Fred always the life of the party

The English expat enjoyed an Alfred party, with his love for music taking hold. Even later in life, after several strokes, Fred was central to many Alfred events – even taking on the role of conductor of the string quartet at a Christmas function in 2018.  

The Alfred is incredibly grateful to Fred for his gift in his Will, reflecting his strong affinity with The Alfred for almost 20 years. 

Fred immigrated to Australia from Manchester in the 1950s as a young man in his 20s. Meeting his lifelong partner, Dot, on the voyage over, Fred worked as a tool maker at General Motors in Port Melbourne until retirement. His passion for fishing took him all around the world. 

Dot was treated for cancer at The Alfred and spent a considerable amount of time at Caulfield Hospital in rehab. Fred was thrilled to call The Alfred his local hospital, attending the emergency department several times. 

A proud Englishman, Fred was determined to become naturalised as an Australian, which he achieved two months before his passing. Fred had no blood family in Australia, but enjoyed close relationships with Ann Diggens and June Clark, who became Fred’s carers after his stroke.  

Ann and June are both honoured to have had Fred in their lives and make it a practice to get together on his birthday every August. This year we invited them to join us here at The Alfred in acknowledgment of the wonderful lifesaving gift that Fred left to the hospital – another Alfred event enjoyed by all. 

For further information about leaving a gift in your Will to The Alfred, please phone Feygl or Sue on 03 9076 3222.