After 35 years of exceptional service, we bid a heartfelt farewell to our beloved Patron, June Leeming, as she steps down from her formal role with the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust.
June’s journey with the Trust began in the most unexpected of ways – on the sidelines of a children’s soccer game. Her husband, Noel, was chatting with founding CEO Allison Nicol as their sons played. From that conversation, the seed of the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust was planted. Though Noel was unwell and unable to be involved himself, he famously said, “I’ll give you my wife, June.” And what a remarkable gift she has been.
June joined the Trust in 1990, during a time when our founding Patrons included figures such as Lady Diana Isaac and Sir Hamish Hay. At first, still grieving Noel’s passing, June stayed quietly in the background. But once she began to engage, there was no stopping her.
Fundraising became her passion, and June’s energy and vision transformed what was possible for the Trust. From glamorous black-tie charity auctions hosted at her home – one of which raised an astonishing $60,000 to $70,000, the largest ever at a private home in Christchurch at the time – to securing coveted items for our annual Charity Golf Tournament, June’s touch turned every event into a triumph. She jokes that back in the day she could “take things off the shelves” thanks to her connection to Noel Leeming, but we all know her superpower was her relentless commitment and personal charm.
In 1999, June moved from her role as Trustee to become our Patron, but she was never content to be a figurehead. She remained active on the fundraising committee, attended meetings, and brought her wisdom, humour, and no-nonsense insight to every conversation. Voting rights or not, June always had her say – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Her remarkable service has not gone unrecognised. In 2022, June was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust, and in December 2024, she received a Civic Award for her outstanding contribution to the Trust and community. Both honours are a reflection of the profound and lasting impact she has made.
June, your involvement may have started with Noel’s vision, but you made it your own. You helped shape and grow this organisation into what it is today. You turned ideas into action and brought heart, soul, and an irrepressible spark to everything you touched.
You often say that the Trust has been the most amazing thing in your life. We feel exactly the same about you.
From all of us at the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust – our trustees, staff, families and volunteers – thank you, June. For your leadership, your laughter, and your loyalty. Your legacy will always live on in the walls of Rānui, in the lives of the families we support, and in the story of this Trust that you helped build.
June is pictured with BMCT Chairman Max Bremner
