From Garage Training to the World Stage — A Whanganui Mum’s Paralympic Dream

After a climbing accident at 16 and an 18-year break, I returned to climbing as a way of rebuilding my life — navigating trauma, raising three children, and learning to live again in a body shaped by pain, amputation, over 20 surgeries, and ongoing mental health challenges.

Now, I’m working toward representing New Zealand in para-climbing at the Paralympics.

Right now, I’m seeking critical funding to reach two World Cups this year, in Japan and Korea, in October and November. I currently have no sponsorship, so this path is entirely self-funded. I’m saving hard, have refinanced my mortgage, and I’m working on some art to sell too.

I train from my garage because there are no climbing facilities in Whanganui — the place I call home, where my life is deeply rooted in motherhood.

My goal is simple: to stand on the world stage and show what’s possible when resilience is built quietly, over time — and to bring my community with me, from the Whanganui River to rocks to rings.

This journey is about showing that strength doesn’t always look loud — sometimes it looks like getting up again, and again.

If this resonates, you can also support by sharing this page, following along on social media, or booking me as a speaker for your school or business.

This fundraising goal covers my core costs — but even having someone to belay me in training at international events (hold the rope) means raising additional funds to bring a coach or support person along.

Every koha is so deeply appreciated.