When long-time mates John and Raymond first met in high school in the 1960s, they had no idea their friendship would span decades - or that one day, Raymond's final act of generosity to support a cause close to his heart would leave John utterly stunned.
John and his wife Jo recently opened up about their dear friend Ray, who passed away in 2019 from oesophageal cancer.
Ray's last hopes and the gift that no one saw coming
In Ray's final weeks, John and Jo cared for him at his home, ensuring his final wishes were met - including seeing his sister one last time and being surrounded by the people he loved.
But it was Ray's other final wish - his decision to leave a gift in his will to Cancer Council NSW - that left an incredible mark on Jo and John.
"We found out about Ray's involvement with Cancer Council when we were talking about whether he had his will and everything in place," Jo shared.
"That's when we found out that Cancer Council was a big part of Ray's life. A very big part. He was very committed to giving as much money as he could."
That gift in his will came as a surprise to Jo and John, but also as an inspiration.
"I thought it was great," John said. "It was a great feeling that Ray actually stood up and put his money on the line."
Jo added, "It actually shocked me because I didn't think he was like that. I just thought, he'd make his donations here and there, but he was very committed to Cancer Council. And that opened my eyes big and wide."
A gift for generations to come
Raymond's gift from his will is already playing a role in funding vital cancer research, prevention and support services - work that's saving lives every day. And while Raymond is no longer here to see the impact his generosity is having, Jo and John are confident he'd be proud.
"He would be tickled pink," Jo said. "He would be over the moon that his contribution has played a major part."
Inspired by their friend, Jo and John have followed in Ray's footsteps and also included a gift in their own will to Cancer Council NSW, choosing to create a better future for their children, grandchildren and beyond.
"Our decision to leave a gift in our will to Cancer Council is very personal to us," Jo continued.
"John's had cancer. I don't want cancer. I don't want to find out that my grandchildren have to worry about whether there's ways to knock cancer on the head," Jo said. "I'm now a great-grandmother and I want those children to see their life through."
A powerful way to pay it forward
For Jo, it all comes down to one simple idea: paying it forward.
"We've been blessed with some luck in recent years and I find that if you've received something like that, you need to pay things forward. And what better way to do that than to think of the charities - particularly cancer. It's the biggest and scariest of diseases."
John agrees.
"The future without cancer would be fantastic. If it could be just one thing the human race could eliminate - and with all the donations, I think we can."
Raymond's legacy lives on, not only in the memories of those who loved him, but in the breakthroughs being made possible every day by his generous gift.
Jo and John's decision to follow his lead ensures that impact will continue for generations to come.
Thinking about leaving a gift in your will?
"I encourage you all to think about leaving a donation in your will to Cancer Council NSW," Jo said. "It is so important that they have the support."
"We've both been affected by family and friends with cancer… I think it's sort of a no brainer," said John.
Learn about how to leave a gift in your will to Cancer Council NSW and help fund life-saving cancer research and support services for future generations.
Your legacy could be the reason someone else survives.
