99-year-old resident shaves head for cancer
Last year Uniting AgeWell Lillian Martin Community resident Doris
Thackery offered to shave her head if the Lillian Martin Community
raised more than $2,000 for Cancer Council’s Relay For Life marathon.
Doris Thackery shaving her head for cancer, a day after her 99th birthday
Last month, after raising more than $2,500, Ms Thackery made good on this promise, a day after her 99th birthday,
“It all started as a joke when the male carers shaved their heads for the event last year,” Ms Thackery says.
“I asked ‘why should men get to have all the fun’, and decided it’s time women get to do it as well.
It is the third year residents at the Lillian Martin Community have taken part in the Relay For Life marathon, completing laps of the facility and grounds to raise funds.
Residents have been preparing for the event by donning sneakers and training with the help of physiotherapists, families, volunteers and the Community’s chaplain and lifestyle staff.
According to Lillian Martin Manager Integrated Services, Vicki Mills, the training has not only given everyone an opportunity to exercise, it has developed comradery and brought the whole community together.
“On top of the usual restorative care with physiotherapists, everyone has been taking part in walking groups, exercising on bikes and strength training,” Ms Mills says.
“The whole Lillian Martin Community is behind Doris and residents taking part in the relay.”
Ms Thackery says she was not nervous at all about having her head shaved in front of family, friends and staff.
“At my age I’m ready for anything and with two daughters having had cancer, I’m very committed to the cause.”
