June Middleton
June Margaret Middleton (4 May 1926 – 30 October 2009) was an Australian polio victim who spent more than 60 years living in an iron lung for treatment of the disease.[1] In 2006, Guinness World Records recognised her as the person who had spent the longest amount of time living in an iron lung.[1]
June Middleton | |
|---|---|
| Born | June Margaret Middleton 4 May 1926 |
| Died | 30 October 2009 (aged 83) |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Known for | Longest time in an iron lung |
Middleton was born in Melbourne on 4 May 1926, the only daughter of Robert and Lucy Middleton. She contracted polio when she was 22,[1] just months before her planned wedding.[2] She entered the iron lung on 5 April 1949, and remained dependent on the machine for the rest of her life.[1] Middleton spent up to 21 hours a day in the iron lung to help her breathe.[3] Her husband-to-be stayed with her for five years before eventually marrying another woman and starting a family.[4]
Middleton lived at Fairfield Hospital in Melbourne for more than 40 years.[2] She was then transferred to Austin Hospital before moving to her own home in Thornbury, which was managed by the Yooralla Ventilator Accommodation Support Service.
A campaigner for the rights of people confined to ventilators,[2] Middleton was also a fan of the Carlton Football Club.[2]
On 5 April 2009, Middleton marked her 60th year in the iron lung[1] with friends and her dog Angel at her side.
She died in Thornbury on 29 October 2009, aged 83.
References
- "June Middleton, in iron lung for 60 years, dies". The Australian. Australian Associated Press. 31 October 2009. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
- Robson, Suzanne (4 November 2009). "Iron lung record woman dies". Preston Leader. Archived from the original on 24 September 2010. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
- Whinnett, Ellen (31 October 2009). "Iron lung woman dies". Sunday Herald Sun. Retrieved 28 November 2009.
- "Dead after 60 years in iron lung". The Sydney Morning Herald. 1 November 2009. Retrieved 1 July 2011.