10/2/05
Research into treatment for cancer and heart disease will receive a huge boost after the State Government has agreed to match a $2.5million private donation to Royal Perth Hospital’s Medical Research Foundation.
Cancer patient Ray Dobney has pledged $2.5million to the foundation, after receiving decades of treatment in Western Australia’s public health system.
The $5million will be used to build a new cancer research laboratory at Royal Perth Hospital and help researchers develop new ways of treating patients with cancer.
Mr Dobney said it was his way of saying thank you for the care and treatment he had received in WA’s hospitals during the 20 years he had suffered from cancer.
“I just wanted to be able to give something back to the community, to say thank you for the excellent care I have received over the years,” he said.
“I am pleased the money will help in the fight against cancer and heart disease and am happy the State Government is making an equal contribution to further research in this area.”
Health Minister Jim McGinty said he was overwhelmed by Mr Dobney’s generosity.
"Mr Dobney’s generous contribution during what is a difficult time for him and his family is nothing short of inspirational and will have a huge impact on the lives of many cancer patients in WA," Mr McGinty said.
“The funding will help to build a new State-wide cellular and tissue therapy laboratory at RPH, which will combine the existing bone marrow transplant, skin and heart valve laboratories into a single state-of-the-art facility.
“This facility will be a huge boost to cancer research in WA, because it will help researchers develop new cellular therapies to fight tumours and infections and treat cancers such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma.”
The new facility will be named the Ray and Bill Dobney Cellular and Tissue Therapy Laboratories.
Earlier this week, the Gallop Government also committed $30million for treatment and services for cancer patients in rural communities, cancer research and prevention programs.
Minister's office: 9220 5000
