We are saddened to hear about the passing of Gut Cancer Foundation patron, Dame Rosie Horton.
Patron Dame Rosemary Horton DNZM QSO QSM was a philanthropist and mentor for New Zealand charities. Her passion and focus for her charitable work spanned over 40 years. She was the founding Chair of the following: Friends of Aotea Trust, The Aotea Centre Performing Arts Trust, Friends of Starship and Patron of the Starship Foundation, chair of NZ Breast Cancer Foundation and a support to numerous other charitable organisations.
In 2011 she became a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to philanthropy. She was named EY ASB Social Entrepreneur 2013. Other awards include the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal, the Mayors Living Legend Award in Auckland, Distinguished Citizen of Auckland Award and The Catherine Variety Sheridon Award from the children’s charity Variety. The Henry A Rosso Award for Ethical Fundraising.
GCF ambassador Anne Hargreaves, the wife of the late Paul Hargreaves, said "with the passing of Dame Rosie Horton, the Gut Cancer Foundation has lost its original patron. Rosie took up the mantel to honour and support her close friend, Paul, an early pancreatic cancer survivor and first chair of the foundation which Professor Michael Findlay founded to raise funds to support research and trials. During that time, Rosie lent her active support to fundraising, on occasion hosting events, together with her husband, Michael, at their home in Remuera. A tireless and creative worker for many charities, Dame Rosie leaves an enormous gap among so many friends, sponsors and volunteers".
Our thoughts go out to her friends and family. She will be missed.