Funds a boost for researchers

Mrs Jancec started the Freemasons WA women's group after her husband Steven was named as the fraternity's Grand Master in October 2012.

At a women's breakfast event on October 23, she presented Professor Fiona Wood with a cheque for $52,500, money raised specifically to help the Foundation in retaining its young researchers who focus on every possible aspect of the physical and emotional treatment of burns victims.

Prof Wood planned her appearance at the function meticulously, returning early from an international event to attend, before rushing off to her next appointment in what was a typically hectic day.

The fundraising began with a Mad Hatters' Afternoon Tea in South Perth. Other major events included two sausage sizzles at Bunnings Balcatta and a city fashion parade supported by several local fashion houses.

Prof Wood was thrilled with the result.

"It was a lot of hard work by a lot of women and a few men," she said.

Mrs Jancec said Prof Wood's work was inspirational.

"When we started, we had more modest objectives, but once we got rolling, we set our sights on that $50,000 mark and every one of us was absolutely delighted that it was achieved," she said.

"There's no price you can put on the importance and value of research and everyone who contributed to the fundraising can be justifiably proud."

The fundraiser comes after the local community rallied around support a Doubleview toddler who was allegedly set on fire by her father in August.

The four-year-old girl is at Princess Margaret Hospital being treated for serious burns.

Prof Wood helped treat the girl, who underwent skin grafts and blood transfusions.