Hunter Children’s Research Foundation founders Janelle Shakespeare and Lorraine Gardner have been selected to grace the cover of this year’s Newcastle White Pages and Yellow Pages phone book, standing at the entrance to the new HMRI Building.

Hunter Children’s Research Foundation founders Janelle Shakespeare and Lorraine Gardner have been selected to grace the cover of this year’s Newcastle White Pages and Yellow Pages phone book, standing at the entrance to the new HMRI Building.

The theme of Keeping Our Communities Healthy recognises those who strive to improve the quality of life for locals in their area. Janelle and Lorraine, along with their HCRF committee members and supporters, have raised more than $1.1 million for research into serious childhood illness since

1996.Starting from Lorraine’s kitchen table, the Foundation has held countless fundraising events ranging from luncheons to golf days, building up a charity that has been embraced by the Newcastle community.

Model Jennifer Hawkins and former paediatrician Dr Cliff Hosking came onboard as patrons in 2011 to and help boost the Foundation’s profile and fundraising capabilities.

“We hope that our selection encourages the Newcastle community to keep giving to the Foundation. With so much progress being made at the Hunter Medical Research Institute so far – a facility we work incredibly close with – we hope we can continue funding essential research into illnesses that affect so many children in our community,” Janelle said.

White Pages Product Manager Sarah Simpson said they were delighted to recognise HCRF’s efforts in keeping the community healthy.

“Health is an issue that affects us all and at the centre of good health are the selfless men and women who devote their time to improving others’ quality of life,” she said.

The phone books will commence distribution throughout Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and surrounding areas over the next six weeks.

“We are so surprised and feel so lucky to have been selected for the cover of this year’s phone book. We would like to thank the community for their support over the past 17 years – who would have thought our little charity could raise so much money.” Lorraine said.