Leslie was loved by his family and deeply admired for his quiet strength, compassion, and generosity. This kindness also resulted in him leaving a generous Gift in his Will to the RCH Foundation, in order to support patients with an acquired brain injury (ABI) – just as he once was.

After a simple backyard fall at just six years old, Leslie’s life was changed forever.

He was taken straight to the RCH and diagnosed with an ABI. This meant that he had to relearn how to eat, talk, walk and more, at the same time his peers were starting primary school. It also meant that certain areas of his life were affected forever.

But according to Neil, Leslie’s younger brother, this diagnosis never held him back.

“Leslie was always intent on living the best possible life. He graduated, worked and travelled – something that we didn’t think was going to be possible. Most importantly, he never let his ABI stop him from experiencing a full life,” shared Neil.

While Neil was just a toddler when Leslie’s accident occurred, he knew that his brother had found the care he received at the RCH life changing.

“Leslie was always grateful for the care he received at the RCH. He was also deeply grateful to the clinicians, nurses, physiotherapists and staff that cared for him during his rehab journey,” Neil said.

This personal connection and gratitude were the primary reasons behind Leslie’s giving. After looking after his entire family, he showed a deep commitment to giving back to the very hospital that had also cared for him. Leslie sadly passed away in 2023, but his legacy remains.

“He was never a high salary earner, but his contribution to the RCH was significant, and I knew that was the way he wanted it, and as the executor of the Will, it was an honour to carry this mission out for him,” said Neil.

Leslie’s gift has been donated through the Templestowe/Yarra Valley Auxiliary and is making a significant impact on children with ABIs. Neil is incredibly proud to have helped make his brother’s wish a reality and continues to attend events held by the Templestowe/Yarra Valley Auxiliary, seeing first-hand the impact that Leslie’s Gift in Will is having.

As one of the leading trauma centres in Victoria, the RCH treats hundreds of children with an ABI each year. Leslie’s gift will make sure that even more children with this condition can live happy and fulfilled lives.

“As far as I’m concerned, Leslie’s donation has to help at least one kid. If that child has the opportunity to recover as Leslie did 55 years ago, then the world’s going to be a better place,” Neil emphasised.

“I’m honoured to have been his brother and to have ensured that the gift he left in his Will was committed to the RCH,” Neil concluded.