13.10.41 – 18.05.10 Athlae Lyon was passionate about her chosen causes and her charitable work spanned thirty years. During this time she held governance positions in a number of charitable organizations.

Athlae was a founding member and inaugural Vice Chair of the Friends of Starship, a group of likeminded volunteers who set out in the early 1990s to fundraise for the newly opened national children’s hospital – Starship. She also held the role of Chair of the Friends.

Athlae later became a long-serving member of the Starship Foundation Board of Trustees, a position she held for over 18 years until the time of her death. She made a significant contribution to the Foundation over that period through her wide fundraising knowledge and gentle caring spirit - which made her a very popular trustee.

In 2009 Athlae became the Chairperson of the Starship Guardian Angel Society, which encourages and recognises those who have left a gift to Starship in their will.

She was involved with several other charities, including the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.

Athlae was much loved by her family, friends and all those who worked with her.

“Athlae Lyon was a wonderful dedicated lady who inspired all with her commitment to children through Starship Children’s Hospital. Her timeless work helped raise significant funds for the hospital, ensuring New Zealand children have the best possible healthcare available to them.

Athlae’s generosity and kindness live on in the legacy of the Athlae Lyon Starship Research Trust. The Trust ensures that Starship is able to continue research into childhood illnesses and injuries finding potential treatments and cures and giving hope to future generations.”

Bryan Mogridge,
Starship Foundation Board Chairman