The conversations of life

81-year-old retirement village resident does 2km swim for charity

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Joan Green, a resident at the Gladstone Heritage Retirement Village, joined nine other members of the Gladstone Gropers Masters Swimming Club in the swim to raise over $2,200 for Guide Dogs Queensland, according to the Gladstone Observer.

Mrs Green is a long-time volunteer for the charity and approached the Club about hosting the event.

“In 1983, my husband had a stroke, which left him three-quarters blind, so I’ve always been aware of blind people,” she said.

“We got such good service from Guide Dogs when Jack was blind, so … I’ve been a volunteer ever since.”

The ten swimmers completed a total of 35km in four hours. Mrs Green trains four times a week at the pool and says it’s her fellow club members who help to keep her motivated.

“It’s the encouragement of the members, good cultures and a lot of fun,” she said.

Proof you can help a great cause whatever your age.

Lauren is a journalist for villages.com.au, agedcare101 and The Donaldson Sisters. Growing up in a big family in small town communities, she has always had a love for the written word, joining her local library at the age of six months. With over eight years' experience in writing and editing, she is a keen follower of news and current affairs with a nose for a good story.


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