Cuddle bed fundraising
Fundraising for Cuddle Beds
Bringing Comfort When It Matters Most
At Kalbar Sunflowers, our mission is #sunflowersforgood, spreading joy and comfort through our sunflowers and the causes we support. One of our most heartfelt endeavours is raising funds for cuddle beds to enhance palliative care in hospitals across South East Queensland.
A cuddle bed is a specially designed hospital bed that allows families to lie beside their loved ones during their final days, providing the precious comfort of closeness that a standard hospital bed cannot accommodate. These beds create opportunities for families to share intimate moments—holding hands, embracing, and simply being present together in the most meaningful way.
This initiative is deeply personal to us. It is inspired by the memory of Russell Jenner, the late husband of Jenny and co-founder of Kalbar Sunflowers. During his battle with cancer, Russell found joy in sharing sunflowers with others, bringing smiles to patients and staff alike. In his final days, the absence of a cuddle bed underscored the importance of this comfort. Instead of sleeping in a chair, families deserve the chance to lie beside their loved ones, creating a profound and lasting sense of connection.
Funds raised will help provide these vital beds to hospitals in South East Queensland, ensuring more families can experience the peace and closeness that a cuddle bed offers during life’s most vulnerable moments. Each bed donated includes a plaque acknowledging contributors and sharing the stories of those in whose memory the beds are given, helping to create a legacy of compassion and care.
Your support will make a tangible difference, helping us expand the availability of cuddle beds and providing comfort to countless families when they need it most. Together, we can honour the memory of loved ones and bring the gift of closeness to those facing life’s most challenging moments. If you would like to donate for a specific facility, please email us at info@kalbarsunflowers.com.au.
We would also like to acknowledge the support we are receiving from the Belinda McGowan Foundation. Together we aim to bring cuddle beds to hospitals and hospice facilities in rural and remote areas and south east Queensland.
Boonah Hospital - August 2024
Russell Jenner & the Legacy of Love
26/01/1958 – 26/7/2023
Russell Jenner spent his life working on the land he loved in Kalbar. Known for his lucerne fields and sunflowers, he dedicated himself to the farm that he and his wife, Jenny, nurtured together. Married for 38 years, Russell and Jenny raised two children, Keaton and Tennille, creating a life rooted in love and family.
In December 2021, Russell was diagnosed with stage 4 oesophageal cancer. He faced his battle with quiet strength and kindness. During his 19-month journey, when they had sunflowers blooming, Russell would take bunches every fortnight to the hospital. Sharing the vibrant blooms with fellow patients and staff, he became known as "The Sunflower Man," spreading joy and happiness even during his own fight. His thoughtful gestures brightened the lives of everyone around him.
In his final days, surrounded by the love of his family, Jenny wished for the chance to be closer—to share a final embrace and a moment of connection. Inspired by this experience, Jenny and her family, through fundraising at the Kalbar Sunflower Festival, were able to donate a cuddle bed to Boonah Hospital in Russell’s memory. This special bed allows families to share close moments with their loved ones in their final days, offering comfort when it is needed most.
The cuddle bed stands as a lasting tribute to Russell Jenner, a husband, father, and friend whose love and generosity continue to bring comfort to others.
Ipswich Hospice – January 2025
Michael (Mick) Patrick Hagarty
22/03/1969 to 06/02/2022
Born in Townsville, Mick spent his early years in Cooktown where he had the opportunity to grow up experiencing all the benefits that a country lifestyle brings.
He attended boarding school in Cairns for his secondary years and then graduated from JCU in Townsville as a Mechanical Engineer. During his time at university is where he met Jane and became her soul mate of 36 years. Together they created an amazing family life with their two daughters Carina and Sienna.
Mick was loved and appreciated by many, and he always took the time to help others by sharing his time and learnings in many areas such as engineering, business, property, shares and mindset. His grit was immeasurable, his love for knowledge was incredible and his word was his bond.
He taught many how to “Dream Big” and his legacy lives on in countless ways.
Unfortunately, at the young age of 52, his cancer diagnosis caused an early and unexpected departure from this earthly life and has left a major impact on his family and friends… Not a day goes by that he is greatly missed…
Ipswich Hospice Care provided a loving and caring environment for his final days. He was treated with dignity and respect for which his family will forever be grateful.
