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Friends Dennis and Keran remember Anne as someone who was loyal, compassionate and intensely private. She valued her friendships and was a great conversationalist, always willing to listen as much as she contributed. 

“Anne was very considered in her life and in the generosity of her giving,” they say. “When making the initial gifts in her Will there was a reluctance on her part to be acknowledged with naming recognition on the ambulances her gift would fund because she wanted no personal kudos.”

Anne lived with purpose and that same thoughtfulness was reflected in her generosity. When including a gift in her Will to Wellington Free Ambulance, rather than seeking recognition, she wanted to know her gift would make a genuine and lasting difference for the people who rely on our service. 

Dennis and Keran say Anne was “very cognisant of the vulnerable in our community, both human and animal”.  She had a special place in her heart for animals that had been abandoned or hurt in some way and supported a range of charitable organisations throughout her life.  

When planning her legacy, Anne chose to spread the benefits of her giving across several charities rather than concentrating her support in one place. Dennis and Keran explain, “she sought to spread the benefits to many rather than enriching a few. She wanted to be sure her gifts would make a difference” knowing they would help improve lives long into the future. 

Anne’s bequest to Wellington Free Ambulance has funded three new frontline ambulances. Over their lifetime, these ambulances will respond to thousands of emergencies across Greater Wellington and Wairarapa, helping our paramedics reach patients quickly and deliver life-changing and lifesaving care when every minute counts. 

Claire Carruthers, General Manager, Fundraising, Communications and Community Programmes, says Anne’s incredible generosity will continue helping people for many years to come. 

“Anne wanted her gifts to make a practical difference, and that’s exactly what these ambulances will do. When I met Anne, she was able to see the impact of her generosity during her lifetime, and it’s incredibly special that she then chose to continue that support through a gift in her Will. Every day, these ambulances will help our paramedics reach people in urgent need, and over their lifetime they’ll support thousands of patients across Greater Wellington and Wairarapa. It’s a remarkable legacy that will touch thousands of lives and continue benefiting our community for years to come.”  

Although Anne preferred to stay out of the spotlight, her legacy will continue every time one of her ambulances responds to a call for help.  Her kindness, compassion and desire to help others will continue to make a difference for our patients, our community and generations to come. 

Considering leaving a gift in your Will? 

A gift in your Will can help ensure Wellington Free Ambulance is here for future generations, just as it has been for our communities for nearly 100 years. 

If you'd like to learn more about leaving a gift in your Will, or if you're considering including Wellington Free Ambulance in your plans, we'd love to hear from you. Please email giftinwill@wfa.org.nz or visit our dedicated gifts in Will webpage.