We were honoured to welcome Jennifer, a close friend of Audrey Hawkins, to Sydney Eye Hospital to recognise Audrey’s generous gift in her Will to the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation.
Audrey’s decision to give was inspired by the care she received from her ophthalmologist, Dr Diana Semmonds, who treated her macular degeneration and supported her as her eyesight deteriorated. Audrey wished to acknowledge the profound difference this care made to her life and to make a difference in the future by funding research into this area.
Jennifer and her husband, Dr Michael Henderson, an anaesthetist at St George Hospital, toured the hospital today, meeting Dr Semmonds and Dr Pauline Rumma, and were hosted by the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation team. In a special coincidence, Jennifer had previously worked at Sydney Eye Hospital eight years ago as part of the Day Surgery Unit, before COVID.
Jennifer and her husband, Dr Michael Henderson, an anaesthetist at St George Hospital, toured the hospital today, meeting Dr Semmonds and Dr Pauline Rumma, and were hosted by the Sydney Eye Hospital Foundation team. In a special coincidence, Jennifer had previously worked at Sydney Eye Hospital eight years ago as part of the bookings team, before COVID.
Dr Eileen Ong, Director of the Board, also joined the tour to formally recognise Audrey’s extraordinary generosity and to thank Jennifer for representing Audrey today.
In recognition of this legacy, the Foundation will announce a named grant in Audrey Hawkins’ honour in 2026, the 45th-anniversary year of its support for Sydney Eye Hospital.
Dr Semmonds shared that she was deeply touched by Audrey’s bequest and by meeting Jennifer today — a reminder of the lasting impact compassionate care can have beyond the clinic.
If you feel inspired by this story, you can learn more about leaving a legacy to help patients now and in the future. This ultimate act of kindness can transform diagnoses and treatments, and save the sight of generations to come.
Pictured: Jennifer and Dr Diana Semmonds during today’s visit.
