‘Super gran’ Dorothy an inspiration
Dorothy Nash isn’t like most grandmas. The 88 year old has been the full time permanent carer of her three grandchildren for more than 17 years. Fondly known as ‘Mardi’, the super-gran was a vivacious 71 year old travelling the world enjoying her retirement when she had to step up to permanently care for her grandchildren, who at the time were all under the age of three.
Dorothy Nash isn’t like most grandmas. The 88 year old has been the full time permanent carer of her three grandchildren for more than 17 years.
Fondly known as ‘Mardi’, the super-gran was a vivacious 71 year old travelling the world enjoying her retirement when she had to step up to permanently care for her grandchildren, who at the time were all under the age of three.
Ms Nash (pictured with her grandchildren) has been in and out of hospital at least seven times since 2009, with major operations on her heart and bowel. She has raised three children by herself – without child support or government assistance. She still drives, cleans and cooks for her grandchildren every day and continues to be an endless source of love, friendship and support.
But the astounding love and support she has shown her grandchildren hasn’t gone unnoticed. Ms Nash was recently named Grandparent of the Year after being nominated by her 18-year-old granddaughter Annaleigh.
“I wanted to nominate her because of how little recognition she gets. What I love most about Mardi is her wisdom, which I suppose comes naturally after 88 years,” Annaleigh tells DPS News.
The Grandparent of the Year Award has been created to raise the profile of grandparents in Australia by recognising the extraordinary contribution by a grandparent to the family and the community.
Annaleigh says she can talk to her grandmother for hours every day and not get bored.
“I see her more as a friend and a mentor, than a carer. She’s shaped my perception of myself and life in general. She’s the reason I am where I am today.”
Every day a grandparent carer looks after a child they do an amazing thing with little thanks, according to Annaleigh.
“Although there are so many downsides, the good essentially outweighs the bad. They’ve given a child the life they would have otherwise been denied – and that’s a remarkable thing,” she says.
Learn more about the Grandparent of the Year Award
