Thieving mongrels
They stole Dad’s medal while Daphne slept
SPORTING legend Daphne Pirie refuses to let the brazen thieves who robbed her while she slept be her undoing.
The 85-year-old grandmother has beaten breast cancer and survived being trapped on Hamilton Island during Cyclone Debbie and wants to quickly put this “violation” behind her.
But that doesn’t mean Mrs Pirie has accepted her “sentimental items” are lost to her forever.
Mrs Pirie spoke to the Bulletin to appeal to the robbers to return the items she held dear to her heart, including a gold medallion her father won in his last sprinting race before he enlisted in the 2nd Australian Light Horse Regiment during WWI in 1915 and lost one of his legs, ending his sporting career.
Mrs Pirie, who was a champion sportswoman in hockey and sprinting, has worn the medallion each day since
1978.
“I have always worn my Dad’s medal for good luck,” the Ross Street resident said.
“It helped me get through chemotherapy.
“They are only possessions but they mean a lot to me.”
Mrs Pirie said the burglary on July 31 had left her with a “sick feeling” and a little bit traumatised.
“I felt safe in my own home ... until this happened,” she said.
“I feel violated.
“All the doors were locked but now they are double locked and I have upgraded my security system.
“The police have wonderful, sensitive, and prompt.
The medallion is engraved with the letters “AGW” on the front and “Starters H’cap A G Welch 1914.”
Anyone with information is urged to phone Burleigh Heads CIB on 5503 8916 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. her father’s death in been professional