Joyce Swinton has donated more money to charity than some people will earn in a lifetime and says she can't take the money with her when she dies, so wants to see it do some good.
The 92-year-old's recent donation of $250,000 to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation puts her total philanthropic contributions to the charity at $1.2 million.
"I don't need it, I can't take it with me," Mrs Swinton said.
"I decided it's such a beautiful hospital and every little bit helps.
"I'm only little. I'm only one person and I'm too old to do too much now so I try to help."
Mrs Swinton, whose husband, daughter and son-in-law all died of cancer, said the money was bequeathed to her.
"It was all left to me by my daughter," she said.
"When she died I ended up with everything.
"I think my daughter would be very happy with what I've done. I promised her that I would do something for them in remembrance."
Money will assist cancer care
The foundation's chief executive Gina Hogan said Mrs Swinton's most recent donation would go towards the redevelopment of Cairns Hospital's Cancer Care Hub.
It is hoped a fundraising campaign will raise $1.5 million from the community to contribute towards a $3.4-million state government redevelopment of the cancer centre.
After launching the campaign earlier this month, $360,000 has already been raised, Ms Hogan said.
"Which is really wonderful, but a huge part of that is through Mrs Swinton's generosity," she said.
"Rather than using it to live a lavish life, she actually chooses that she wants that legacy for her daughter to go on.
"It's really quite incredible how generous she's been and the impact that it's had for future generations to come."
Mrs Swinton initially included large donations to several charities in her will.
"But isn't it nice to do something while you're still alive?" she said.
"I mean, I'm 92 and I can't keep going forever.
"The hospital will be here forever and so will my name and my family's photo."
