Centurion to open 2018 Hobart Relay For Life

Tuesday, 27 February

Vivacious centurion Doris Thackery will officially launch next month’s Hobart Relay For Life, alongside the Governor of Tasmania, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner AC, at the Domain Athletics Centre.

The Uniting AgeWell Lillian Martin Community resident will cut the ribbon, recite the Relay For Life Oath and take part in the first lap of the oval, which honours cancer survivors and carers.

A long-time supporter of Cancer Council Tasmania, Doris entered the public spotlight last year when she shaved her head at age 99 to raise funds for Relay For Life. 

“I am a firm believer in helping cancer survivors as much as I can – I only wish I could run the Relay,” she said.

“I need to do anything I can do, in my capacity.”

It was a light-hearted challenge to the staff at Uniting AgeWell Lillian Martin Community to “raise more than $2000 and I’ll shave my head” that landed Doris in the hairdresser’s chair last year.

Twelve months later, Doris’ locks are back to the way they were and her passion for supporting Cancer Council Tasmania has remained as strong as ever.

With two daughters who have had cancer, and one currently undergoing treatment on the Mainland, Doris knows how important the Cancer Council is.

Wanting to do “whatever she can” to help those fighting cancer, Doris has even tried to encourage other aged care residents to shave their heads and raise valuable funds for the organisation’s prevention programs, support, advocacy and research. 

Uniting AgeWell Lillian Martin Community has supported Relay For Life for about five years.  Starting with a staff team, the facility set up its own in-house relay to allow residents to join in.

Manager Integrated Services Vicki Mills said the staff set up a walking loop inside the facility and made a baton, so the residents could walk, push or wheel as many laps as they could.

The Hobart Relay For Life will be official launched on Saturday, 17 March at 2pm.  For more information, visit the Relay For Life website.