At 75 years old, cancer survivor Jane Sayner experienced a life-changing act of generosity from her landlord, John Perrett. For years, she lived with the constant worry of not being able to afford rent or losing her apartment, a fear made worse by her fragile health. She also knew Perrett had once spoken about leaving his properties to charity, which only deepened her belief that one day she would be forced to move.

Despite her worries, Jane treated the apartment like it was her own home. She always paid rent on time and cared for the property with love, even planting a flourishing garden in the backyard. Unlike his other tenants, whose units were managed by agents, Perrett chose to personally oversee Jane’s apartment, a sign of the trust and respect he had for her during the two decades she lived there.

Over time, their connection grew beyond that of landlord and tenant. When Perrett moved into a nursing home, Jane visited him every week, knowing how much companionship mattered. During one of these visits, Perrett surprised her by asking for her full name in front of his solicitor—he told her he intended to leave her the apartment. It was a moment that would change her future forever.

After Perrett passed away at the age of 86, Jane learned just how generous he had been throughout his life. A pharmacist and property investor, he had quietly built a fortune but lived modestly. Grateful for a kidney transplant that gave him more than 30 extra years, he donated $18.6 million to the Royal Melbourne Hospital’s nephrology department, the largest gift in its history. He also left property to another tenant and money to his longtime handyman.

For Jane, inheriting her apartment meant more than just owning a home—it gave her the freedom to retire at 74 and the security of knowing she would never face eviction. She still gives thanks for his kindness every day, cherishing not only the gift but also the friendship that had blossomed between them. Her story is a moving reminder that compassion and loyalty can sometimes return to us in the most extraordinary ways.