A generous $45,000 donation from local couple Noel and Rosemary Chilcott will bring enhancements to the New East Wing Building and Taranaki Cancer Centre at Taranaki Base Hospital. Having witnessed the fight against cancer firsthand within their family and friend circle, the Chilcotts understand the value of access to healthcare close to home. Their donation will make a real difference for patients and staff in the region.
Noel and Rosemary Chilcott are both from long-standing Taranaki families that have a deep love for the region. Rosemary Chilcott (née Carr) grew up in Urenui on a dairy farm, while Noel's father was a butcher in New Plymouth prior to going dairy farming. After meeting on a golf course in Stratford, they married and had three children. They started farming in Hillsborough and over the years have had the opportunity to invest in poultry farming, working with both Tegel and Aviagen, setting up farms for the locally based poultry industry. It is this keen eye for a good investment that has led them to see the value of donating to the Taranaki Health Foundation.
Community Spirited
Over the years, Noel and Rosemary, who are active Rotary members, have supported many local charities, including hospice and Riding for the Disabled. "We recognise that Taranaki has treated us extremely well" says Noel, which has driven their desire to give back and invest locally. They are very pleased to see the investment in cancer care through the Taranaki Cancer Centre. "We've seen how good care can make a difference," says Noel, referring to their experience watching loved ones battle cancer. "Seeing friends travel to Palmerston North for treatment when they were already quite ill was a difficult experience."
The Chilcotts are a great example of local Taranaki Heroes. Taranaki is well recognised for its community support, which stems from having pride in the region. Whether it is large donations from businesses, or people giving what they can afford, 100% of the money donated to the Taranaki Health Foundation stays in the region and is used for enhancements to local healthcare.
"When you see the people you love become ill or die younger than they should, it makes you realise life isn't guaranteed".
Noel and Rosemary Chilcott will have their donation recognised in an emergency department specialist care room as well as in a chemotherapy isolation room. The money will be used to provide enhancements that improve the physical and mental well-being for patients, their support networks and the staff that are treating them.