Philanthropist Ros Worthington dies after terminal lung cancer diagnosis

Celebrated philanthropist and Medal of the Order of Australia recipient Ros Worthington has died after making the brave decision to end her life.

West Australian philanthropist Ros Worthington OAM has died after choosing to terminate her life.

The 73-year-old – who was the driving force behind a number of charities in WA including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Love Angels Foundation and Breast Cancer Care WA – was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer after contracting a cold in late July.

After a series of tests in Geraldton and then in Perth, Dr Worthington was given just eight weeks to live.

“The specialist said, ‘Well, I’m really sorry to tell you Ros, you have stage four lung cancer, and it’s metastasised to your brain’,” she told the ABC last month.

“And (my son and I) looked at each other and it was just shock.”

Dr Ros Worthington OAM has died after choosing to end her life.

Under WA’s Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD) legislation, which was enacted in July 2021, Dr Worthington organised to end her life on her own terms.

As a long-time supporter of the laws, she invited a documentary film crew to follow her own end-of-life journey.

“I do want to leave the impact that voluntary assisted dying can be one of the most beautiful experiences that you could ever have, but more importantly, for your family,” she said.

“No one wants to die in pain. I don’t want to die in pain. Also I don’t want to die, but I don’t have any options left.”

Dr Worthington with ABC Perth breakfast radio host Mark Gibson. Picture: Facebook

Dr Worthington with ABC Perth breakfast radio host Mark Gibson. Picture: Facebook

The celebrated patron and charity worker used her final weeks to hold a living wake, as well as plan her own farewell and reassure loved ones that she was at peace with the decision.

“It’s really wonderful, because you always hear the accolades after someone dies,” Dr Worthington said.

“I’m actually getting the accolades and the love from everyone around WA now.

“It’s like, the love that’s out there for me is just keeping me lifted.”

ABC Perth breakfast radio presenter Mark Gibson led the touching tributes to Dr Worthington on Sunday.

“Dear Ros, I was so lucky to know you and so lucky to get the chance to say goodbye. You made the world a better place. Fly freely now,” he said.

Dr Worthington was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in late July. Picture; Facebook

Despite her own grief, Dr Worthington had told the ABC the diagnosis had given her an opportunity to reconnect and reflect.

“I know I’m very proud of what I’ve achieved in my life,” she said.

“Never stopped and thought about it. Always thought, ‘Oh, no, don’t make a show’ but now I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve done, and I will leave an impact.”

Her final message to the broader community was to “love your family”.

“If there is conflict or anything, leave it over your shoulder,” Dr Worthington said.

“Start now, because the most important thing when you are dying is your family, and that’s all that matters.

“Don’t worry about how much money you’ve got how much you haven’t got, just family.”

Originally published as Philanthropist Ros Worthington dies after terminal lung cancer diagnosis