For nearly 30 years, Toni Maloney has been the cornerstone of the Clifford Craig Foundation.
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From her role as the organisation’s first chief executive to her ongoing commitment as president of the Friends of Clifford Craig, there isn’t much she hasn’t done.
At the end of the year Ms Maloney, who has terminal lung cancer, will officially step down from her role, but not before ensuring the organisation’s biggest fundraiser goes off without a hitch.
On Saturday the Friends of Clifford Craig’s garden fete will be held at Hattondale Farm on the banks of the Liffey River, near Carrick.
Describing the organisation as her “baby”, Ms Maloney said while her health might be failing, she would always remain a ‘friend’ of Clifford Craig.
“I might be stepping down as president, but I am not stepping away,” she said.
“I promised them I would stay on the committee as a consultant, a mentor and a volunteer.
“It is nice to know I am still useful.
“This has been such an important part of my life.
“I look on it like my baby, which I know is a bit presumptuous, because a lot of people really brought this to fruition.
“But I really do believe in it very strongly and knowing now what research can do.”
When the Clifford Craig Foundation was first established in 1992, Ms Maloney was part of a core group of people committed to ensuring innovative medical research in the state’s North wasn’t hindered by financial insecurity.
Following her role as chief executive, she began volunteering with the Friends of Clifford Craig.
The group continues to raise in excess of $25,000 for the organisation every year.
Current chief executive Peter Milne said Ms Maloney’s contribution to the foundation was invaluable.
“In my time I have used Toni for a lot of council, for how the organisation runs and background history,” he said.
“Considering Toni and Dr John Morris, who passed away almost a year ago, they were probably the two people who have been the cornerstone of the organisation really.
“It is really important that we don’t forget where we came from and we will be forever grateful.”
The Friends of Clifford Craig garden fete will be held on Saturday, November 24 at Hattondale Farm, from 10am to 4pm. Entry is $5.
Jessica Willard
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
Being a health reporter to me is about more than just reporting the problems. It's about asking why they are happening in the first place and what needs to change to fix it.
