Pushing barriers and raising vital funds

Rahil Patel, at the top of Mt Taranaki.

By Melanie Louden

“When you’re in a position to have gotten so much, the gift at this point is giving back.”

The quote is from KISS co-founder Paul Stanley, but for Cerebral Palsy Society member Rahil Patel the sentiment sums up his motivation for taking part in the Auckland Half Marathon.

 In the lead up to the November 1 event, the 22-year-old Aucklander wants to “give back” and is fundraising for the Society.

“The Society has supported my physical activities for about 10 years, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

“I know the funds raised will help the Society continue supporting people with Cerebral Palsy in different ways, just as they have supported me.”

While Rahil hasn’t completed anything like a half marathon before, he did hike Mt Fuji in Japan last year, and Mt Taranaki in February.

Rahil, right, and a friend, climbed Mt Fuji, Japan.

“I try to keep myself fit by playing squash and going to the gym. Both hiking and racquet sports involve endurance, which I believe will translate well to running a half marathon.”

Rahil, who is GMFCS level 1, has unilateral hemiplegia and spasticity on his right side which causes tightness and pain.

“My right leg is the most affected, with reduced muscle strength and development, and I also have a weak right knee. I wear a splint to bed every night.”

His balance, speed, coordination and overall strength are also affected.

Training for and completing a half marathon will be a significant physical challenge for Rahil.

Rahil, a real estate salesperson at Barfoot & Thompson’s Howick Branch, says he usually experiences pain in his legs after any physical exercise.

“As I have a weaker right side, my left leg over-compensates, which causes additional pain and soreness. My right leg can become particularly tight after exercising, and sometimes I experience constant pain and soreness, causing me to limp, especially when I’m tired. My right knee is also very weak and can become quite painful.”

“I want to push past the physical barriers to complete the half marathon.”

Rahil, second from left, and friends at the top of Mt Taranaki.

Rahil has set up a fundraising page so he can gather donations for the Cerebral Palsy Society from his friends, family, and colleagues. He’ll also be promoting his fundraiser on social media.

Rahil says the Auckland Half Marathon is a stepping stone towards his goal of running the full marathon next year.

Cerebral Palsy Society General Manager Clare Williams thanks Rahil for his desire to “give back” to the Society.

“We appreciate Rahil’s commitment to fundraising for the Society by completing the Auckland Half Marathon.

“And we are incredibly grateful to everyone who donates to his page. Thank you for supporting Kiwis who live with Cerebral Palsy – Hōkai Nukurangi. Your generosity will make a difference.”

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For more information:
Melanie Louden
Communications Manager
melanie@cpsociety.org.nz
Mobile: 022 087 819