When Olympian Louise Dobson OAM agreed to host a Jeans for Genes event for Children’s Medical Research Institute’s Canberra Fundraising Committee, she didn’t have a personal connection to the cause – but she ended up leaving a very personal donation.

Ms Dobson played hockey for Australia and represented her country at the 1996 Olympic Games where she won gold. She also won gold and bronze medals at the 1998 and 2002 Commonwealth Games.

Since retiring from sport, Ms Dobson works as a professional MC and is friends with a member of the Canberra Fundraising Committee who asked her to host their event.

Ms Dobson said that meeting the committee was a real revelation.

“I thought the committee showed real passion about this wonderful cause that they all support,’’ she said. “So much work had gone into the event and the setting for the High Tea was just superb.’’

One of the committee members has a grandson living with cystic fibrosis and Ms Dobson said hearing personal stories was very moving.

“When you see real life stories in the room that show the importance of supporting research like this it really makes it personal for all those that are there to support the Institute and the event.

“Everyone can play a part in leading a healthy lifestyle and making choices that benefit their health and wellbeing. Not everyone will get the opportunity to play on the world stage, but everyone can play a part in supporting the value of health day to day.’’

Ms Dobson was so moved she made a very personal donation to CMRI, which represented her career highlights.

“I wanted my donation to the Institute to have a reflection on my active professional sporting career which incorporated the international games I played, the number of goals I scored at the international level and the number I wore at the Olympic Games.’’

Canberra Committee member Wendy Swan said she was also grateful to Ms Dobson for securing former rugby league international Ricky Stuart who was guest speaker.

“Louise brought an air of compassion to our high tea and was very well versed in CMRI’s cause and the importance of fundraising to support the Institute’s dedicated researchers.’’