Frock Up For Fistula: a High Tea of hope and healing

Stories | May 22, 2025

Something very special happened this Mother’s Day weekend. CBM Ambassadors Lyn Wake and Glenys Sigley hosted a ‘Frock Up For Fistula’ High Tea, raising vital funds and awareness for women living with obstetric fistula.

This special event celebrated 14 years of fundraising in memory of Lyn’s daughter, Bethany Wake, and marked what would have been Bethany’s 30th birthday – as well as Lyn’s 60th – this year. It brought together more than 90 women, dressed in vibrant op-shop finds, old bridesmaid dresses, or their favourite outfits.

Bethany first learned about obstetric fistula in Year 8, and its impact on the lives of women who often had not only suffered the loss of their baby but were ostracised by others. Bethany was determined to do something about it – inspiring family and friends to raise funds and awareness for fistula.

Sadly, Bethany’s life was cut short when she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and passed away at just 15. Yet Bethany’s light continues to shine. Her passion lives on in the hearts of others, inspiring a powerful legacy that continues to this day. Her friends and family have raised more than $230,000 in her memory to support CBM’s work to end fistula.

“We are so proud of Bethany’s heart to help women in desperate need, and we believe she would be delighted with how many women’s lives have been transformed by generous people who have been inspired by her passion to give,” Lyn said.

Lyn, who travelled to Tanzania with CBM, was moved by the sight of women receiving new dresses after surgery – a symbol of restored dignity and hope. That moment inspired her to create the ‘Frock Up For Fistula’ tradition.

“The women I met were beaming with hope and new life after living for years as outcasts in their own communities. For many, a relatively simple surgery gave them their life back and restored long lost dreams for what seemed like a painfully hopeless future,” Lyn said.

The High Tea was not only a beautiful and colourful event – it was deeply moving. CBM Ambassador Glenys Sigley, wife of the late TV personality Ernie Sigley, has supported CBM’s fistula work for over 20 years. She joined CBM CEO Jane Edge in sharing personal stories of meeting mothers impacted by fistula.

Obstetric fistula is a preventable and highly treatable childbirth injury, caused by prolonged and obstructed labour without timely medical care. It leads to incontinence and often results in the loss of the baby. The condition carries immense physical, emotional and social impacts. Women with fistula are frequently shunned by their communities, abandoned by their husbands and families, and left to suffer in silence. An estimated 2 million women worldwide are living with untreated fistula.

CBM is committed to changing that. Through partnerships in countries like Nigeria, CBM supports fistula prevention, life-restoring surgery, and post-operative care, including counselling, skills training and social reintegration. Our partners also work to strengthen maternal health systems and train local health workers to treat and prevent new cases of fistula.

When asked what she would say to others considering supporting women with obstetric fistula, Lyn replied, “Go for it! It is a wonderfully practical cause that really does restore lives. A small sacrifice for us brings life-changing gain for others.”

This Mother’s Day, the spirit of community and legacy was on full display, a powerful reminder that change is possible when people come together.

You can help CBM continue to break the cycle of obstetric fistula and bring hope to more women by making a donation today.

CBM Australia acknowledges the support of the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP).

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