Kathy Gibbons Central Coast

One of our foundation members, Kathy Gibbons, was recently named winner of the inaugural “Simply Legendary” Local Legend. To the Coast Buster girls, Kathy was an inspiration, mentor, advisor, and an ever ready shoulder to cry on. She was a “True Legend” for her tireless work raising Breast Cancer awareness. We miss you Kathy!

One of our foundation members, Kathy Gibbons, was recently named winner of the inaugural “Simply Legendary” Local Legend. This was a program which sought to acknowledge the achievements of local residents who had passed away in the last 25 years. Kathy was nominated for her passionate commitment to fund raising for cancer research, and support for fellow cancer patients. Over a period of three years Kathy raised $50,000 for the Cancer Council alone. To the Coast Buster girls, Kathy was an inspiration, mentor, advisor and an ever ready shoulder to cry on. She was a “True Legend” for her tireless work raising Breast Cancer awareness. We miss you Kathy!

Simplicity Funerals recently announced the winner of the Central Coast’s Simply Legendary Local Legends competition. This is the second time Simplicity have run this very successful competition which asks people in the local community to nominate someone who died in the last 25 years who made a significant contribution to the area that is worthy of further recognition.

Run in conjunction with the Central Coast Sun Weekly, each week of the competition they published a nomination submitted by the local community. Together with Gosford Council, the paper’s editor David Stewart and Simplicity staff, Kathy Gibbons was chosen as the inaugural Central Coast winner.

Kathy helped raise $50,000 for the Cancer Council, a mission she began after being diagnosed with cancer. Friend Judi Gurzinski nominated Kathy describing her as a ‘true legend’. “Her courage made those who knew her stronger and it is people like Kathy who encourage you to accept the challenges in your life and rise above them.”

A special presentation was held at the Beachcomber Hotel to announce the winner and unveil a beautiful portrait tribute to Kathy.

Gosford Councillor Chris Holstein, in presenting the award to Kathy’s husband Colin, said he was “deeply touched by her story.” Judi wrote to Simplicity’s Central Coast Area Manager Allan McLean to thank everyone for the award. “I felt so proud that Kathy was being recognised in this way, and wish all the people involved in the presentation had been fortunate enough to have known her personally. Kathy’s husband Colin is so proud of the award that he takes it everywhere with him to show people.”

Kathy Gibbons: In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the Central Coast community, Kathy Gibbons has been posthumously awarded the 2006 Central Coast Simply Legendary Local Legend Award. After being diagnosed with cancer in 1997 Kathy didn’t allow her illness to take over, ploughing her energy into fundraising for various local cancer charities.

Her contribution was simply amazing and outstanding. She worked for numerous organisations and initiatives including the Cancer Council, Breast Cancer Services, Relay for Life and Daffodil Day. Over three years, with the assistance of her husband, Kathy raised $50,000 for the Cancer Council alone.

A foundation member of Dragons Abreast on the Central Coast, Kathy and a group of breast cancer survivors raise awareness through dragon boating. Their aim is to show others that there is life after breast cancer. The team looked upon Kathy as their matriarch, inspiration, mentor, advisor, a shoulder to cry on and much more.

These overwhelmingly positive attributes saw Kathy as an excellent choice to become a Counsellor for Breast Cancer Support for newly-diagnosed women. Kathy inspired the lives of her family, friends and all who knew her and encouraged others to strive for greater things, face their demons and beat them.

The legacy of Kathy’s practical determination, energy and support for others is the increased awareness of breast cancer on the Central Coast.

“Accept it, get over it and move on.” KATHY GIBBONS, 1948-2005