Townsville Chiefs prison officer league team charity act for Townsville Hospital

A rugged rugby league team comprised of hardened prison officers has melted hearts through a touching act of charity for the kids of terminal cancer patients.

Townsville Chiefs player Berry Tuia with Kim Lawton's grandchildren Hazley, Betsy and Burkley, and daughter Brooke White at Townsville University Hospital’s palliative care unit. Picture: Shae Beplate

A rugged rugby league team comprised of hardened prison officers has melted hearts with an extraordinary act of kindness for the children and grandchildren of terminal cancer patients.

A Townsville University Hospital spokesman said on Wednesday that a $4300 donation from the Townsville Chiefs allowed for the refurbishment of the children’s play area in its palliative care unit.

The masters’ team of correctional services staff also revealed that the fundraising effort was inspired by a former colleague and supporter, Kim Lawton, who passed away in March 2023 after bravely battling brain cancer.

She was just 59.

Ms Lawton’s daughter and Chiefs supporter, Brooke White, thanked the team for honouring her mother’s memory with the donation and the palliative care unit for its services to the community.

“My mum’s grandchildren were her world, she loved her daughters but her grandchildren were next level,” she said.

“Obviously, when we were coming up here bringing children, it was hard because there wasn’t a lot for kids, so we just thought it would be a really good space so families could feel free to bring children along … to see them in those last few days.”

Former Queensland Corrective Services officer Brooke White, a proud supporter of the Townsville Chiefs rugby league team, passed away from brain cancer in 2023. The team donated $4300 for the refurbishment of the children’s play area in the Townsville University Hospital palliative care unit as well as a memorial plaque. Picture: Supplied

The refurbishment included specially designed wallpaper, toys, a TV and a plaque dedicated to Ms Lawton and her family.

Ms Lawton said the upgrade had had an immediate impact.

“Just watching the kids in there this morning, it’s been lovely with all the new books … the boys on the little games machine, they seem to love that … the TV is another thing that draws the kids in there now.”

She said her mother would have loved the improvements.

“Just knowing that we’ve made it easier for other people to have their grandchildren there is massive.”

Kim Lawton's grandchildren Hazley, Betsy and Burkley, at the Townsville University Hospital palliative care unit. Picture: Shae Beplate

The Chiefs are well known at TUH with a long history of raising money for the hospital and health service (THHS).

“Our big thing as locals is just trying to give back to our community in a way that everyone can be touched,” member Russ Longson said.

“The group is currently preparing for its 5th year providing gifts to all children spending Christmas in hospital.”

Palliative medicine staff specialist Dr Rachel O’Neil said the care-centre team were grateful for the revamp.

“This initiative not only reflects the Townsville Chiefs’ commitment to community but also creates lasting positive impacts for families navigating a difficult journey together,” she said.

“We couldn’t be more thankful.”

Originally published as Townsville Chiefs prison officer league team charity act for Townsville Hospital