“You don’t really know much about someone’s past until you learn about it.” Wise words from Joan Leach, a current resident at Wharekaka Rest Home, Martinborough. The residents at Wharekaka are just regular people some of whom have lived extraordinary lives. Memories of loved ones, jobs and adventures are the wise stories that flow. I spoke to Joan Leach and Jan MacTaggart about their jobs, hobbies and origins.
Jan MacTaggart is from Australia, she became a nurse and said that was the only profession she ever had an interest in. When she was about four years old most girls were having tea parties with their dolls. Jan however, played hospital with hers.
This passion for nursing was a surpriseas the only person she knew had a medical profession was her cousin. Nursing was her calling and she ran towards it with gusto. She made a few friends whilst training in medical school which grew from their shared passion for nursing. She described her time at the New South Wales Crown Sreet, Royal Adelaide, and Port Lincoln Hospitals as the best. “All I ever wanted to do was nursing and I did it…and I loved every minute of it.”
Joan worked as a Physiotherapist at Suford Hospital, Manchester England. Her journey in Physiotherapy began after a friend hinted that she steer away from Agricultural and into Medical.
Whilst she thoroughly enjoyed her profession, Joan’s main passion was in racing. She was the only woman that raced against multitudes of men at the ‘Isle of Man’ motorbike street races. Knowing the danger was nothing compared to the rush when she rode England’s toughest street race. The response from the men; “A mere female. All the men looked at me like I was nothing and didn’t belong. But when I started beating them, they accepted me.” Joan had a taste for adrenaline and a determination that drove her to be the best motorbike racer at the ‘Isle of Man’.She was good at her job but the best at motorbike racing.
Two very different woman with differing stories. Their stories prove that dreams do in fact come true with a recipe of determination, devotion and passion. The key elements to being a success at any challenge you set. When asked for some key advice, Joan said; “Just go and do it and don’t slow down!”
