99-year-old Shaves Head for Cancer Charity

Uniting AgeWell Lillian Martin Community resident Doris Thackery shaved her head last week to raise money for the Cancer Council’s Relay For Life marathon.

Doris, who turned 99 the day after the event, offered to shave her head if the Lillian Martin Community raised more than $2,000 for Relay For Life.

The Community, in Mornington TAS, has now beaten that goal by raising more than $2,500, and Doris has vowed to make good her promise.

“It all started as a joke when the male carers shaved their heads for the event last year,” she said.

“I asked ‘why should men get to have all the fun’, and decided it’s time women get to do it as well.

“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, completing laps of the facility and grounds to raise funds.  Last year they raised more than $700.

This year residents, including Doris, 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.

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, everyone has been taking part in walking groups, exercising on bikes and strength training,” she said.

“The whole Lillian Martin Community is behind Doris and residents taking part in the relay.”

This year’s event will involve families and volunteers and see residents walk or get pushed in their wheelchairs around the grounds, followed by a BBQ lunch.  Cancer Council Tasmania will also be donating shirts, balloons and banners. 

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