An adventurous spirit finds new strength

From East Anglia in the UK to the hills of Lesotho in Africa, former nurse and missionary Dianne has left an indelible mark on our world. Accustomed to living independently, a strong support network has helped Dianne adjust to life at Inverloch Coast Care Community following a series of strokes.

Dianne, who never saw herself needing help, has great friend Shirley, Shirley’s husband Chas, our Inverloch Coast team (and Matie, our companion green budgie) by her side. 

“It’s a change and it’s hard, but I’m getting used to it,” says Dianne. “Good care means being patient and listening to people and the team here does that. Having an open door and being able to have conversations matters.”

Adapting to change

Having left school at 14 to care for older people, Dianne qualified as a nurse and became night superintendent of intensive and coronary care at Norwich and Norfolk Hospital in the UK at 21.

Later, after graduating from Newbold College in Berkshire as a minister, Dianne’s Seventh Day Adventist missionary adventures began in Papua New Guinea which she describes as “a real culture shock!” 

Missionary life taught Dianne to move fast and embedded her ‘do-it-yourself’ spirit, helping her to serve communities in the Solomon Islands, Cambodia, Thailand, Kenya and Lesotho, where she fondly remembers riding into the mountains on horseback to provide vaccinations for children. 

With frequent trips to Australia to continue her education and work with remote communities, Dianne’s passport worked nearly as hard as she did.

A new chapter in a life of serving others

Dianne’s lifelong love of community and giving back gives her purpose. And that’s critical for her wellbeing as she navigates her new circumstances.

Her passion for people continues to shine through the friendships and support she offers residents, assisting with events and aiming to playing piano at our church services.

Continuing to pursue her wide range of interests in care, Dianne walks with fellow residents most mornings, enjoys art, bowling and exercise classes – and she’s writing the story of her amazing, adventurous life.

“As a nurse, I learned you can’t save everyone but you do your best,” says Dianne. “And I always have faith in the good Lord.”