In Memoriam | A tribute to Barbara Ferrall

June 2023

The Clifford Craig Foundation would like to acknowledge the passing of Barbara Ferrall, who died on April 14 after a devastating battle with motor neurone disease.

Born and raised in Launceston, Barbara’s family described her as “bright, vivacious, and someone who loved life”. In their words – “she didn’t die wondering”.

A passionate chef, Barbara trained with the famous Le Cordon Bleu in Europe before establishing her own catering business in Australia.

One of her proudest achievements was setting up the first bakery on Hamilton Island, providing catering for Ansett Airlines.

Returning to Tasmania about 20 years ago, she was a long-time supporter of the Clifford Craig Foundation.

After receiving her MND diagnosis in early 2021, she became one of the first Tasmanian patients to sign up for the Lighthouse II trial.  

The randomised double-blind placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial of Triumeq is examining potential treatment options and ways to slow down the progression of MND.

Like many people living with an incurable illness, the trial provided Barbara with hope – if not for herself, hope that one day a cure for this insidious disease will be found.

Sadly, Barbara’s MND progressed quickly and she had to be withdrawn from the trial.

After contracting COVID-19 and pneumonia, she made the decision to end her life through voluntary assisted dying.

She died in the Launceston General Hospital aged 79 surrounded by close family. A party to celebrate her life was held with family and friends shortly after.

In her final years, Barbara also made a considerable donation to the Clifford Craig Foundation in support of its MND research activities.

Barbara was the daughter of the late Raymond and Lorna Ferrall, the loved sister of John (dec.), Michael and Margaret and a much-loved “Auntie Barb” to all of her nieces and nephews.