Hospice Chair Steph Dyhrberg and husband Murray Bell have been committed supporters of Mary Potter Hospice for years as volunteers, donors and they have also left a gift to the Hospice in their Wills.
“It’s crucial to have a valid Will, because it makes sorting out your affairs when you die so much easier and less expensive,” says Steph, an Employment Barrister. “You take the guesswork out of it for your family, making sure your assets go exactly where you want them to go.”
Steph has had a Will since she was an office junior in a law firm at 18, and has updated it regularly since.
“As your kids grow up and become self-sufficient, they usually need less help from their parents,” says Steph. “We want to provide for our daughters, but also to help the causes like Mary Potter Hospice that do such valuable work in the community.”
Image: Steph with Murray, receiving his Paul Harris Fellow award for services to Rotary
Steph’s connection with Mary Potter Hospice
Steph has been familiar with the work of the Hospice ever since, as a young lawyer, she helped set up employment agreements and policies with the first Chief Executive.
“Last year Mary Potter Hospice supported nearly 850 patients, plus their whānau, across Wellington, Porirua and Kāpiti, free of charge” she said. “Our services help families through such a difficult time in their lives.”
Ten years ago, the couple came close to needing the Hospice’s services when Murray became very sick with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. “It was hugely comforting to know that if we needed them, the wonderful staff at the Hospice would be with us,” says Steph.
Thankfully Murray was able to get a stem cell transplant from his sister, and he is now fit and well again. Nonetheless, the experience brought home just how vital the work of the Hospice is.
“We are so aware of all the good Mary Potter Hospice does,” says Steph. “Its services are free to anyone who needs them, but it’s less than 50% government-funded. One in three people in the Wellington – Kāpiti region will use the services of the Hospice when they’re dying, so we need to make sure it can continue to do this important work.”
Why leave a gift to Mary Potter Hospice?
A gift in your Will to Mary Potter Hospice will help people with life-limiting illnesses live full, comfortable and dignified lives. Even a small bequest will help the Hospice to provide end-of-life care, including grief and bereavement support. The donations help the Hospice to focus on patients’ quality of life, and to support their loved ones too.
When you make a gift to Mary Potter Hospice in your Will, you automatically become a member of the Camellia Heritage Club. Members receive a special membership pin, and invitations to special events where they can meet other members and keep up-to-date with what’s happening at the Hospice.
Find out more
If you’re thinking about leaving a gift in your Will, or would like to know more about Mary Potter Hospice, contact the Bequests and Major Giving Fundraising Specialist at Bequests@marypotter.org.nz or call 04 3810163. Alternatively, visit our bequest page below to find out more and download your Guide to writing you Will.