Stories | Bequestors

Bob (Robert) Mackey

“The whole unit is wonderful. The staff are marvellous, it’s friendly and the extension to the gym is fantastic. Just everything is so nice about it. It’s just like going on a holiday.
“As people get older this is the type of facility we need. I can’t speak more highly of it.
“I think people who give are marvellous. Whoever it was, I say thank you very much indeed, you got me on my feet!” MARGARET BURROWS

Mr Mackey was a repetition engineer and owned a factory in Bay Rd, Sandringham which specialised in manufacturing small components for the automobile industry using a stamping machine.

A quiet, unassuming man, Mr Mackey was known to his factory neighbours and customers as a ‘down-to-earth,  old-fashioned bloke”. He worked at the factory for some 30 years.

Bob had no children passed away at Cabrini Brighton from cancer.

Today, Bob’s memory lives on in the bequest he made to Cabrini in his Will, which helped fund the new ward Ground South unit. The unit boasts 15 rehabilitation beds, a purpose built gym and an occupational therapy area. Mr Mackey’s generous gift also purchased Day Oncology treatment chairs.

“Bob was a much loved, quietly spoken, affable and friendly bloke that had time for everyone,” said close friend and factory neighbour Peter Hickey. “He was kind, humble and lived a very plain life. He was very grateful for the care he received at Cabrini.”

“This is just one example of the impact our donors have on the quality of patient care across Cabrini” Cabrini Foundation,Director Sue Parkes said. “We are very grateful for the generous support that we receive.”

Just ask 72-year-old Margaret Burrows of Glen Waverley.

Margaret had just moved into a retirement village when she tripped over a mat and broke her femur. She spent a couple of months at Cabrini Brighton during her three rehabilitation stays in the past year.

Margaret said she who couldn’t be more grateful to Mr Mackey for his gift.