Thanks A Million campaign: Sue Bennett’s message for her sister, Sydney naturopath Ali Brooker

How the simple act of love and kindness from her sister changed the course of Sue Bennett’s year.

Nominations for hardworking nurses, firefighters who helped save their communities and small business owners who went online to keep providing services in 2020 keep pouring in for the Thanks A Million campaign.

And others are being honoured simply for being there.

Sydney naturopath Ali Brooker was nominated by her sister Sue Bennett for her love and support, particularly since Sue’s husband Peter passed away 18 months ago.

“Ali is extraordinary,” Ms Bennett said of her little sister in her nomination. “She has put me first often during COVID-19, texting me each day, often coming over after work and bringing a meal or flowers. We’ve gone for walks together and she has listened to my great sadness at my husband passing last year.”

Sue Bennett lost her husband last year and her sister Alison would bring around meals and flowers to keep her sister’s spirits up. Picture: Tim Hunter

Ms Brooker said the nomination was such a surprise, her sister’s kind words left her in tears.

“I was so touched,” Ms Brooker said. “I had been through a bit of a tough time when I got divorced after 40 years of marriage, so I just wanted to make sure my sister was okay, especially during COVID-19 when so many people were struggling.

“We have always been close, but we became closer when Sue’s husband was sick. At the time I thought there were so many people looking after Peter, but nobody was checking in on Sue. Then when COVID-19 hit, I think we became ever closer.

“Our other sister lives in Queensland and Sue’s three children all live away from home, two overseas and one in South Australia, so I wanted to make sure she wasn’t alone.”

The sisters, who live in neighbouring north shore suburbs, get together for dinner most Wednesday nights, go for walks along Balmoral Esplanade and watch feel-good movies on Netflix. But they haven’t always been able to enjoy such a close bond.

“I lived in the country before I got divorced, in the Hunter Region, and we didn’t speak much because we were busy with our families,” Ms Brooker said. “It’s nice now, we live close to each other and we are probably closer than ever before.”

To nominate someone and say thanks, go to thanksamillion.net.au and they could receive a $200 Woolworths Gift Card.

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