Heymo’s Forty Thieves Golf Day was first conceived and run by Bruce Heymanson (Heymo) in 2002. The Day was a wonderful way to bring together several of Bruce’s great passions; golf, his mates, charity and a few drinks and tall tales thrown in for good measure.
Over the years the event has raised a significant amount for charitable causes, but principally Berry Street. Berry Street is a not-for-profit, non-government organization that has been supporting children and families since 1877. They work with children and young people who have often suffered great distress and significant harm growing up in families where violence, neglect, abuse, trauma and poverty have prevented them from having a good childhood. It was a cause Bruce felt very strongly about.
Due to Bruce’s illness, Forty Thieves was not staged in 2012, but returned, due to high demand, in 2013 in honor and memory of Heymo and his tireless charitable efforts. It is now being run by two of his children, Nicki and Greg, and Barry Young, for whom Bruce was a long time friend and mentor.
In October 2013, the event was played at one of Australia’s premier private golf clubs, The National Golf Club. Over 25 teams participated, raising over $20,000. All of the funds raised went to support the incredible work of the Oncology Unit of Epworth Medical Foundation – the Unit who took such wonderful care of Bruce during his year-long cancer battle. We consider it his family’s and friends’ way of saying “thank you”.
The proceeds of 2015’s event supported The Heymanson Family Oncology Nurse Scholarship. This perpetual scholarship has been made possible due to the generosity and compassion of Bruce Heymanson. His wife Rosalie and their three children are proud to honour his legacy in such a valuable way.
In 2016, all funds raised from 40 Thieves will help fund the SHRINC Clinical Trial; a research project testing a new treatment for patients where cancer has spread to three or more spots in the brain. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether improved radiation planning technology can be used to treat multiple sites of cancer within the brain, and at the same time protect and preserve brain (memory and cognitive) function. This donation is made in memory of Phillip Peel, much loved brother of Rosalie Heymanson, a close mate of Heymo’s and a regular participant in 40 Thieves events over the years. Phillip passed away in August 2016 after a hard fought battle with cancer.
Heymo and Epworth — A Long Association
Bruce Heymanson was just twenty-five and had only married Rosalie six months earlier, when his beloved mum Marion passed away. She died after a painful battle with stomach cancer at Epworth Hospital in August 1965.
Her loss marked the beginning of a long association with Epworth Hospital for Bruce and Rosalie. Over the course of 48 years their support has ranged from substantial financial contributions, to volunteering in the office and organisation of fundraising dinners and events.
In early 2012 Bruce was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and refused to be treated anywhere else but Epworth Hospital. He and his family developed many close relationships with the Oncology staff during his treatment. They will be forever grateful for the excellent support and care that Bruce was given.
Sadly, Bruce passed away on the 10th January 2013. On his 70th birthday in 2010, Bruce was asked how he would like to be remembered. His response: “Fondly and often.”
We can think of no better way to remember him than by continuing the tradition of his beloved Forty Thieves Golf Day and maintaining the close relationship he enjoyed with Epworth.