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About The Laura Fergusson Foundation

Thank you to our donors past & present.

There has been a long and strong history of philanthropy at the Laura Fergusson Trust in Canterbury since it was formed in 1974. During the same year, the Women’s Auxiliary was formed. The Auxiliary became a powerful and effective fundraising organisation. Led largely by Noeline McIlroy, who was a major force at Laura Fergusson, the efforts of the Auxiliary meant the home was able to open in 1979. They even hosted a Royal Variety Concert in the presence of the Queen who was in Christchurch for the Commonwealth Games. Their endless and inspiring programme of fundraising continued until the auxiliary was disbanded in 1998.

The Laura Fergusson Foundation was set up in 2018 to raise funds in order to further assist the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust to assess, rehabilitate and support people with a traumatic brain, spinal and other complex injuries.

Laura Fergusson Foundation Patron - Sam Neill

Sam Neill updated

We are so grateful to our generous Patron, Sam Neill, for all of the love and support he has given to the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust. Sam was kind enough to speak at the launch of our “One” campaign, where he shared the story of his best schoolmate Bill Nutt, and his journey with traumatic brain injury. It was an incredibly moving speech, which you can view below. Alternatively, you can read this story online by clicking here.

Sam's Story