BRIDGE TO BRISBANE DAY PARTICIPANTS SHARE THEIR INSPIRATIONAL STORIES

Entries for The Sunday Mail Suncorp Bank Bridge to Brisbane Day are filling fast, and as they do we are uncovering inspirational stories from our running community that shine a light on the ‘nothing can stop me’ attitude of participants!

Johaan Kaa’s Story:

Nothing can stop Johann Kaa!

Struck down by meningococcal disease in 2014, Johaan Kaa, 52, lost his hands and legs as a result of an infection he caught from his co-worker. Following the diagnosis, the Queensland father of three was unable to leave the hospital for six months and when he did his life was dramatically changed having lost his independence from the amputation of his limbs.

After battling rehabilitation in his prosthetics, Mr Kaa signed up for Bridge to Brisbane Day 5km to challenge himself and show his children that they can push through anything when they put their mind to it. While he is in training for Bridge to Brisbane Day, Johaan is also planning on doing some public speaking in the local community to ultimately remind people that life is for living!

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Pat Passfield’s story:

Meet Positive Pat and his fight to stay fit and healthy.

Two years ago, Pat underwent brain surgery and was told he would never walk again. As a grandfather, he was confined to a wheelchair, but through sheer determination, Pat was back on two feet again and is inspiring others to do the same!

Since recovering from brain surgery, Pat has earned the title of ‘Positive Pat,’ having walked over 19,000km to raise money for a variety of charities! Starting the day with a 5km walk every day, Pat will proudly walk the 5km course as part of Wesley Mission’s Brisbane team on Bridge to Brisbane Day 2016! You can help Pat on his way by donating to his Every Day Hero page right here!

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Aaron Maile’s story:

I’m running to stay fit, healthy and be a great role model for my daughter.

At the start of Aaron’s fitness journey in 2014 he was 123kg. His daughter was being teased at school about his weight, and he had a long string of medical issues he refused to address.

One day, Aaron decided enough was enough, and signed up to Bridge to Brisbane Day 2014 with the simple goal of focussing on his diet and exercise until race day.

That year, Aaron power walked the Bridge to Brisbane Day 5km course, with the goal to run the same course in 2015. However, before he knew it, he had signed up for the Bridge to Brisbane Day 10km race!

Throughout the training process, Aaron lost 30kg and became completely hooked. Not only does he now love to run, but he has the energy to be the best dad he can be!

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Do you have an inspirational story to share? Tell us in the comments below or private message us on Facebook or Instagram #BestTimeBNE #Bridge2Brisbane.

Enter now via www.bridgetobrisbaneday.com.au