Selfless service as PMH helper celebrates 100th

Health Minister John Day has congratulated Gerry Leeuwangh on his years of dedicated service, as the Princess Margaret Hospital helper celebrates his 100th birthday today.

  • Blind centenarian assembles up to 500 kids care packs per month

  • Highlights important role of volunteering across the community 

Health Minister John Day has congratulated Gerry Leeuwangh on his years of dedicated service, as the Princess Margaret Hospital helper celebrates his 100th birthday today.

"Gerry is an inspiration and personifies the spirit of giving," Mr Day said.

"Though he is legally blind and lives with chronic lung disease, he volunteers his time from his Morley home putting together the hospital's private patient packs for the benefit of young patients."

Mr Leeuwangh has volunteered in this way for the past six years, using his sense of touch to assemble up to 500 of the care packs each month, which contain toiletries and information for private patients.

During recent years, his sight has succumbed to progressive macular degeneration, rendering him unable to focus.

"Gerry's volunteer work with PMH is a continuation of his proud record of service," the Minister said.

"He has volunteered with many charity and church groups throughout his life.

"Not only is his work much appreciated by children at PMH, he is also highly regarded in his home community as a local government stalwart and a former deputy mayor whose legacy is still benefiting the residents of the City of Bayswater."

Mr Day said Mr Leeuwangh's work highlighted the important role of volunteering across the WA health system and throughout the community.

"There are more than 200 volunteers who give their time to make life easier for sick and recovering children and their families at PMH seven days a week," he said.

"Despite the increasing use of technology and the looming move to the state-of-the-art Perth Children's Hospital, volunteers will continue to provide a wide range of support services that are such a vital part of the healing process."

Fact File

  • Gerry Leeuwangh was born in Rotterdam on April 29, 1916

  • He trained as an accountant and worked as a shipping clerk, migrating to WA in 1950

  • He and wife Audrey have been married more than 60 years and have eight children, 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren

  • For information on PMH volunteering, visit http://www.pmh.health.wa.gov.au/help_us/volunteers_pmh.htm 

Minister's office - 6552 6200