Governor awards Tassie trio for diabetes Victory

Three Tasmanians have been recognised for living with diabetes for more than 50 years,
being awarded Kellion Victory Medals by His Excellency the Hon Peter Underwood AC,
Governor of Tasmania, at the Bellerive Yacht Club today.

The Kellion Victory Medal is a national diabetes award that honours those who have lived
with the challenging condition for at least 50 years, as well as their carers.

Among the Medal recipients is Lyn Harrison, who was told when she was just 21 years of
age that she wouldn’t live past 60.

“I owe my longevity to improvements in medical science, which have made it so much easier
to cope now than 51 years ago when I was diagnosed,” Mrs Harrison said.

“For me, getting old is a marvel. Every birthday I’ve had since the age of 60 has been a true
celebration.”

Diabetes Tasmania CEO Caroline Wells said the Kellion Victory Medals were not easy to
come by.

“Living with diabetes for 50 years is a fantastic triumph and I am inspired by all of our Kellion
Victory Medal recipients,” Ms Wells said.

“So many of the 25,000 Tasmanians with diabetes experience significant health
complications, but these recipients have thrived in spite of living with this chronic condition.”

Mrs Harrison was accompanied by two of her children at the presentation hosted by
Diabetes Tasmania.

Bruce Crawford and Les Kemp also received their Kellion Victory Medals today, with Mr
Crawford’s wife Ruth receiving a 50-year carer’s award.

Applications for a Kellion Victory Medal can be made through Diabetes Tasmania by calling
1300 136 588, emailing mail@diabetestas.com.au or visiting the website at:

www.diabetestas.com.au.
Diabetes Tasmania