A Journey of Love and Loss and 100 Donations

Sue Edwards’ unwavering support of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) began on 27 April 2016, with a generous first donation of $5,000. Just a few months later, in July 2016, she began making regular monthly donations of $100. Over the years, Sue’s steadfast commitment has grown into an extraordinary achievement—she is the first donor to make 100 donations to CHeBA. This milestone is a testament not just to her financial support, but to her unwavering belief in the importance of dementia research and care.

Sue’s personal connection to dementia research is profound. Her grandmother, Amy Moses, was descended from Uriah Moses, a young convict who arrived on the First Fleet. Uriah’s son, the Hon. Henry Moses, donated land at Ryde for the first hospital in the colony, which subsequently became the “home” of Dementia Australia. This deep family link reinforces Sue’s passion for supporting research that could one day ease the burdens of dementia for future generations. 

Sue’s involvement with CHeBA became even more personal and inspired after attending CHeBA’s Living to 100 Conference on supercentenarians, returning home “all fired up” and deeply moved by the kindness and superb organisational skills of the CHeBA team.

However, it was her husband’s diagnosis that was the catalyst for her support of research, and just over a year ago, on 19 May 2024, Sue said goodbye to her beloved husband Ted. Sue and Ted’s journey with cognitive decline began in December 2018, when Ted received the result of an MRI that stated: “moderate age related cerebral cortical atrophy with changes related to microvascular ischaemia.” It was a moment that marked the start of their shared battle against the disease, a journey that would shape the final years of Ted’s life and the depth of Sue’s care.

Ted’s birth date was 11 May, a month filled with memories for Sue—given that on 13 May 1983, her only brother was tragically shot in Zambia. And on 12 May 2023, Ted left home for palliative care at Gosford Hospital. Then, on 19 May 2024, Edward Lawson “Ted” Edwards, passed away.

Born on Mother’s Day in 1938, Ted was the “perennial optimist,” a man of deep kindness and unwavering positivity. He was a devoted husband to Sue, father to Emily and Andy, grandfather to Isabella and William, and a cherished brother.

Ted was everyone’s best friend…wise, generous and good. So universally loved.

Ted's family

Ted is part of a rich Australian history. His forbear discovered the way across the Blue Mountains in 1813, and in 2013, Ted took part in the re-enactment of the Crossing of the Blue Mountains. He was also an avid polo player and long before the days of Kerry Packer, when polo became professionalised, pastoralists used to play polo at Scone on their stock horses. In the late 1970s, Ted was asked to play polo with Prince Charles while he was staying at Belltrees, Scone. On one occasion, Ted hit the ball up to Prince Charles and, in his loud regimental sergeant’s voice, called out, “Your ball, Charlie boy!”—which was of course heard by all on the field and by the onlookers. Although it was with regret that he was unable to make it, His Royal Highness subsequently invited Ted to play polo with him in England, assuring him it wouldn’t cost him anything, as he would lodge and mount him.

In the weeks before Ted’s death, Sue described the peace that enveloped their home. After a long dinner and meditation session at Bateau Bay, she woke to rain on the Perspex roof and sunlight glistening on the bougainvillea - “like diamonds or tiny fairy lights.” As the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh would say, “Waking up this morning, I smiled. Twenty-four brand new hours were before me.”

Sue’s reflections reveal her enduring strength, grace and grit throughout Ted’s illness. In 2018, she wrote with gentle humour about Ted’s early Alzheimer’s diagnosis and her efforts to navigate the maze of My Aged Care, ACAT, and dementia trials. Despite the challenges, she cared for Ted at home, finding joy and meaning even in the smallest of moments—whether in quiet conversations on the balcony or in the comfort of familiar routines.

By late 2023, as Ted’s health continued to decline, Sue found herself stretched thin by the demands of caregiving. She worked tirelessly to secure home care and palliative support for Ted, ultimately welcoming the warm and capable care of the Gosford Palliative Care team.
In Sue’s own words:

"Until his last week Ted was at home and at peace (mostly) in the centre of our living room in a hospital bed under the auspices of a palliative care team. My grieving so far has been amazingly lessened by those four precious weeks in the bubble of caring for him."

Sue Edwards

Sue’s story is one of love, loss, and acceptance. Even as she navigates the aftermath of Ted’s passing, she finds solace in simple joys—meditation, mindful mornings, and the memory of a life well-lived. Her personal mantra, crafted to keep her balanced through life’s ups and downs, is an inspiring testament to resilience:

• L – Laugh as often as possible, Love in the broadest sense, and Listen well
• G – Gratitude, Grace and Grit
• B – Watch the Breath
• T – Tolerance, Trust and Truth
• A – Acceptance, Attitude and Adaptability 

Sue’s milestone of 100 donations to CHeBA underscores the powerful impact that long-term giving can have on critical research and community support. Her unwavering spirit—and her enduring dedication—remind us of the profound difference one person can make in the lives of many.

In memory of Ted, and in honour of Sue’s quiet strength and remarkable generosity, we are deeply grateful.

Join Sue in making a lasting impact

Every dollar counts. Your donation directly supports CHeBA’s vital research into preventing, detecting and treating dementia. Here’s how your contribution can help:

Make your tax-deductible donation.

Dontate now