Generosity advancing nursing careers and alcohol research
Surrounded by nurses her whole life – both in her career and as a patient – the late Janice Leggett understood deeply the vital importance of nurses in our community.
In many ways, Janice Leggett was a woman before her time. Born in 1932, Janice moved to Newcastle as a young girl to live with her aunt and uncle, Margaret and Errol Allen. Following her schooling, she worked at Royal Newcastle Hospital, forging a successful career as an administrator where her intelligence and quick wit was valued by all. Janice faced many challenges in life; however, she was fiercely independent, sharing her positive outlook with everyone around her.
Janice established the Margaret and Errol Allen Nursing Scholarship in loving memory of her aunt and uncle, to generously support undergraduate nursing students experiencing financial hardship and graduate nurses to pursue additional training to progress their careers. Her life-changing decision to leave a gift in her Will to the scholarship fund will ensure more nurses receive the support they need to graduate or advance their skills.
“Janice deeply appreciated and admired the work of nurses. Supporting more nurses to complete or advance their training was her way of saying thank you and giving back to the profession that helped her live a great life,” says Janice’s friend, Jane Beverley.
Janice’s bequest will also provide vital support for the University’s research into the genetics and treatment precision of alcohol use problems through The Right Person, Right Treatment, Right Time project. Led by Professor Frances Kay-Lambkin and Professor Chris Dayas, the project will combine the input of clinical and research experts as well as lived experience experts with genetic, clinical and health services data. This will allow for world-first implementation trials in alcohol use problems.
Using data-driven decision making with real time testing and feedback, the research team will pursue improvements in the treatment precision and outcomes for alcohol use problems. Nurses reach people across every stage of life, providing support and care when we need it most; and improvements in treatment for alcohol use problems will have a transformative impact on our society. We are so grateful to Janice for her kindness and generosity which will continue to benefit the lives of many for years to come.
The journey of undertaking a degree is indeed a long and financially testing one. I am eternally grateful and will never forget the difference this scholarship has made on my final year of becoming a Registered Nurse.”
-Teagen McCarthy, 2023 Recipient, Margaret and Errol Allen Nursing Scholarship
To find out how you can make a lasting impact beyond your lifetime through a gift in your Will, please contact Catherine for a confidential discussion on 02 4921 8612 or email bequests@newcastle.edu.au
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The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.