A Legacy Honoured: Donald Simpson Appeal Raises $137,500

The Donald Simpson High Tea and Book Launch, held on Sunday, 24th November at Ayers House, was an incredible success, raising $30,000 to help establish the new Donald Simpson Neuroscience Scholarship.

The event was attended by 118 friends, family, and colleagues who gathered to honour the remarkable legacy of Donald Simpson, a pioneering South Australian neurosurgeon, beloved mentor, and humanitarian. Attendees were treated to a memorable afternoon of fine food, moving speeches, and inspiring discussions about Donald’s life and work.

Highlights of the afternoon included heartfelt addresses from Glenn McCulloch and Peter Reilly, authors of the biography Donald Simpson – Neurosurgeon and Humanitarian, who shared insights into Donald’s character, career, and influence.

Glenn reflected on their motivation for undertaking the project,“The question why did we write it, has a simple answer–At first, he was our teacher, then our mentor, then our colleague, but always our friend.” He added that the biography “has many authors, not just two,” acknowledging the invaluable contributions from family, colleagues, patients, and friends who shared their memories of Donald​.

He also shared several anecdotes from the biography that shed light on Donald’s multifaceted character. From his unwavering dedication to meticulous record-keeping to the humour he displayed in moments of self-awareness, Donald’s personality shines throughout the book.

Peter Reilly's reflections painted a vivid picture of Donald’s extraordinary commitment to his patients, which defined his career and inspired those around him. He described first encountering Donald as a junior doctor, witnessing the rigorous dedication and compassion he showed to every patient, "his career was
not utilitarian but encompassed a broad embrace of humanity – his patients in particular – the centre of his medical world – and the world of suffering in so far as he might have influence."

He concluded, “It has been a privilege for me to come to know this gifted man who touched the lives of many people – his family, friends, the adult patients and their families, the children and their parents to whom he listened and brought healing and comfort. Over these many years he was a mentor, whom I could trust implicitly, a supporter and a friend. He was non-judgemental, discrete and a person of unquestioned integrity. I was greatly attracted to his knowledge, wisdom, grace, humour and humility. Above all, I experienced him as a good man – a goodness which, when one meets it, raises the possibility that there may be such goodness in oneself.

The event also celebrated the awarding of the inaugural Donald Simpson Scholarships to 10 junior neuroscientists (6 in attendance), which will enable them to attend the 2024 Australasian Neurotrauma Network Annual Symposium helping advance their research in stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson’s disease.

This new scholarship will foster the next generation of neuroscience leaders, enabling South Australian researchers to advance their research skills and connect with experts, ultimately leading to better treatment and care for all South Australians. Thanks to the support of our generous donors, the total raised for the scholarship appeal now stands at an incredible $137,500.

Thank you to everyone who supported this event, helping to continue Donald’s legacy of innovation, dedication, and compassion.

If you would like to read the inspiring life story of Donald Simpson, you can now purchase your very own copy of the book Donald Simpson – Neurosurgeon and Humanitarian here.

All proceeds will contribute to the Donald Simpson Neuroscience Scholarship fund.

If you would to make a direct contribution to the Donald Simpson Neuroscience Appeal you can do so here.