Jim Fagan
Thirty-six-year-old Kristy-Elle Shepherd lost her year-long fight against Stage 3 cervical cancer on May 14 this year and died at Katie Rose Cottage Hospice with her loving family, the Shepherd’s and the Priest’s, around her.
And the family, so moved by the level of compassion and care she was freely given, are donating an 18-carat white gold bracelet packed with diamonds and other precious stones like pink tourmaline, rose quartz and amethyst for the hospice to offer as first prize in an upcoming fundraising lottery.
Kristy-Elle’s husband and Noosa Civic jeweller Eliahi Priest (41) of Priest Jewellers told Noosa Today the bracelet, when finished, would be valued at well over $30,000.
“Kristy-Elle loved big, chunky pieces of jewellery and we have sent all the material to one of our custom jewellers, Chris Rackley of Sandgate, who is, I believe, one of the best in Queensland. His work is of such high quality, and he does some of our unique and important pieces.
“Chris said to me: ‘This is going to close my workshop for two weeks. It is a big piece.’
Eliahi’s family celebrated 75 years in business as jewellers last year. They came to Noosa from New South Wales in 1995 and were a fixture for 25 years at Noosa Village Shopping Centre before moving to Noosa Civic.
He said, “The care at Katie Rose is remarkable. It borders on the spiritual.
“It is a very heightened time for everyone and to have that level of love and compassion from people who are strangers when you first come in is amazing. Noosa is blessed, absolutely blessed, to have a Katie Rose. We, as a family, came out of there and we thought this sort of thing needs to be everywhere for everyone not just for Noosa.”
He said Kristy-Elle’s admission at the hospice was organised through the home palliative care service.
“It was the best option for Kristy-Elle as Katie Rose is just like a lovely home. It is non-invasive for people at the end of life. As a business in the community and as a family in the community we wanted to help the team at Katie Rose and what it does.
“Dad had the idea of supporting the raffle and my team member Katelyn and I came up with the Kristy-Elle bracelet. We thought it would attract people to this important fundraiser.
“Kristy-Elle was a remarkable 36-year-old. She always lived a healthy life, never smoked, was always exercising but cancer is indiscriminate as to who it goes after. She fought such a courageous battle. Even in pain she was always lovely and strong.
“The Priest family so appreciates everything Katie Rose has done for us, and we are delighted to give back for Kristy-Elle with this beautiful bracelet,” Eliahi said.
Katie Rose chairman, Carol Raye, said the hospice was extremely proud that its nursing care team was recognised as being so “supportive of our guests and their families at such a difficult and sad time.
“Our nurses are the backbone, supported by our carers and volunteers, in all that we do. It is such a privilege to be a part of this time in a family’s journey.
“All of us at Katie Rose are especially touched that Kristy-Elle’s family felt our care and support worthy of such a magnificent prize for our next lottery.
“This generous donation by Eliahi and his family to honour Kristy-Elle’s life brings an opportunity for the community to support the work that we do at by raising much needed funds for our palliative care nurses,” Carol said.
Details on how to purchase lottery tickets will be announced shortly. Donations may be made to Katie Rose online at www.katierosecottage.org.au
