnosis already feel isolated and vulnerable. Like all of us, they are now also dealing with the further isolation and uncertainty brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The proceeds from this sale will provide women living with ovarian cancer much needed personalised ongoing support and resources as well as personalised support from our specially trained Oncology nurses, ensuring that no woman with ovarian cancer has to walk alone.”
Ovarian Cancer survivor and advocate Ann Maree Mulders added that she is overwhelmed and thrilled that Mr Hemming chose Ovarian Cancer Australia as the recipient of his estate.
"His neighbour Aunty Ros is one of my mum's best friends. I was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer in 2014, and lost one of my closest friends to the disease a few years later. This insidious disease kills 54 per cent of those diagnosed within five years, and has the worst outcomes of any women’s cancer.
"The reason I love and support Ovarian Cancer Australia is that they are the only charity that support women still living with this awful disease, as well as advocating for research funding and doing so much to raise awareness with so little access to resource.
"Ovarian Cancer Australia is truly an extraordinary charity. Mr Hemming chose the most worthy cause, and we are forever in his debt.
"May he rest peacefully knowing he has helped the thousands of women who live with this disease, and many who will be diagnosed in the future.
"Thank you and God bless you Mr Hemming.”
The Melrose Park home has a price guide of $1.5 million and is going to auction on Saturday, September 19 at 3:15pm (AEST). |