Martin Hoare Cert. Rec, Ad. Cert. 4 Outdoor Leadership, B.A.,Grad.Dip.Arts, Dip. Family Therapy, Master of Counselling.

ADVENTURE THERAPIST COUNSELOR

In 1983 I was given a week to live. I have a rare, chronic lung condition and was in and out of hospital for 10 years. One third of my lung is dead.  I had open lung surgery in 1994. In the early 90's I met Jim. He generously offered to train me 3 times a week. I could not get through one three minute round for some months. I used to clutch a ventolin inhaler in my boxing glove. I couldn't breathe, I coughed up oxygenated blood, but with Jim's support I persisted. Change came over months and years of hard training directed by the great motivator, Jim.

I still have the lung disease but I have not been in hospital because of it for over 12 years. I went from having 34% working lung capacity to 97%. I frequently work in dangerous environments with unwell and unpredictable clients but my work with Jim over the years has built my judgement and my courage. When the going gets hard at work or out in the bush climbing a cliff, paddling a river, or carrying a pack for 10 days in remote areas, Jimmy's voice clicks in. My internal struggles with illness and low self esteem are aided by his voice. It doesn't go away, it's like I have a loyalty to Jim to try hard, to struggle against whatever is hard in my life. The life I enjoy today is possible because of the dedication, skill, strength of character and inspirational leadership of Jim.