Just over a year ago (14/06/2022), I arrived as an in-patient at Flinder’s Private Hospital for surgery on my right knee to remove multiple benign tumours. To be precise, I had an arthroscopy combined with a hamstring incision to remove 4 tumours, with the largest being approx. the size of an apple, the surgery was very successful in terms of how surgical procedures go.

Within 48 hours, I was back at the hospital, as my leg was not feeling right to me, it was very tight and swollen, my shin felt raw to touch and I thought my calf was cramping, it turns out I had suffered a blot clot. A couple of very interesting weeks passed by before I headed back to see the doctor, as normal follow-ups go it was pretty standard, the wounds look like they are healing well, you need to start rehab but there are some tumours we couldn’t get to at this stage. The really positive news was the pathological report confirming that it is a benign Giant Cell Tumour (aka PVNS). Noting, I was still having issues with the lower leg portion – calf cramping / shin raw on onside and numb on the other.

Enter Rehab! I was still a member at the local gym, but it was just not working for me for multiple reasons, then I stumbled upon a fitness training ad with a local Fitness Group and after a conversation or 2 we were members. Yes, we, my rock Belinda, showed an interest in joining me to see where this would go, it has been one of the best things we have committed to doing as a couple, this was way back in October 2022.

I wanted to share the above to be able to share the below in context, as what I am about to share is very important to me and certainly helps with my mental recovery, as most know, this is not my first serious medical condition I (we) have had to accept.

October 2022, as indicated, we (Belinda and I) joined Brighton Group Fitness, and this has been a huge success for my personal physical recovery & fitness but most of all doing it with my best mate and seeing her transformation has been inspirational. Belinda has never felt healthier, her willingness and drive to try new things has supported me mentally, and she continues to enjoy this lifestyle change. Together we completed the 5km foam run, Belinda then completed her first non-stop 5km run ever, with more recently we completed the 10km true grit event. We are now in training to do the 12km City to Bay fun run later this year – something I can honestly say I never saw Belinda actually wanting to do.

The BGF team, led by personal trainer and owner Glen, are a fantastic crew, always willing to support your personal needs and outcomes. The members are as exactly as Glen references, like family, everyone is friendly, supportive and genuine, we all have stories to share with different goals and most of all we have met some great people. Being part of this group has certainly assisted with my recovery, physically and mentally, the variety of sessions keeps it interesting, combined with the challenges and group activities, this definitely makes it a fitness community family – which you just don’t get at a gym!

April 2023, we fast forward a little bit as we have been very committed to our own personal health and fitness and for the first time ever, Belinda is putting herself and her needs first. I have struggled with my lower leg basically since the operation, I have continuously struggled with lower leg numbness and calf pain, this warranted another scan in late March just in time for my follow-up appointment with the Doctors in April.

Sitting in the consultant room, speaking with the doctor about my knee, shin and calf, the findings were discussed. Turns out that you do generally know your own body the best, as I said earlier, my lower leg and calf were causing me issues and continue to do so – the reason being. A tumour has been located in the tibiofibular (joint between the Tibia & Fibula) with the disease impinging the peroneal nerve, which supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes. Unfortunately, nothing can be done, and we are in a holding pattern to see what the future holds, yet again.

May 2023, after feeling a bit bummed out with my leg news, I am determined to do what I can with what I have today, so I decided to hit the bitumen and go back to running. I then hooked into raising awareness and much-needed funding for The Smith Family, who work with disadvantaged Children and their families to ensure kids are given the opportunity to get an education.

June 2023, Welcome The Dream Run #DREAMBIG #DoingIt4Kids, I committed to running 100kms in June and reached over multiple channels to see who would support this worthy cause, #ThankYouSponsors. For those that have already donated, I truly appreciate your support, not only in supporting such a worthy cause #KidsAreTheFuture, but indirectly without you knowing, me, your donation has certainly assisted and lifted my spirits with the personal challenges I am now facing. If you wish you can still donate to this casue.

At the time of writing this I was 74kms into my 100km commitment and am very pleased with my progress, I will say, at times it has been a physical struggle with a lack of feeling in my lower leg, this has caused a couple of unwanted unbalanced issues.

I want to thank you for taking the time to read my post.