OH! Magazine - Australian Version November 2015 | Page 6

( OH WOW! ) pumping into Tim and so, the following day, he asked for his tubes to be removed, for the respirator to be switched off, and for them to let him die. But just as unexpectedly as Tim’s body was overtaken by GBS, it began to fight back. ‘I guess it just wasn’t my time,’ says Tim. ‘The GBS stopped and my body started the long process of trying to repair itself. I just keep telling myself that I have too many things to do in life to go, and it seems to be working.’ And working it is, for in April Tim successfully started moving his left arm, which was a significant achievement considering previously he wasn’t even able to sit up. From then he had a stringent schedule where his body was regularly pushed, prodded and poked by physios and occupational therapists. Tim’s first goal when he arrived for rehab at Mt Wilga, was to regain his balance and relearn how to use his core muscles. ‘Initially I got around the hospital in an electric wheelchair, but once I was able to push weight through my legs I could then learn how to slowly stand up. What was really surprising was how difficult it was as a result of my body and brain being so inactive for so long.’ ‘I progressed from here to walking with the aid of a frame. It was really challenging to try and mobilise my upper body. My fitness background and experience as a personal trainer meant the exercise physiologists could use my own knowledge about weight training, and as a result I’ve grown stronger and stronger.’ At the time of writing this article, Tim uses ankle/foot orthotics and as his legs are slowly gaining more strength he is able to walk unassisted, unaided and no longer uses the wheelchair. ‘I am just waiting for my ankles to start working again so I can balance without the use of the ankle/foot orthotics,’ he explains. 6 NOVEMBER 2015 ( OH! MAGAZINE ) They say that life’s lows can be character building and this is something Tim wholeheartedly agrees with. ‘I’ve grown a lot as a person since getting sick. I used to be quite selfish and a very tough personal trainer; but now I think very differently – I have a lot more empathy towards others.’ ‘This experience has actually shown me how much I want to help those who are going through a hard time in life, because I truly believe that we can do anything with the right mental attitude and support network.’ And what a support network he has! Tim is part of three triathlon organisations: the Hills Tri Club, Defence Triathlon and Macca X. Once he’s ready, the Macca X community – through Chris McCormack – are going to take Tim to Thanyapura in Thailand to train. Additionally, Mark Emerton from Elite Energy (who hosts the Huskinson Triathlon Festival) has also thrown support behind Tim, by getting him to the Huski event, and keeping him involved in that Tri community. ‘I’m also on the committee for the Hills Tri Club,’ adds Tim, ‘And they’ve been fantastic. It’s easy to stay motivated when you have this level of ongoing support and goal setting going on.’ Motivation for Tim also comes in the form of his beautiful (almost) six-year-old daughter, Ella-Rose, who lives in Port Macquarie with her mother. ‘I think she’s coped well knowing that I’m in hospital, and she understands that I’m recovering, thanks to a wonderful mother who keeps her updated on my progress.’ And even more good news has spurred Tim’s progression, when his girlfriend of two years, Louisa, said ‘yes’ to his marriage proposal. ‘Louisa was one of my clients while I was personal training; I started training her for triathlon. She is younger than me at 26, and is a lawyer. We are thinking a KONA (Hawaii) wedding when one of us qualifies for the Ironman over there. She has certainly been my rock over the last eight months while I’ve been in hospital.’ To anyone else who’s facing a really big challenge Tim’s advice is to ‘stay strong and focused, and set yourself some achievable goals that you can hit.’ He adds, ‘Keep your family and friends close as they will always support you and care for you in those times of need. Communication is the key and don’t be afraid to talk to people about your issues or problems. I spoke to a social worker every week while I was in the ICU and I still speak to a psychologist on a weekly basis, just to share my thoughts and keep things in a healthy perspective.’ ‘I have met some amazing people during my time in hospital, each of whom have bounced back from serious injuries and illnesses. I’ve also met some who won’t recover, unfortunately, and that really puts life into perspective. It makes me realise I am one of the lucky ones, as I will get better and I will race again and help others along the way.’ Today Tim is in a positive frame of mind and excited about learning to walk again. ‘My ultimate goal is to do an Ironman again (KONA would be great!), to go to Everest Base Camp, Walk the Kokoda Track, and to participate in another Oxfam 100. They’re all big goals, but I want to prove that people can overcome adversity and achieve anything they set their mind to!’ Seizing the silver lining of his situation, Tim has set himself a goal of becoming a keynote speaker. ‘It’s definitely something I’d like to tackle in the future, as I’d love to share with others how GBS has changed me, and the skills I used to get through the most difficult parts. I want to inspire everyone to aim high and tackle life head on, no matter what limitations you perceive you have.’ To contact Tim email [email protected] Photos (including cover) by Craig Willsmer, APP.