I have been a Police officer since November 2003 having started in the UK with North Yorkshire Police. I transferred to SAPOL in March 2009 and have been posted to Holden Hill LSA, Hills Fleurieu LSA, Northern District and Comcen in patrols and investigation roles.
I have always been fairly active playing rugby, cycling, running and fishing.
Unfortunately in October 2019 I injured my back and right knee in a work incident which resulted in me having spinal surgery in 2020 and knee surgery in 2021.
The road to recovery from these injuries has been a long process involving physiotherapy, exercise physiology, chiropractic support and various medical examinations and even at one stage being advised that I may need to consider another career.
Finding another career was something I have never previously seriously considered and was a substantial blow on top of the adjustments I had already made to my lifestyle and the physical limitations that were in place.
I started to feel depressed, anxious and insecure about my future which resulted in my motivation decreasing.
Realising that I was not tracking very well I accessed psychological support and used my family and close friends as motivation setting myself meaningful and measurable goals.
I started exercising more frequently completing my exercises set by my physio and exercise physiologist and eventually in 2022 was signed off for operational duties.
By exercising and being active my mind felt good and my chronic back pain dissipated.
To continue to motivate me keep fit I set the goal of completing a sponsored walk.
Whilst walking from home in Golden Grove to work at Carrington Street (4 hours) I came up with the idea of a walk linking all 4 Metro District HQ’s.
Then with the deaths of our colleagues last year I could not think of a more deserving charity that Police Legacy.
 
My personal goal is $200 but I would love it if others joined me on the full walk or even sections that suit their fitness and obtain their own sponsorship.