Devastated fans flood Olivia Newton John Cancer and Wellness Centre with donations

The cancer wellness and research centre named after Olivia Newton John says they are overwhelmed by the public’s support as fans donate in her honour.

Olivia Newton-John’s centre has been inundated with calls in the aftermath of the beloved star’s death, as they vow to continue her lifesaving legacy.

The cancer wellness and research centre named after her says they are overwhelmed by the public’s support as devastated fans begun to donate in honour.

The centre, based at the Austin Hospital, has launched a fundraising page in her memory, while the late icon’s annual charity walk in Melbourne has pledged to march on.

Austin Health fundraising director Debbie Shiell said the “overwhelming love and support Olivia has received from all over the world has warmed our hearts”.

“We are humbled and want to thank those of you who have joined us and donated to the ONJ Centre to honour Olivia,” she said.

“We have been so grateful people have shared their memories of Olivia through us and also thought of the wonderful heartbroken staff at the ONJ Centre also at this sad time.”

Olivia Newton-John at the Cancer Wellness and Research Centre named in her honour. Picture: Nicole Cleary.

She said they “want to assure everyone Olivia’s legacy will live on”.

“We know this (ONJ) Centre was important to her, we know how proud she was of her name on the building and we’re going to honour everything she ever gave to us,” she said.

“We will continue to fundraise to continue to provide the wellness therapies that Olivia found so helpful, and she wanted everyone to have access to.

“The gift she has given people will live on forever. Her legacy leaves me speechless.”

“For those who have asked, you can donate to the ONJ Centre and leave your message of gratitude.”

Devastated fans have already begun to pledge money to her beloved centre, sharing tributes that spoke of Newton-John’s love, compassion, joy and strength.

Other donors reflected on their personal experiences with cancer, and how Newton-John had helped inspire them.

Olivia’s Walk For Wellness will also go ahead — as Newton-John intended, before her tragic passing on Tuesday — at the Alexandra Gardens on October 9.

Olivia with family and friends at the Wellness Walk. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Newton-John had planned the 2022 walk, was “excited” about it, but had no plans to travel to Melbourne this time, because she was receiving cancer treatment.

Ms Shiell said Olivia, who regularly attended the walk, “always told us she loved this event”.

“We want to make this walk very special for her,” she said.

“The walk was a way for her to see how so many people were walking for her, for her dream, and for the centre. She felt love at the event, and joy, and hope.”

Olivia’s Walk For Wellness live event will be capped at 6000 people. Tickets are $65 per person, and $20 for dogs.

Organisers hope more walkers join the cause virtually, as they did during lockdowns, and more details will be released soon.

“With the virtual component, we’re hoping people sign up, walk wherever they are in the world, and keep Olivia’s dream alive,” she said.

Newton John’s family, including niece Tottie Goldsmith, is expected to take part in the walk. It is not known if Olivia’s daughter, Chloe, or husband John Easterling, who have walked at past events, will attend in October.

To donate to the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre click here.