Dolly runs to stay young

By Glen Atwell
WHEN most people retire, a decent sleep-in is usually near the top of the “to do” list.
But for recently retired 73-year-old Dandenong resident Dolly Graham, retirement simply means more time to run.
Dolly has always been a morning person and for the past 20 years has tirelessly coordinated the 5am morning rounds at the high-care Darvall Lodge Nursing Home on Princes Highway, Noble Park.
As Dolly freely admits, “that’s not too bad for a 73-year-old”, but her passion for life runs even deeper.
Every morning – without fail – Dolly slips on the sneakers and pounds the pavement.
“I run 10 kilometres a day,” she said.
“I just love it, running is my secret to living a long, healthy life.”
Dolly’s fitness regime continues to impress her seven children.
“They think it’s great, I even do weight-training,” she said.
Eileen Sinsek from Darvill Lodge, which is a division of the Royal Freemasons’ Homes of Victoria, said working with Dolly was a real inspiration.
“Dolly is so fit, she is a registered division two nurse, has seven children, starts at five in the morning and still has time to run around the block every day,” Eileen said.
“I worked with her for seven years.
“Dolly knew so much and trained many people, she really passed on her knowledge,” Eileen said.
Dolly retired on 8 February and is enjoying the increase in spare time more than she thought.
“It’s bliss,” she laughed.
“I finally have time to get the garden in order.
“There is also a few things around the house that need to be done,” Dolly said.
Dolly saw the Darvill Lodge facility grow from 40 beds to 72 beds and was sad to finally say goodbye.
“The job was very demanding, you have to be so alert the whole time,” she said.
“I enjoyed what I did, that’s why I did it for so long but it was time to move on,” she said.
The employees of Darvill Lodge will celebrate Dolly’s retirement with a dinner on Friday night.
But however late the night, one thing is for sure: On Saturday morning, well before the sun comes up, Dolly will be out and about, burning up the footpath and even breaking a sweat.