A generous legacy: farmer Max Mawson's quiet act of kindness

In the quiet countryside of southwest Victoria, a farmer named Maxwell Arthur Thomas Mawson has left a profound and generous mark on the world. Max left a generous gift in his Will to MS Plus for research. A tribute to a niece who has multiple sclerosis (MS).

Max, a descendant of a long line of Victorian farmers, called the picturesque hamlet of Wensleydale his home. This tight-knit rural community nestled at the foothills of the Otway Ranges witnessed Max's journey as he dedicated his life to farming. At the age of 83, he bid farewell to this world, leaving behind a legacy that transcends the boundaries of his farm. One that is already having an impact on the lives of people living with multiple sclerosis.

For a century, the fertile soil of Wensleydale allowed the Maxwell family to cultivate peas and potatoes, alongside raising robust lambs and cattle on the rolling hills. Max, who took over the family farm in the 1960s, knew the rigors of mixed farming better than most. 'It was mixed farming at its best. The work was hard, and the days were long,' recalled Kim Johnson, Max's niece. Kim, now a merchandiser and horse enthusiast living just 10 minutes from her uncle's former homestead, reminisced about the toil and dedication that Max poured into the land.

However, Max's life was not solely defined by hard labour. As a young man, he found time to engage in sports, representing Modewarre in cricket and football. He was also a fixture at the local Saturday night dances and suppers, a testament to his love for his community. Max's commitment extended beyond social gatherings; he served as a dedicated member of the Wurdale Rural Fire Brigade for 45 years, tirelessly battling wildfires, including the devastating 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires.

Kim, who cherished fond memories of her uncle, described Max as a kind-hearted man who lived a frugal and industrious life, yet never managed to find that special someone. 'Max never did find that someone special, but he was highly regarded and liked by everyone who knew him,' she said. When Max's sister June, Kim's mother, passed away suddenly in 2019, Kim took on the role of caring for her uncle until his peaceful passing in 2020.

During these final two years, Kim got to know her uncle, a quiet and reserved man who had retired on his farm, choosing to leave the world on his own terms. But Max was also a man of generosity, as revealed by his last wishes. His will contained bequests to several charities, but one organisation held a special place in his heart – MS Plus. This choice had a poignant significance for Kim, who herself battles MS.

Max's bequest was intended to support the MS community and contribute to ongoing research efforts to find a cure. Kim was surprised and elated when she learned about Max's generous gift during the reading of the will. 'I didn't know Max was going to leave a gift to MS. I think he discussed it with my mum. So, when I found out at the will-reading, I was over the moon that he wanted to help the cause. To me, in his quiet way, he was saying he wanted to help me,' she said.

Kim's own journey with MS began at the age of 33, following the birth of her second child. Fortunately, her 20-year battle with the disease has been relatively uneventful, though she grapples with fatigue, balance issues, and coordination challenges. She hopes that Max's contribution will empower researchers to make breakthroughs in finding better treatments or even a cure for MS. 'I like to think the money my uncle has left for MS will allow researchers to do more work to discover better drugs or a cure. It would be wonderful to think Max made that vital difference through his gift. Thanks, Uncle Max!'

Max's legacy serves as a reminder that one's Will can make a lasting impact on the world. Just as Max Mawson chose to support MS research and care, you too can make a difference, whether through a large or small gift. Reach out to MS Plus for information on how you can leave a legacy in your own Will, and discover the profound difference it can make in the lives of those living with MS.

You can also consider becoming a member of the MS Callistemon League, a community of extraordinary individuals committed to ensuring that those with multiple sclerosis never face their journey alone. For more information, contact MS Plus through Laura or Rebecca at 1800 443 867, email futureplanning@msplus.org.au, or visit www.mymslegacy.org.auopens in new tab.

Together, let's fast-track a cure for MS and provide care until we're there.