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At 97, Derek Thompson keeps putting one step in front of the other and has learned to walk again with the help of The Everest 2025 Challenge.
A resident at St Joseph’s Residential Care home in Tweed Heads, Derek had been unable to walk for the past year.
But after hearing about the challenge, he spent weeks training in the gym to gain enough strength to get mobile. Over 26 days, he walked from 5 metres on day one to 30 metres by the final day.
Competing with 1,600 aged care residents across Australia, it wasn’t about distance, but the joy of walking again.
“I’m 97, but I feel 81! Now, I’m going to keep walking every day so I can chase the ladies,” Derek joked. He’s proud of his progress and grateful for the opportunity to get moving again.
The Everest 2025 Challenge, organised by Guide Healthcare, aims to inspire residents to stay active and mobile, and it’s great to see the practical results of this vision.
St Joseph’s is a Southern Cross Care (NSW & ACT) residential aged care home.
