News

Garry steps up for kidney walk

Wed, 19 Mar 2014 09:53:00

One of the star recruits to the Mallee District Aboriginal Services’ Healthy Lifestyles program is stepping up to his biggest challenge yet next weekend – a 34 kilometre walk from Wentworth to Mildura to raise funds for charity.

The Kidneys for Kids Foundation provides camps with respite care for children with kidney failure and their carers, allowing them to connect to others with similar conditions.
It’s a cause that Mildura’s Garry Swallow can relate to.
Two years ago, Garry was suffering from reduced kidney function and a range of health-related issues.
But now, at age 61, he’s a picture of health after joining the MDAS Cardiac Rehabilitation Program and being a regular at the gym.
It has been  a dramatic turnaround for Garry to take control of his life and health, and even he struggles to explain what prompted his new direction.
“I spent Christmas two years ago with a group of people and we all drank far too much alcohol – I just woke up the next day and said ‘no more’,” Garry explained.
“I moved to Mildura for a fresh start and through the health clinic I got linked in to the Cardiac program, then the MDAS gym in Pine Avenue, and it’s just gradually been one thing to another.”
Garry now walks every day, has stopped smoking and drinking, and is part of MDAS’s Macqua Aqua Aerobics program, Pilates and the walking groups. 
“The change in my health has been dramatic – I had only 34 percent kidney function when I started.  I’m now up to nearly 45 percent function and I am stable, which is great,” he said.
“I feel just so much better and can do so many more things – I’m involved in my community more and love that when you are out and about exercising, people are so friendly.
“That’s partly what doing the Kidneys for Kids walk is all about – I already support a few children’s charities, but this is one that really means something to me, because of my own kidney condition.”
Garry said he was looking forward to Saturday’s walk.
“I’ve never done an organised walk before – I’ve just walked around Mildura.  The longest I’ve done is 24 kilometres, but I followed that up with a MDAS boot camp session down at the river!” he said.
“I think I shouldn’t have any worries making this one – hopefully I’ll meet a few more keen walkers and we’ll raise a good amount of money for the cause.”
“You can help show your support through sponsoring Garry in the Kidneys for Kids walk. Contact the MDAS Gym in Pine Avenue for more information.”