Couple give back to adopted home
A KIRWAN couple plans to bequeath most of their estate, including their house, cars and super, to a local charity.
Mark and Steph Daniels say they have drawn up a will that leaves all their possessions, bar Steph’s jewellery, to the Ronald McDonald House North Queensland.
“We have been thinking for many years who to leave a legacy to and we can think of no better charity than the Ronald McDonald House in Townsville,” Mr Daniels, 59, said. “The charity can either use our house as a family house or they can sell it and use the proceeds to enhance the already great services they provide the families of sick children.”
The Townsville Hospital- adjacent facility can accommodate over 100 people each night. The average length of stay for families is two to three months.
The charity also assists families with travel, clothing, food and other essentials they need during a medical emergency.
Mr and Mrs Daniels have six children between them, one is Mr Daniel’s biological child and five are Mrs Daniel’s biological children.
When asked what their children think of their generous bequeath, Mr Daniels said: “It’s our decision, it’s our money. Our kids are all grown up and have good jobs and homes of their own. They don’t need our money.
“This is our money to do as we please, and we choose to bequeath the money to Ronald McDonald House. We didn’t want to leave our money to some big charitable organisation where you just don’t know where the money will end up or if it will be used effectively.”
Mr and Mrs Daniels met in Canberra 10 years ago when they were both working in the public service.
Both left the public service four years ago when Steph was diagnosed with cancer. “After that we bought our own motel in outback New South Wales and we did it up and sold it,” he said.
“Moving to Townsville has been a great decision. The main priority is Steph’s health and the hospital and medical facilities in Townsville are second to none.”
The Daniels moved to Townsville in January and are in the midst of renovating their Kirwan house.
“Although we don’t really know anyone in Townsville, we love the tropics and you don’t get a better tropical city than Townsville,” he said.
“We love going to The Strand, eating at the Odyssey Cafe, taking the drive to Frosty Mango. Simple activities like that mean a lot to us.”