Ruth Spearing Cancer Research Trust
"Only through research will we find the cure"
The Ruth Spearing Cancer Research Trust is a guiding body to help foster and facilitate research into Blood Cancers.
Thank you for taking the time to look around our website. Take a moment to read about our trustees, the projects we have supported, our incredible donors and how to donate if you wish to contribute to the cause.
We are so grateful to our incredible donors from over the years that have enabled the research projects to come to life. Check out our donate page to see a list of our wonderful donors.
The research projects are the lifeblood and purpose of this Trust. We are thrilled to provide and update a list of research projects that have been funding through the Trust.
The Trust is governed by three individuals alongside Ruth Spearing herself. Have a look at the wonderful team behind the Trust.
Barry Mather
The Ruth Spearing Cancer Research Trust was established in 2008 through a generous donation from Barry Mather, in his words "only through research will we find the cure."
Barry lost his 3-year battle against chronic lymphocytic leukaemia in 2008.
Born December 1940 in Christchurch, Barry spent his childhood on the family market garden and orchard in Kerrs Rd, Dallington. It was during these years that his parents instilled a strong work ethic in both Barry and his older brother Maurice, as both boys were expected to work on the property.
Barry attended Linwood North School but was to leave school shortly before his 15th birthday to work in various jobs in the fish business; subsequently ending up as the manager of Fendalton Fish supply in 1960 at the age of 20.
He married his wife Jennifer in 1961 and together they had 3 children Simon, Nicholas and Bridget.
Always interested in buying and selling Barry decided in 1981 to take a change in direction and started the antique and second-hand business, Mr Pickwicks Trading Post, in part of the old Wards Brewery site on Fitzgerald Ave. Initially this was to be a semi - retirement business but the business grew beyond expectations and Barry eventually ended up buying and operating what was then an iconic business from the whole city block between Chester St and Kilmore St on Fitzgerald Ave.
Barry's main interests outside work were fishing from his small boat in Akaroa Harbour and rabbit and duck shooting. In later years, he also enjoyed time spent on the block of land and substantial garden he and his wife Jennifer owned at Brookside.
The diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia forced Barry into retirement and introduced him to Ruth Spearing. He was full of admiration for the quality of care given by Ruth and her team at Christchurch Hospital. In 2008 he donated the funds to establish The Ruth Spearing Cancer Research Trust. The purpose of which is leukaemia research. In Barry’s words…
"I like to think that the money I have donated will help people better understand cancer. I don't think it will cure cancer overnight but every little bit helps.“