At 58, Bruce Burton has had many experiences with the medical system.

In his late teens he was severely injured in a car accident and spent most of his twenties recovering from the head injuries he sustained and the resulting mobility issues.

A resilient man, Bruce recovered and qualified as a carpenter. He gained a diploma in building and construction – a trade he put to good use, constructing houses (including his own), site management and building maintenance.

Bruce first came to know WEHI when he applied for a job with the institute. While unsuccessful with his application, he was impressed by what he learned about WEHI’s extensive medical research programs – particularly the areas that he could connect with most, due to his own personal experiences.

Bruce’s mother died as a result of breast cancer at age 55, and his father, a diabetic, eventually died from Parkinson’s disease. Bruce was inspired by the fact that WEHI has so many researchers working across diseases that have directly affected his own family, and many more.

Bruce lives by his own personal mantra: “I always say to myself, make a difference.”

In recent years Bruce was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He decided then to make a legacy gift through his Will to WEHI, to “make a difference for future generations.”

In his words: “I have experienced firsthand what medical research can do, and how it has already helped to extend my life expectancy. Without it, I would have been dead long ago.”

Bruce made the decision to leave a significant percentage of his estate to support medical research at WEHI and hopes to set an example for others to follow. He humbly says: “This is my chance to give back to society, and do so in a bigger way than I can in my lifetime.”

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Header image: Bruce with his sister Kim at the WEHI Society Festive Lunch in December 2024.