23 Jun 2020

“Age is just a number” might sound cliché, but it’s a way of life for Margaret Prowse.

VMCH’s oldest donor turns 100 on July 13 and attributes a healthy diet, exercise and completing puzzles to her enviable milestone. July is also a special month for Margaret (pictured above left) as she awaits the birth of her first great-grandchild.

“I don’t feel old,” Margaret says. “I certainly might not be running around the block anymore but I keep well with plenty of veggies and fruit!”

Margaret took up jogging at 84 (“my son joined me up to the Victorian Master’s Athletics”) and was still playing tennis at 94.

Margaret, who lives independently at home, has been supporting VMCH as a regular donor for over 30 years, and was involved with our specialist school, St Paul’s College, 50 years ago. “The organisation has grown so much over the years and people don’t realise how much you do; helping people in all age brackets.”

Margaret served for four years in the Australian Army and enjoyed a career as a Comptometrist (a person trained to operate a comptometer, which was a key-driven mechanical calculator), before settling down to raise her four children with late husband George.

VMCH Grants and Bequest Officer Sandra Rosano said keeping in touch with Margaret “made her day”.

“She is so inspiring and always makes me laugh with her wicked sense of humour. Her values, appreciation for life, family and friends is something not only to admire, but to learn from!”

Although, disappointingly, COVID-19 restrictions look to have spoiled planned birthday celebrations, Margaret put things into perspective. “It breaks your heart what some people are going through. If you can just enjoy each day as it comes with the people you love, that’s the main thing.”

Thank you for your incredible support Margaret and happy 100th birthday from everyone here at VMCH!

If you would like to support VMCH, please click here.

A little lost? Start here.

Locating the information you need has become far easier with our useful guide. Answer a few simple questions and you will be on your way.

Not sure where to start?

Contact us