A resplendent $35,000 bracelet, crafted by a jewellery business owner in memory of his wife, is being raffled off for a good cause.
The Kristy-Elle Heirloom Bracelet was donated to Katie Rose Cottage Hospice as the prize of the competition, with proceeds to go towards the unique facility.
The fundraiser was launched by Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart at Noosa Civic Shopping Centre last month.
The bracelet is a combination of diamonds, pink tourmaline, rose quartz and amethyst nestled in 18-carat white gold.Long-term Noosa family business Priest Jewellers donated the eye-catching jewellery, custom-designed by owner Eliahi Priest in memory of his wife Kristy-Elle, who spent her last days at the hospice.
Mr Priest said: “I called it Kristy-Elle bracelet because my beautiful wife passed away from cancer last year after a courageous and powerful 12-month battle with that horrible disease.
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“I was her primary carer for that 12 months and at times it was full-time.
“I’m proud to say in the 12 months of Kristy-Elle’s cancer she spent only a handful of nights in hospital.
“When we finally arrived at Katie Rose, we were lucky enough that Kristy-Elle was able to have a bed and I could just let go and be with my wife while Katie Rose took over.
“I have never witnessed or experienced care like the care that Katie Rose gave in my entire life.
“In those moments, I made a resolution to myself that I’d step up and help Katie Rose, and will continue to for the rest of our time here in Noosa.
“We love Katie Rose and welcome the rest of the Noosa community to really comprehend and understand how important palliative care is in our community.
“All of us will one day pass through those gates.”
Katie Rose spokesperson Leigh McCready said the hospice was a unique facility in Australia.
“It is the only cottage-style hospice which is not assisted by funds from a church or part of a hospital,” she said. “We are primarily funded by the community, as only 20 per cent of our nursing costs are covered by the Queensland Government. “The 80 per cent gap is covered by wonderful Noosa and broader Sunshine Coast community members, who recognise that having Katie Rose Cottage makes us a better, stronger, more caring place to live. “Not everyone knows that our palliative care service is provided at no cost to the guests and families who stay with us, which means we rely on the generosity and support of our local businesses and community to deliver our service. “Priest Jewellers has been a long-term supporter of the work we do.
“They came to us with the idea of creating a unique piece of jewellery called the Kristy-Elle Heirloom Bracelet, which has a written valuation of $35,000.
“There will only be 5000 tickets sold.”
Cr Stewart thanked Mr Priest on behalf of the Noosa community.
“In those final moments, a lot of people say things and life goes on, but you made a commitment and you stuck to it for Kristy-Elle,“ she said.
“This is really changing lives for people who are going through the toughest part of their life with loved ones.
“As a community, we are so fortunate to have Katie Rose.
“It is just remarkable the work that they do and we are so proud of the organisation and the local businesses like Priest who get behind charities.” Ticket buyers will be able to view the bracelet at Priest Jewellers until June 8 and the winner will be drawn on June 10 at the annual Katie Rose Cottage Forget-me-not Gala. Tickets can be purchased at RaffleTix.
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