Cause is close to the heart
A CAIRNS-based disability support worker is channelling a new appreciation for life into helping save others after a near-death experience.
Paul Durdin became unwell with a mosquito-borne illness several years ago and, after a battery of tests, the right side of his heart was found to be larger than the left.
Specialists then discovered he had three holes in his heart and that instead of two tubes in and two tubes out, he had three tubes on the right side of his heart and one on the left.
Called atrial septo defect with a hole between two atria and abnormal venous drainage, Mr Durdin had lived 40 years without knowing. Just over three years ago, the-then 41-year-old, flew to Brisbane for a complex procedure where an unneeded tube was used to repair the hole.
“I was invited to be part of the catering crew for the Cardiac Challenge last year and I just got so inspired by the stories so I decided this year I’d like to ride,” Mr Durdin said.
He has been riding every day, lost 12kg, got up Lake Morris Road and recently rode 110km in one day.
“I never used to have much stamina or endurance. If I exerted myself I’d feel a bit dizzy but to be honest, I feel super privileged,” he said. “Now I feel like I have a purpose.”
Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation CEO Tony Williamson said this year’s event would be slightly different, but fundraisers were working hard towards their goal.
“We’ve raised more than $135,000 towards our $175,000 goal and I’m confident we’ll get there,” he said.
“With the logistical challenges we’ve faced due to COVID-19, having QSuper as our major sponsor is critical and it will enable every single dollar raised to go directly to cardiac care in the Far North.”