Wal and Estelle Appleby first became involved with Anglicare Victoria through the Mission of St James and St John almost 60 years ago.
After being told that they would not be able to have children, they decided to adopt a baby through the Mission. “Mum found out the day before Good Friday that three day old Bruce was going to arrive in the house on Easter Sunday,” says Louise Appleby.
A few years later, they adopted Bruce’s brother Roger and were overjoyed with the gift of their family. In time Estelle realised she was pregnant with daughter Louise. “It was a miracle in those days, to have a baby at 40,” says Louise. “Mum and dad were so happy and so grateful for all of us, for what they considered were gifts from God.
Growing up, I never thought of my brothers as any different to me, we were all a family. I can’t imagine what our lives would have been like without each other. ” “My late parents continued to support the Mission and Anglicare Victoria for many years after that, by donating every Christmas. It would have been very easy for them to have been happy at the time, and then for that gratitude to fade. But they continued to acknowledge Anglicare verbally and financially during their lifetimes. When dad decided to leave a gift in his Will to Anglicare Victoria, we were all happy that his legacy will continue to help those that need it most,” says Louise.
For further information:
Elizabeth Veal and Mary Croxford from our Gifts in Wills team are always happy to provide more information, help with any questions you have, and discuss your personal wishes confidentially.
- Elizabeth Veal – (03) 9412 6020
- Mary Croxford – (03) 9412 6006
- Email – giftsinwills@anglicarevic.org.au
- Website – anglicarevic.org.au/get-involved/bequests-gifts-in-wills
Wal Appleby on his 97th birthday, which was attended by his three children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
