Australian fashion icon Jennifer Hawkins and retired paediatrician (turned artist) Dr Cliff Hosking were today announced as dual Patrons of the Hunter Children’s Research Foundation (HCRF).

Australian fashion icon Jennifer Hawkins and retired paediatrician (turned artist) Dr Cliff Hosking were today announced as dual Patrons of the Hunter Children’s Research Foundation (HCRF).

The Foundation, formed in 1996, celebrated its $1 million fundraising milestone last year and recently awarded a record total of grants for a wide variety of research projects.

“We are delighted to have Cliff and Jennifer as our patrons,” Janelle Shakespeare, founding member and current Chair of HCRF, said.

“Cliff was instrumental in the establishment of HCRF. In fact for the past 16 years he has supported and encouraged our charity every step of the way, despite having a gruelling schedule when head of the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.

“Jennifer, meanwhile, has been a fantastic ambassador for the Hunter. Being a local girl from a well respected family, she has shown that despite fame she has remained grounded and gracious at all times.

“We are extremely proud to have them both as our patrons.”

Lorraine Gardner, co-founder and current Secretary and Treasurer, added: “It is 16 years this month since Janelle and I had our first meeting with Dr Cliff Hosking and just 12 months ago that HCRF reached the amazing total of $1 million in funds raised.

“To continue our fundraising momentum we are aware of the need to take HCRF’s profile to the next level and with the support of our amazing patrons, Cliff and Jennifer, we are assured of a successful future.”

The increased profile will also help to continue attracting the best paediatricians to the Hunter Region and contribute to the training of younger doctors and scientists.Cliff attended the Patron announcement at the John Hunter Children’s Hospital today, visiting a number of children in the wards and also meeting parents in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Bio: Jennifer Hawkins

If ever a young woman has led a fairy tale life it is Jennifer Hawkins, the former Knights rugby league cheerleader who was crowned Miss Universe in 2004.

Born in Newcastle as the youngest of four children to Gail and Robert Hawkins, Jennifer won the Miss Universe title at the tender age of 20.

Suddenly her world revolved around a luxurious apartment in New York and global travels as an ambassador for HIV/AIDS awareness.

Jennifer has since graced the cover of every major fashion magazine in Australia. She is a guest presenter for Channel 9’s Getaway program, founder of her own swimwear label and the marketing face of department store Myer among other international fashion and beauty houses.

At the same time, Jennifer remains conscious of her public responsibilities and has supported many worthwhile charities, including Sydney Cancer Foundation, The Sydney Children’s Hospital, Canteen and Make-a-Wish Foundation.

“I really wanted to support HCRF as they do so much for community. I grew up in Newcastle so it’s very close to my heart and it’s amazing to see the medical advances being achieved by researchers in the region, particularly for young children,” Jennifer said.

“It can be heartbreaking to see kids in hospital or suffering long-term illnesses, but also reassuring to know that brilliant people are working on positive solutions and better clinical care.

“As a HCRF patron I hope I can help in some way to build recognition and their fund-raising profile.”

Bio: Cliff Hosking

You enter the world of Dr Cliff Hosking through the low-slung doors of his aptly named Duck Down art studio in Mount Hutton, Lake Macquarie.
Inside, dozens of his moody watercolours vie for attention on the walls, while nearby is a long table and easel where nowadays he teaches painting and drawing.

Three years ago, at the age of 70, Cliff retired from a distinguished 45-year paediatric career to devote full attention to his long-held artistic passion, though he still dabbles in medical research.

As the former Director of Paediatrics at John Hunter Children’s Hospital, Cliff played an integral role in establishing the Hunter Children’s Research Foundation in 1996 after being approached by volunteer fundraisers Janelle Shakespeare and Lorraine Gardner.
His wife, Professor Trish Davidson, is currently the Director of Children’s Services for Hunter New England Health and also actively involved with the Foundation.

Cliff is thrilled to be named Patron of HCRF, along with Jennifer Hawkins.

“They obviously chose the two most beautiful people from the Hunter,” he quipped.

“I see the role as being a figurehead, attending charity events and helping to promote the Foundation.

Paediatric work has been my life so I am delighted and honoured to continue my involvement.”

Cliff studied medicine in Queensland then worked at the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, for 20 years, before taking up a post at John Hunter Children’s Hospital in the early ’90s.

He is still following a Victorian cohort study dating back to 1991 looking at food allergies.

HCRF works in association with Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) and is affiliated with the Kaleidoscope children’s health network. HMRI is a partnership between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health and the community.

“Two of the most beautiful people in the Hunter”, Jennifer Hawkins and Cliff Hosking, have been chosen as HCRF patrons. Dr Hosking and HCRF Chairwoman Janelle Shakespeare met with a 13-year-old cancer patient in the John Hunter Children’s Hospital today.