The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research

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Paddy Pearl’s philanthropy brings health benefits closer

 

Australian philanthropist Paddy Pearl has generously donated some of the proceeds from today’s sale of her home to the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research.

Mrs Pearl’s home, Campania House, near Richmond in Tasmania, was built in the first half of the 19th century. It was auctioned today and sold for $1.54 million. Also for sale were the home’s furnishings, a library of 5000 books and the letters, archives and memorabilia of Mrs Pearl’s late husband – editor, author and television panelist Cyril Pearl.

Mrs Pearl’s family and the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute have had a decades-long association. Mrs Pearl’s father knew Nobel Prize winner Sir Macfarlane Burnet, who was the institute’s director from 1944-1965, and also the family of Sir Gustav Nossal, who was the institute’s director from 1965-1996.

The institute learnt in November of Mrs Pearl’s intention to sell her home and donate the proceeds to the institute’s medical research program.

Walter and Eliza Hall Institute director Professor Doug Hilton said he was delighted yet humbled that Mrs Pearl had chosen to make such a substantial donation to the institute.

“Our scientists are working to find causes, methods of prevention and treatments for diseases that have a devastating impact of children and adults, cancer, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, coeliac disease, HIV, hepatitis and malaria,” Professor Hilton said.

“Paddy Pearl’s philanthropy and belief in what we are trying to achieve has given our researchers tremendous encouragement.

“Her personal commitment to improving the quality of life and health outcomes for her fellow Australians and people around the world is an inspiration.”

Professor Hilton said philanthropy was vital if the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and other not-for-profit organisations were to continue making discoveries that improve human health.

“Every dollar of funding we receive, whether from taxpayers through government grants or from the philanthropic generosity of the public, is a dollar for which we feel an acute and abiding responsibility to spend wisely,” he said.

“Enormous trust and faith has been placed in us as scientists and we will do everything we can to make sure our research is translated into practical health benefits for people worldwide.”

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Penny Fannin
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