Elizabeth worked tirelessly to secure charitable status for OBBG and was the driving force behind shaping the organisation in its early days. Highly organised and deeply committed, Elizabeth was passionate about addressing the unmet needs of breast cancer patients—especially in providing the psychological and practical support she and Professor Roy both envisioned.

Elizabeth had a varied career, beginning as a schoolteacher and later becoming a public speaking coach, focusing particularly on empowering women in business. She inspired those who worked with her, always encouraging the best for people—and the best from them.

An avid traveller and keen skier, Elizabeth loved a challenge – always approaching every challenge with determination and good humour.

She firmly believed in the power of research to improve both treatment and psychological outcomes, and was a strong advocate for OBBG’s involvement in research. In her memory, the annual Elizabeth Toohig Lectures were established to promote greater understanding and progress in breast cancer care.

It was also Elizabeth who first made the heart-shaped cushions that are now a much-loved part of OBBG’s post-surgery bags—a small but lasting example of her thoughtfulness and enduring legacy.

She is remembered with deep gratitude as a positive, caring, humorous, and driven woman whose energy seemed boundless. Her legacy lives on in the very foundations of OBBG, and she remains a source of inspiration to us all.