It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of the Spinal Research Institute’s Founding Donors, Mrs Rae Rothfield.

Rae was introduced to the Spinal Research Institute (SRI) by our former Patron, Betty Amsden AO, a few years ago. In 2016, Rae joined the SRI’s Founding Donor Program and, together with Betty, worked with the SRI to establish our donor giving program. Over the next few years, Rae attended a number of SRI engagement events, including a luncheon at Government House, hosted by the Governor of Victoria, the Hon Linda Dessau AM, several lunches at ‘Cranlana’, hosted by Lady Southey AC, and our annual Lecture and Lunch series. Rae understood the need to facilitate collaborative spinal cord research and clinical trials to improve the health outcomes of people living with spinal cord injury.

Rae was a great inspiration to the team at the SRI. Even last year when her health was failing, she was still in the process of assisting the SRI to organise a fundraising event – a private viewing of her art collection. Her generosity was sincerely appreciated.

The Board of Directors and staff of the SRI offer Rae’s two sons, John and Mark, and their families, our deepest condolences on the passing of their mother.

A/Prof Doug Brown