Uniting AgeWell resident Doris Thackery has won over the hearts and minds of people across the country through her daring fundraising efforts.
The long-time Cancer Council supporter previously gained national attention for shaving her head at age 99 and officially opening last year’s Relay For Life event in Hobart.
But, the Mornington Community, Lillian Martin resident wanted to step things up a notch this year and she dreamed up her biggest publicity stunt to date.
Doris got her first tattoo – at 101 years old.
She had the pink ribbon for breast cancer etched into her shoulder as a permanent pledge to support people with cancer.
“I can’t do a lot because I’ve got to be wheeled about, so I do all of these little silly things,” she said.
“I’d like to thank everybody for their support, especially the Lillian Martin Community because they have been wonderful.”
Renowned tattoo artist Todd Crocker said tattooing Doris was a “once-in-a-career opportunity” and he was privileged and humbled by the experience.
The following Monday Doris took things even further, shaving her head for the cause. She was hoping her stunts would attract media attention and encourage the community to donate to Lillian Martin’s Relay For Life fundraising team.
And they did.
Hobart’s WIN and 7 News, along with The Mercury, came to Titan Tattoo and Body Piercing to film Doris ‘get inked’, while morning radio shows on Triple M and 7HO radio invited her into the studio as a live guest and national television program Sunrise covered her efforts.
The residence smashed its fundraising target by more than double, raising $7,009 for the Relay For Life.
Residential Services Manager Vicki Mills said her team was happy to support Doris to achieve her goals – big and small.
“Doris is an inspiration to everyone here at Lillian Martin and we are all so proud of her,” she said.
The cause is very close to Doris’ heart. Her own daughter passed away from breast cancer in March 2019, on the eve of the 2019 Hobart Relay For Life.
Doris said it was “more important than ever” that she attend the Hobart event, joining the Lillian Martin team in memory of her daughter.
It’s not too late to donate to Relay For Life. Visit fundraising.cancer.org.au and search for the Lillian Martin team.