Ninety nine-year-old Lillian Martin resident, Doris Thackery, proved why she is a champ when she shaved her head to raise money for the Cancer Council’s Relay For Life marathon.
Doris, who celebrated her 99th birthday the day after the event, offered to shave her head if the Lillian Martin Community in Hobart raised more than $2,000 for the Relay For Life.
The Mornington-based Community beat that goal, raising more than $2,300, and Doris made good her promise.
Speaking just before the event, Doris said, it all started as a joke when a male carer shaved his head for the event last year.
“I asked ‘why should men get to have all the fun’, and decided it’s time women get to do it as well,” she said.
“I’m not nervous at all, at my age I’m ready for anything and with two daughters having had cancer, I’m very committed to the cause.”
This is the third year residents at the Lillian Martin Community have taken part in the Relay For Life marathon, with family members and volunteers helping residents complete laps of the facility and grounds.
Lillian Martin Manager Integrated Services Vicki Mills said not only had the training given everyone an opportunity to exercise, it had developed comradery and brought the whole community together.
“On top of the usual restorative care with physiotherapists, residents trained by taking part in walking groups, strength training and exercising on bikes together with the chaplain, lifestyle staff and volunteers,” she said.
“It was a fantastic day for everyone with the Cancer Council donating shirts, balloons and banners and everyone celebrating the end of the relay with a BBQ lunch.”
While her hair regrows, Doris is sporting a fancy blonde wig – because she thinks blondes just might have more fun!
To see a video of Doris and other residents take part in Relay For Life, click the image below.
Residential Aged Care
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