Now the University of Newcastle clinical dean, Dr Cone approached Don after seeing his name on the admission list and said she had had never forgotten how Don had organised a $3000 scholarship through the Returned Services League when he was secretary of the sub-branch in Gunnedah.

"She said I was very special to her and always would be," Don said from his hospital bed.

"When Lauren was accepted into medicine after leaving school she was struggling so the grant helped her to purchase her medical books and get started."

Don said the reunion was very emotional for him and he feels that Dr Cone's road to success would be a very interesting story. 

"Lauren also told me how much she loved my trains at Christmas time," Don said.

Don's much-loved train set in his front garden now has a new home at Gunnedah Rural Museum, after fire destroyed his home.

Dr Cone was also the recipient of a Gunnedah Shire Council community grant.

Gunnedah Shire Council initiated a Scholarship Fund in 2003 to encourage the youth of the Gunnedah community to undertake post high school educational pursuits

Although his week started badly after being admitted to hospital and then transferred to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital, Don's spirits were given another lift when he received an invitation from the Australian Monarchist League for a private dinner with former NSW Governor, Dame Marie Bashir along with 10 other members.

"A benefactor, who was not able to attend the dinner generously provided funding to enable the league to offer three places for the exclusive dinner," Don said.

"The dinner was held in Sydney on July 7 and although I was not able to attend, it was a thrill to receive the invitation.

"It is well known that Dame Marie Bashir has a Gunnedah connection through the Melick family."