Our hope is that this cuddle bed gives future families comfort and provides them with the true sense of kindness, love and support in which it has been provided.
Delma (Del) Myrtle Christensen
25 August 1945 - 28 February 2019
Del was born at Mt Walker but called Kalbar home for most of her life. She was a devoted wife of 51 years to Warren, working alongside him on their small crop farm while raising their two children.
Del was a committed Christian with her life spent giving God the glory. She loved her church family and enjoyed teaching Sunday School for many years as well as Religious Education (RE) at the local school. Del was a great supporter of any church project, lending her skills wherever she could. Del was a trusted and faithful friend to many. She was well known throughout the community for her kindness, always looking to assist those who needed a helping hand, perhaps with a home-cooked meal or baking or an encouraging word, which always came with a smile.
Del loved her family and was adored by them all. The pinnacle of her life was the arrival of six grandchildren and one great granddaughter, bringing her much joy. Her family was her greatest and proudest achievement.
Del was diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer in April 2017 and passed away in February 2019. She is missed and lovingly remembered every day. Del spent her final days at Ipswich Hospice Care where she received beautiful, loving and dignified care for which her family were most grateful.
May this "cuddle bed" be a blessing to all future patients and their families, may it bring comfort, calmness and reassurance on their journey. May they feel the infusion of Del's love and kindness, warm hugs and her smile.
Fassifern Retirement Village, Boonah
MARIE ‘JOYCE’ WARREN
21/08/1925 to 07/08/2023
Joyce loved Boonah and spent her 98 years as an active member of this wonderful community.
Joyce was well known in Boonah for her cooking and catering skills. As a younger woman, she worked in her family owned Paragon Café in High Street. Later, she started her own catering business. Joyce and her trusted band of community women catered for a massive 199 weddings in Boonah and surrounds, as well as Show Balls, Anzac Day luncheons, engagements, school formals and other district events.
A large part of Joyce’s life was her continued participation with the Boonah Church of Christ. When a group was formed by church members to develop the concept of a Retirement Village in Boonah, Joyce, and her husband Roy, were keen supporters.
In order to track the development and life of the Retirement Village, Joyce was asked to keep a ‘scrapbook’ - a book of glued news clippings and photos. These paper scrapbooks still exist – glued articles on paper, portraying history and memories of the past.
Joyce & Roy moved into a unit in the Retirement Village in their late 70’s. Years after Roy’s passing, Joyce moved into the Aged Care wing, spending her last years in care in Ballandool. It is fitting that Joyce passed away here in Boonah, with family, and in this facility.
This cuddle bed is a tribute to Joyce and the community spirit of this town.
As a proud community member all my life, it has been an absolute honour to initiate this cuddle bed project and to have the unwavering support of our local clubs, service groups, and generous individuals who have helped make this possible. Thank you to the following who all contributed to help purchase this bed for our local aged care facility.
Jenny Jenner 20th March, 2025.
Harrisville Lions Club / Fassifern Lions Club / Fassifern Car Club / Boonah Country Markets / Kalbar Sunflowers / Boonah Rotary / The Warren Family / The Belinda McGowan Foundation
Ipswich Hospice Care Kicks Off 30 Years of Service with Dedication of New Cuddle Bed – 20 January 2025
Ipswich Hospice Care has launched its 30th anniversary year with a heartwarming morning tea to celebrate the early arrival of a cuddle bed—a specialised addition that allows families to share close moments during their loved ones’ final days. This significant milestone sets the stage for a year of reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to providing compassionate care for the West Moreton region.
The cuddle bed, dedicated to the memory of Delmah ‘Del’ Christensen and Michael ‘Mick’ Hagarty, is the result of extraordinary generosity from local individuals and organisations. Key contributors include Jenny Jenner who donated the sunflowers from Kalbar Sunflowers, Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch Inc., Club Services Ipswich, the Belinda McGowan Foundation, and members of the Ipswich community who rallied to make this project a reality. We were assisted in the sale of the sunflowers by Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch, Brassall Pharmacy, Footes Pharmacy Grange Road, Footes Pharmacy Raceview and Jane Hagarty.
