“The learning curve was steep but I learnt quickly. Rick is patient, experienced as a runner and extremely motivated” said Carlos, BSRV volunteer.
Carlos shares his story about how he found a good friend who shares his love of running.
I received a text from my wife, one sunny morning: "Check out this job, you might be interested". The ad was for a volunteer to help a person who was blind run. Intriguing and in my hometown Ballan, no less. I applied.
I contacted the wonderful and friendly Miriam, arranged an interview, ticked my safe to be around people boxes and passed my induction training. Awesome, it was looking good!
I met my running buddy Rick, together with Miriam, and thankfully we hit it off. I was able to match with Rick physically and we were 'Off and Running'!
I am no stranger to volunteering but this kind of giving is on a higher level. Honestly, it is as fulfilling as it can get and the fact that I am passionate about running was the icing on the cake.
Rick and I have spent many a cold morning running and I can only describe it as the most peaceful and rewarding running I have ever done.
Frosty early mornings, beanies, empty roads, dirt lanes, paddocks, mooing cows, stopping to listen to the tall pine rows singing, the first sunrays on our faces, high-fives and smiles... Mateship.
Even though my running partner has completed his Marathon, with the help of other friends, we still continue to head out on cold mornings to enjoy our common pursuit.
I can have a good joke with Rick, about how I need to manage talking non-stop, breathing and running at the same time.
If you are thinking about volunteering, give it a go. It is worth it.
Image description.
Carlos and Rick both have beaming smiles as they take a selfie on a dark early morning run. They both wear high viz vests for safety in low light. Behind them is a long country road with trees being silhouetted by a grey sky with hints of purple and yellow reflecting beneath the clouds as the sun begins to rise.
Walking with Willpower -
The Walking with Willpower program promotes fitness, wellbeing and community involvement by matching adults who have low or no vision with a trained, friendly volunteer in their local area to share together the benefits of walking. Many great friendships have been developed through this program.
We love to welcome new volunteers and participants. Please get in contact and then join us and join in.
Find more information and enquire about any of the BSRV walking programs
“The learning curve was steep but I learnt quickly. Rick is patient, experienced as a runner and extremely motivated” said Carlos, BSRV volunteer.
"We became fast friends and have never been at a loss for things to talk and laugh about!"
Heading out most weekends, Annette and BSRV volunteer Andrew are sharing their joy of riding as they explore their local area.
Since losing his sight, Paul has faced challenges head on and believes that anything is possible.
