What began as a heartfelt gift for a terminally ill friend has become a life-altering passion for Melton’s Jenny Howell-Clarke.
In 2012, Ms Howell-Clarke launched The Orange Pigeon, an organisation that grants wishes for terminally ill adults.
The charity was inspired by her friend, Nadine Webber, who in 2011 was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer and given six months to live.
Ms Howell-Clarke is one of three women nominated for the 2013 BrainLink women of achievement award, to be announced on October 29. The award honours women who make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Ms Howell-Clarke says The Orange Pigeon began in an effort to cheer up her friend. Knowing Ms Webber was a diehard Geelong Football Club fan, Ms Howell-Clarke went to great lengths to secure two tickets to the 20011 AFL grand final. “I looked up wish-granting organisations for adults, but nothing came up,” she said. “I couldn’t buy tickets because it was sold out. I contacted the AFL, I wrote to people and rang people, trying so hard. But I couldn’t get them.”
On the eve of the grand final, Ms Howell-Clarke received a call from Toyota and 3AW, each of which had learned of her search and organised tickets for her to give to Ms Webber.
So, the Orange Pigeon was born. “I said to my husband that we had to keep doing this,” Ms Howell-Clarke said. “We have just completed our 20th wish.” Granted wishes have included airfares to visit loved ones and a 21st birthday party.
BrainLink chief executive Sharon Strugnell said Ms Howell-Clarke had gone above and beyond to help others. “Jenny is determined to make small differences in people’s lives,” Ms Strugnell said. “Her dedication is phenomenal and she manages to do it all while managing her own life and running her own family. She’s a truly worthy candidate for the award, an inspiration for everyone.”