Attending the event was Councillor Anthony Antonelli, who joined family members, donors, and supporters in celebrating this touching addition to the hospice. Jenny Jenner of Kalbar Sunflowers shared her inspiring story of leading the sunflower fundraiser in memory of her husband, Russell.
Generous contributions fast-tracked the initiative, including $11,500 from Ipswich RSL Sub-Branch and additional donations from Club Services Ipswich ($3,000), the Belinda McGowan Foundation ($4,000), and several anonymous donors. The cuddle bed was in use before Christmas, providing comfort during the festive season.
Mater Hospital South Brisbane - August 2025
vikki alison gordon
23/05/1973 to 02/05/2024
Vikki Alison Gordon, born in Innisfail, Queensland, enjoyed a carefree youth before moving to Brisbane in her teens with her family, including her sister Karen and brother Ben.
Driven by her deep commitment to family and friends, Vikki became a teacher's aide once her children, Jess and Tom, began school. She started in primary education, eventually transitioning to the local high school's special education department. This move sparked her lifelong passion for empowering students and their families.
In late 2018, a routine scan unfortunately revealed locally advanced breast cancer. Vikki received exceptional care at the Mater Hospital, undergoing surgery, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. She continued ongoing treatment until 2022, when the cancer returned, affecting her liver, spine, and ribs.
Despite her terminal diagnosis, the incredible staff at the Mater ensured Vikki maintained the highest possible quality of life, allowing her to see her children grow into adults. Throughout this challenging period, Vikki was surrounded by the unwavering love of her family and friends, continuing to fight with immense courage, cherishing every moment she was given.
As her time approached in May 2024, the compassionate Mater palliative care team went above and beyond. They facilitated arrangements within the hospital so Vikki could attend her daughter's wedding to Kirra, and honouring her final wish, helping her pass away peacefully at home, surrounded by her husband, family, friends, and her cherished dog, Audrey.
"Cuddle beds" are profoundly important for families navigating these situations, offering essential comfort to patients and allowing loved ones to maximise their precious, shared time. Vikki's journey highlights the invaluable role of such supportive care.
Ipswich general hospital - August 2025
tony fortune
23/10/1962 to 28/04/2023
This Cuddle Bed is dedicated to the memory of Tony Fortune, a much-loved husband, father, and friend whose life was filled with warmth, humour, and sunflowers.
In January 2023, Tony was diagnosed with Stage 4 Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Just 100 days later, he passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love he was 60 just years old.
Tony and his wife, Peta, shared 31 wonderful years together. He was her constant companion and her “cheeky bugger,” and she was his “Sunflower Girl.” Their story began when Tony brought Peta a sunflower he’d pulled from the roadside—roots and all. From that day, sunflowers became part of their life together. They filled their wedding, brightened difficult times, and inspired the sunflower tattoo Tony gave Peta for her 50th birthday. Before he died, he asked that she add a small bee to the tattoo to represent him. Despite being allergic to bees, he always said she was his sunflower and his light.
Tony wished to spend his final days at home, and thanks to the dedicated palliative care team from Ipswich Hospital, this was possible.
He was endlessly proud of their three sons—Jack, Thomas, and Harrison—who cared for him with devotion and helped make his last days peaceful and filled with love.
This Cuddle Bed will be there for others going through the same journey, offering comfort, closeness, and the chance to share precious moments together.
This bed honours Tony’s memory and the love he shared with everyone around him.
hummingbird house - cherMside brisbane
Palliative Care Hospice for Children
Thanks to your compassion and commitment, Hummingbird House now has a cuddle bed—a special hospital bed that allows parents to lie beside their baby or child during end-of-life care. It’s something so simple, yet so profoundly important. In moments where words fall short, this bed offers closeness. It allows a mum to wrap her arms around her little one, a dad to hold their child’s hand through the night, or parents to curl up beside their baby one last time. It brings comfort, connection, and the chance to be together as a family when every second counts.
The beauty of your sunflower fields has always brought joy to so many, but now your kindness will bring peace and love to families facing the unimaginable. Your support ensures that no parent ever feels alone in those precious, heartbreaking final moments—and that’s a legacy of love that will stay with them forever.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.
Claire Wilson
Specialist Corporate Partnerships
Fundraising
