For Frank Worley, belonging to an extremely large family was a major influence on his decision to become a Life Guardian of TQEH Research Foundation in 2004.

As one of 14 brothers and sisters and with 114 nieces and nephews, giving to The Research Foundation seemed like the most practical way he could support his very large family’s well-being.

 “Giving support to a medical research foundation is something that I had been thinking about for a long time,” said Frank.

“Although I never married and have no children myself, the well-being of my large extended family is very important to me. I thought that somehow the vital medical research that the Research Foundation supports is bound to somehow benefit one of my loved ones one day”.

In the back of Frank’s mind was also the chance that the medical research being undertaken at the Basil Hetzel Institute may one day help him.

“I have learnt a lot through my association with the Research Foundation through attending luncheons and tours with very interesting and informative medical researchers from The Institute speaking on a variety of topics,” he said.

Head of the Stroke Unit at TQEH, Dr Jim Jannes’ advice at the 2006 Basil Hetzel Society Luncheon, attended by Frank, informed the audience about stroke research, including information about the symptoms of a stroke.

“Dr Jannes mentioned that if you show any of these symptoms not to mess around and call a doctor, or get someone to drive you to hospital- ring an ambulance straight away.”

This information proved to be lifesaving for Frank six months later.

“I was having a shower on a Sunday morning, I had been feeling fine and suddenly my whole body went terribly weak and I collapsed. I was fully conscious but I could barely move,” he said.

Realising the possibility that I was having a stroke I knew I needed to call an ambulance immediately. I dragged myself over to the phone, pulled the cord down so I could grab it and call 000.”

Understandably, Frank describes this experience as ‘traumatic’ and it turned out that he had experienced a TIA, otherwise known as a ‘mini stroke’.

“A few hours later I regained my strength and I came out of the experience relatively unscathed, however had it not been for the knowledge learned through my association with The Research Foundation, I may have just lay there in my bathroom waiting to come good, and who knows what the outcome would have been!” he said.

The calibre of research happening at The Institute is something that Frank feels makes The Research Foundation his number one charity to support over others.

“The variety and quality of research being undertaken at TQEH is really outstanding, and it’s this type of research that is finding cures for diseases that will otherwise damage many peoples lives,” he said.

“The opportunities which allow Life Guardians to be a part of the research at The Institute through tours, luncheons, and seminars is also really invaluable.”

“I’m doing my part to help my family, myself and many others by supporting The Research Foundation,” he said.