Dianne’s memory lives on through charity golf day

Bob Hogan (second from right) credits the work of good family friend Sandra Williams (far right) as a reason the golf day has raised over $52,000 for Sydney Childrens Hospital Foundations Play Therapy program.

THE memory of Dianne Hogan lives on, through her husband Bob and a dedicated group of close friends and family. Dianne, a Primary School teacher at Oak Flats, tragically lost her battle with pancreatic cancer in 2003 and since then a charity golf day has been held at Kiama Golf Club.

Aiming to honour her memory and to raise money for Sydney Childrens Hospital, Play Therapy program.

The event this year raised over $10,000, taking the total raised in just three years to over $52,000.

The money goes directly to ensure staff can be employed by the hospital to operate the Play Therapy unit.

A cause that would have been close to Diannes heart, according to Mr Hogan,

I am sure Di would have been proud of what has been achieved, its all about giving sick kids hope and a chance for Dis loving family and friends to reflect and celebrate her life he said

While it still hurts to talk about, Bob is looking towards next years event and keeping Dis legacy alive.

We will run the event next year in the July School holidays and we never dreamed we would raise this much money. It makes a difference and Di would have been so proud.

She was an amazing person and an amazing teacher, he added.

Each year Bob and close friend and organiser, Sandra Williams, visit the unit, to deliver the cheque, enjoy a morning tea with staff and see first hand how the children are benefiting from their efforts.

Bob is the current Principal of Berry Public School and would like to thank the School community, parents and children for their efforts this year in organising a mufti day and making generous donations.

Bob credits being part of a loving family and the support of friends like Sandra Williams and Carol Lymbery that make the event all the more special and run each year.

The event has been without a major sponsor since the first charity day, making the support from the Kiama community and surrounding areas all the more important.

The winner of the putting competition this year was Pat McLaughlin, a friend of from teachers college, and sees the event as a reunion of friends honouring a magnificent lady who loved children and life

Results Golf First- Ben Purcell, Lyn Purcell and Doc Hotchkis

Second- Gary Gregson, Bob Westerway and Peter Gassman

Third- Barry Lee, Michael Edwards and Trevor Silverside

Winners of major Raffles

Huskisson Package Holiday-Ross Graham

Berry Pub Package-Colleen Moore

Cronin's Pub Package- Cole Hunter

Kembla Grange Package-Robert Vella

Bob Hogan is truly an inspiration. He has taken what was one of Dianne Hogans true loves, which is childrens charities. He turned what was a tragic loss to him and his family into something really, really positive through the ongoing support of Play Therapy.

It requires such a great deal of work and commitment and the support is vital. Sydney Childrens Hospital Foundation relies so much on the community for their support. Bob is dedicated and exemplifies what is so special about people within communities willing to make a difference in the lives of children with cancer. Something that Play Therapy does so well..

Elizabeth Crundall Chief Executive of Sydney Childrens Hospital Foundation