Community & Business
1 May, 2024
RSL to give more than a cuddle
Warwick Hospital presented with "Cuddle Bed"
Staff Report
On April 26, the Belinda McGowan Foundation teamed with the Warwick RSL Sub-Branch to present a "Cuddle Bed" to Warwick Hospital. The presentation, attended by 130 people, took place in Kings Theatre and was officiated by Tracy Dobie.
Bruce McGowan, husband of Belinda, and founder and chairman of the Foundation spoke with passion about Cuddle Beds and how important they are in providing comfort to cancer patients. The bed presented to Warwick Base Hospital is named in honour of Jackie Bunch who died of cancer 11 years ago. Other speakers included Rod Brittain, President of Warwick RSL Sub-branch, Monique Bunch, daughter of Jackie Bunch, and Tom Bryant who is Patron of the Foundation.
The offering was part of an ongoing partnership in line with the foundation's aim to "provide comfort and support for patients in end-of-life care". This was inspired by Ms McGowan's lung cancer death three years ago while serving with the RAAF.
"Whilst in palliative and end-of-life care in the Warwick Hospital, Belinda bonded with her care-staff over shared experiences of terminal illness, lost loved ones, family, and military service," a foundation spokesperson said.
The Cuddle Bed is a specially designed double-sized hospital bed, manufactured in Australia and estimated to cost approximately $22,000. The Warwick RSL Sub-Branch chose the date to honour the young woman's memory, as she too would have marched on April 25.
