See this tribute to Mary Heppell written by Jackie Halberg
Mary joined ‘The Vets’ in 1992. Her family was heavily involved in the Canning Districts Athletic Club, with son Barry a competitive young runner.
Mary had macular degeneration and was classified as legally blind. However she was not defined by that label, and as many of our long standing members would remember, she was fiercely independent, determined and courageous.
In the earlier years she preferred the longer events, both road and cross country. When asked if she walked or ran, the answer was a definite “ran”. However as the years passed and her sight deteriorated she sometimes found it difficult to follow the course. Her enthusiasm never left her though.
For many years she helped me mark out the course for the run which became known as the X- Pagoda run. 5.30 starts – in the dark – lots of fun. I will miss her friendship.
Her funeral cortege will arrive at Pinnaroo Valley Memorial Park at 10.30am on Wednesday October 9 for a Graveside Burial Service.
