“I believe in helping people. I’m always drawn to activities where I can lend a hand. After I completed a first aid certificate, I questioned myself whether I had the confidence to actually use the skills. The answer was an unequivocal ‘no’. So I joined St John Ambulance to receive on-the-job training and build my confidence to use it, and was part of the service for over ten years.
“I’ve been involved with Legacy for 16 years. At one stage I was visiting 27 widows across the Shoalhaven – that’s a lot of cups of tea! My outlook on life has been broadened no end from being welcomed into these people’s homes. I’m pleased I’ve been able to help them just a little, whether it’s having a chat, loaning them books from my collection, or providing with information about available services.
“I also help out at the UOW [University of Wollongong] Graduate Medicine Simulated Patient Program at the Shoalhaven Campus as a volunteer patient to help students improve their communication skills.
“I do all of this because I know you have to keep your mind and body active to keep really living. There have been many barriers, but I remained resilient to keep doing what I enjoy. At 78, I am still active around the garden, and take my Jack Russell for a 3.5km walk most days. The majority of people I meet say I look ten years younger than I am!
“I hope people read my story and realise there are great things to be done out there in the world."