University of Western Australia: Launch of the Ben Beale Laboratory delivers fitting legacy
The family of much-loved Perth businessman Ben Beale and the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute are proud to announce the launch of a laboratory named in his honour.
“There are no adequate words to thank this amazing group for believing in our family’s and the Institute’s vision. Without them, it’s just a dream. Ben would be incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”
Sarah Beale
The Ben Beale Laboratory will be based at the Institute’s University of Western Australia’s hub and will investigate new treatments for cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis.
It was made possible through the heroic efforts of Ben’s wife Sarah Beale who launched the Group of Hearts campaign earlier this year. Supported by family, friends & generous business associates the fundraising campaign has raised more than $1.8 million for heart research.
Sarah says she hopes it will prevent other families from suffering unnecessary heartache. “Through the generosity and support of the Group of Hearts, we have been able to not only honour Ben, but extend his love of life through this research to other families.
“There are no words adequate to thank this amazing group for believing in our family’s and the Institute’s vision. Without them, it’s just a dream. Ben would be incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”
Hool Beale CARD
Image: Professor Livia Hool and Sarah Beale
It’s a sentiment echoed by Ben’s good friend, cricketer Justin Langer, and Group of Hearts supporter.
“I’ve lost too many great mates to heart disease including Ben. He was taken from us far too early, but heart disease does that and you can be gone without any warning. If we can change that story, then I know that Ben’s death would not have been in vain. He’d be in awe of the game-changing science being done in his name,” says Justin.
Father of five Ben was just 47 years old when he died from a heart attack in 2017. It was later discovered he had atherosclerosis, which causes the arteries to harden and is often known as the silent killer.
Professor Livia Hool, head of the Institute’s WA hub, says she was humbled by what had been achieved.
“We are proud to partner with the Beale family on such an incredibly personal mission. Far too many Australians lose their lives to heart disease, and we owe it to Ben and the Beale family to do better,” says Professor Hool, who oversees a team of 13 in WA.
“This injection of funds will allow our team to expand its work and shed new light on what took Ben’s life.”
The Institute’s researchers have already discovered a critical pathway that drives atherosclerosis, which is hoped will lead to a new preventative treatment.