Donell’s Story
Your support of our gentle exercise programs, such as Arthritis Moves, means so much to those whose classes have changed their lives for the better.
Take Dornell, who started Arthritis Moves classes seven years ago. Aged 82, she still mows her lawn, even her neighbour’s nature strip, with her battery mower.
‘I overworked in my garden and got aches and pains in my back. X-rays showed I had osteoarthritis everywhere,’ Dornell said.
Proactive
‘I’m a proactive person and researched ways to help myself with exercise. I started physiotherapy and Arthritis Moves classes because I wanted to improve my balance.’
Dornell’s strength and balance soon improved, and she decided to do a Degree in Creative Writing at QUT, which she completed in 2025.
‘I was so busy at uni that I felt I didn’t need o do Arthritis Moves anymore and my strength and balance declined very quickly. I had a couple of falls in the garden with the secateurs in my hand.
Use public transport
‘I started Arthritis Moves again recently. The classes increase my fitness so I can walk to the bus stop and use public transport. You must keep doing things for yourself or you’ll develop learned helplessness.
Dornell’s hands are affected by arthritis and she has been using a squeeze ball from our pain pack to relieve pain and improve flexibility. ‘I can open jars again using a hand grip,’ she said.
She has praise for our Exercise Program Co-ordinator Sean Carmody as well. ‘Sean has been a rock of support and remembers people in the class. He personalises your experience by remembering your issues.’
Supporting the gentle exercise classes, such as Arthritis Moves help people like Dornell stay independent and able to contribute to her neighbourhood.
