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 It is with deep sorrow that the Fenceliners learnt of the passing of physiotherapist Jan Ward, 74, on October 1st. after suffering a massive stroke.
Jan first became involved with Fenceliners in 1996 when she met the “Changing Gear” team on their motor cycle tour around Australia to raise awareness of breast cancer. She answered a call for help and treated the cyclists in a cabin at a caravan park near her home in Adelaide.
After reading about the next adventure “Mainstreaming the Message” she again offered to go along on the 1,000 km paddle down the Murray River for two weeks, which turned into five weeks. After this, she voluntarily accompanied the next two adventures “Cycle for Abreast” in Tasmania 2001 and “On the Grapevine” hiking the Heysen Trail in 2004.
She willingly gave her time, energy and lack of payment to give hope, encouragement and medical therapy to all of our members. She was always at work by 6.30 am and then after breakfast she would instruct warm up exercises and stretching for all, to get us started for a long day. In so doing, she made each of us feel so special, giving us confidence and assistance to achieve our goals in the completion of the challenge. Many of the women would not have been able to do this without Jan’s expert massage and encouragement.
Jan was a “Friend of Fenceliners” because, although she herself had not had cancer, many of her relatives had, including her two husbands who had both died from cancer leaving her to raise five sons alone, as well as work and further her studies.
The boys came on some of the adventures, helping their mother put up her tent, treatment table and other equipment, so she could begin massaging as soon as needed after a long and often exhausting day for the participants.
After dinner at night, Jan and some of her family would join in the singing, storytelling and camaraderie around the campfire or social venue.
Jan worked in private practice using the Feldenkrais method relating to regaining functional abilities by movement and massage. In her younger days, she held a pilot’s license, was a scuba diver and nature lover.
It is a privilege to have known this “little angel” who gave confidence, encouragement, care and love to all us Fenceliners.
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