Colin Geraghty, 89, and his wife Claudette, 83, are still on the run a week after escaping from a care home they reportedly hate. The couple vanished from the Ryman Nellie Melba Retirement Village in Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday, July 11, and were later found in Maryborough, about 118 miles away. However, they are now holed up in a motel and refuse to return to the nursing home, according to their daughter Linda McKelvie.
Family Pleads for Their Return
Linda McKelvie has pleaded with her parents to go back to the care home, describing her father as "a very clever and intelligent man" who is well-equipped to stay ahead of those pursuing them. She said she is "proud" that Colin and Claudette, who have been married for 65 years and have several children, "look after each other," but stressed they need the support of the care home.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Linda said the couple is staying at a motel and is adamant about not leaving after becoming enraged with their care home arrangements. "Dad just doesn't want to be without mum and mum's a trooper. People are saying it's a great love story and it is. In many ways and I am proud of them for looking after each other," she said.
Previous Escape Attempts
Linda revealed that her parents have attempted to escape before. "I don't know how they pulled it off to be honest with you - it was no easy feat. It's a bit unclear what will happen next - I'm sure they would like to do another escape!" she added. The couple had been transferred to an aged-care facility after medical practitioners for Claudette, who has had seizures and has vascular dementia, concluded she required round-the-clock care.
However, the new arrangements spooked the couple, who Linda said "don't want change really." Despite his age, Colin is still a capable driver and used a 2015 Mazda 2 to take them on a road trip. They were last seen in the car at The Glen Shopping Centre in Glen Waverley, Melbourne, where they bought their daily medication and visited their favorite cafe.
Family's Fear for Safety
The couple's unexpected departure has left their family fearful for their safety, and they have repeatedly asked them via text to return to the care home. However, the Geraghtys have decided to stay put, with Colin reassuring his family in a message sent on the day they vanished: "Don't worry, thank you for your help. I'll make sure I look after her."
