Julie – An amazing Fitness Firster
This week I met an amazing person whilst on my club visits in Queensland. 12 months ago Julie Holden woke up and couldn’t see. Whist she did have some vision it was extremely limited and she has been classified as blind. But this post is not about what Julie can’t do…it is about what she can do.
After the initial shock Julie started to plan her life going forward. After overhearing a conversation in Fitness First about an opening at reception, she applied and got the job. She now is a part-time receptionist at a number of Brisbane clubs including Toowong, North Quay, Fortitude Valley, Springwood and Wynnum. And everywhere she goes she is accompanied by her trusted guide dog Jean, seen here supporting the new Fitness First Uniform!!!
Just before Xmas Julie decided that she needed more. So she took up cricket. That’s right cricket. She joined a local Blind Cricket club and shortly after was selected to play for Queensland. It gets better…she was recently selected to play for Australia on a tour of Barbados this June. A year ago when she could see she had no interest in cricket, and now when she is blind she is playing for Australia. Maybe that says as much about cricket as it does about Julie’s incredible can-do attitude!
But this is where we need the help of all you Fitness Firsters. The Blind Cricket association is a not for-profit organisation and that means that Julie has to raise the $6000 to get her there by herself. She has got half way but is struggling with the remaining $3000. How about we show our values of “Everybody Counts” and “Community” and dig into our pockets to get Julie onto the tour wearing the, Baggy Green? Plus, for every dollar that we raise, Fitness First will match it up to $1500.
Every person I spoke to about Julie said the same thing to me, summed up by one person’s comment. “Her positive attitude is an inspiration to everyone who meets her. She is simply a beautiful person” So come on Fitness Firsters, let’s repay that inspiration.
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READ COMMENTS ON THIS STORY
OK so how do we make donations think it’s a great idea?
By Andrew Wyres
its anmazing to find people like julie around us. and with gods blessing she will get through all her problems.
By michael jacob