The Rats of Tobruk presented a cheque for $1.5 million to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) today, generously donated from the sale of their Albert Park meeting hall in 2007.

The contribution will support the RCH Neuroscience department by funding an annual fellowship, enabling a clinician to undertake travel to further his/her studies in benefit of the hospital.

The RCH Neuroscience unit has been named the Rats of Tobruk Ward in honour of the Rats’ contribution.  Their donation demonstrates a continuing commitment to the care of future generations of Australian children.

This morning’s cheque presentation took place at the meeting hall? – Tobruk House – which is filled with photographs, maps and memorabilia of their 1941 defiance of Nazi Germany’s army in North Africa.

RCH Chairman Tony Beddison AO thanked the Rats for their incredible gift.

“You are living hisotry for all Australians and the example you set for us all on 10 April 1941 lives on.

“Thanks to your generosity, you will continue to make a contribution to assist and enable future generations of young people to live a better life,” he said.

One such child is Joel Rees.  Five-year-old Joel suffered a stroke in 2008, which left him paralysed down one side of his body.  He spent six weeks on the RCH Rats of Tobruk Ward.  Joel is now a happy, healthy boy enjoying life.

The Rats’ donation echoes the generosity they themselves were shown during the auction of Tobruk House.  Businessman Bill Gibbons purchased the hall when the Rats could no longer afford its upkeep, and he has offered the Rats ongoing use of the hall.