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Member Success Story

Julie Hooper

If ever there were a member story to hit you right in the feels then this is it! This is the incredible true story of one of our amazing PARC members Julie Hooper, written to us herself… ‘On the 5th July 2017, I left for work like any other day on my bike. At about 8:30am, I got crushed side on by a 30 tonne sweeper truck. I saw my ribs and clavicle come up in front of my eyes, heard lots of bone crushing and a loud crack that was my pelvis breaking in 4.   Eight days later I woke up in ICU from an induced coma with a body I didn’t recognise. The injuries I sustained were 17 broken ribs, fractures, displacement and broken pieces in the thoracic, lumbar vertebrae, clavicle and pelvis, a large muscle tear in my left quadricep, 2 collapsed lungs where one was punctured, bruising to the heart, head injuries and bleeds in both retinas and extensive nerve damage.  The paramedics who visited me were amazed that I was still alive – they nearly lost me en route. They were traumatized as they couldn’t believe that my body was the way it was – there wasn’t anything in my body where it should be!   The accident has significantly changed my life. I had once been an elite cyclist winning Welsh and British titles and numerous tours, I had also run for Australia at the World 100km Ultramarathon Championships. For 4 months of my recovery I was in a wheelchair in hospital and only able to use my right arm. I have permanent nerve damage which has left me with a limp and no longer can run, hop or skip. There’s no sensation in my toes, back of leg or my butt cheek, a loss of feeling in both sides of my chest and constant chronic pain all over my body. My balance on right side isn’t that good either.  My life is full of appreciation now and I put more thought in my day on how I do everyday life activities, as it takes so much longer to do things now. It’s very frustrating when I lose balance, fall over and even just the inability to put on a sock makes me look at things that I once took for granted like shopping, cleaning, walking, jumping or just getting out of a chair – getting a good night sleep and being pain free especially. But these are small prices to pay to still be here with my loved ones and friends. I have been overwhelmed by messages of support a love from people all over the world – it’s like having a snapshot of your funeral!  My rehabilitation is a mixture of strength, cardio and hydro. I wish to get back to as much of the athlete I used to be. I ride 100km every day on my bike but a much slower pace. This is what gets me through the day and helps me with my pain management.   I was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress disorder and my psychologist Sue from Personal Best Psychology works on that with me. The guidance of my Personal Trainer Chris Rich and group cycle instructors Louise and Pru have all helped me to be able to box again, leg press, do pull-ups and gain muscle.   Things I thought were impossible are possible with a few modifications, and I now have confidence and self-belief. You just have to believe it. Believe in yourself and have a strength the survive, ignore the pain and just keep trying.   Every morning I say, “Pick yourself up, dust it off, start all over again and never say never”. I will be going in for my 14th surgery late December and 60th X ray to remove a plate and 6 screws in my seat bone which will hopefully get me back in the New year to sprint classes with the inspirational Louise and Pru’s awesome cycle classes. I am hoping to work again with the very knowledgeable, motivating and professional Chris Rich with PT as well. PARC has an amazing team and amazing facilities.’ Since Julie sent her story to us, her 14th surgery in December was a success. She is currently waiting to see if she can be classified as a para-cyclist due to her nerve damage. Her goal is to enter selection for the Australian para-cycling team, and ride in the Tokyo Olympics, 2020, and Commonwealth Games in 2022.  
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Have you heard about our Health Club Appointments?

💪 A PARC Start appointment is perfect for new members, to help set you up for success, and create a training plan to meet your goals.

🏋 Our PARC Check In appointments are designed to help you stay on track with your goals, address any questions or concerns you may have and provide you with expert advice to assist you in your movement journey.

Whether you’re looking for some help setting up a new training program, or just want to update your existing one, these appointments are perfect for members looking for tailored guidance.

Book your Health Club appointment via the Customer Portal or Xplor App today.

#PARCFrankston #PARC #Frankston

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Have you heard about our Health Club Appointments? 💪 A PARC Start appointment is perfect for new members, to help set you up for success, and create a training plan to meet your goals. 🏋 Our PARC Check In appointments are designed to help you stay on track with your goals, address any questions or concerns you may have and provide you with expert advice to assist you in your movement journey. Whether you’re looking for some help setting up a new training program, or just want to update your existing one, these appointments are perfect for members looking for tailored guidance. Book your Health Club appointment via the Customer Portal or Xplor App today. #PARCFrankston #PARC #Frankston

One week until school holidays start! 🤩

If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure to escape the winter weather, then jump on your rocketship and blast on down to PARC! Our giant inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island, is the perfect school holiday challenge for Aquanauts big and small, with its slippery slopes, slides and balancing beams.

🚀 Dates: Monday 29 June – Friday 10 July

💫 Time: Weekdays: 11:00am – 3:00pm (last session 2:30pm)

🪐 Cost: $6.50 per person (for Splash Island, plus pool entry)

🛸 Bookings: Required for Splash Island—reserve your spot through PARC’s Customer Portal.

Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information.

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Open post by parcfrankston with ID 17918697801181577
One week until school holidays start! 🤩 If you’re looking for the ultimate adventure to escape the winter weather, then jump on your rocketship and blast on down to PARC! Our giant inflatable obstacle course, Splash Island, is the perfect school holiday challenge for Aquanauts big and small, with its slippery slopes, slides and balancing beams. 🚀 Dates: Monday 29 June – Friday 10 July 💫 Time: Weekdays: 11:00am – 3:00pm (last session 2:30pm) 🪐 Cost: $6.50 per person (for Splash Island, plus pool entry) 🛸 Bookings: Required for Splash Island—reserve your spot through PARC’s Customer Portal. Visit our website to learn more about pricing and booking information.

Happy International Yoga Day! 🧘‍♀️

Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just a beginner, we are encouraging you to take some time today to embrace the practice of yoga and give yourself some time to relax, unwind and create that mind-body connection you deserve ✨

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Happy International Yoga Day! 🧘‍♀️ Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just a beginner, we are encouraging you to take some time today to embrace the practice of yoga and give yourself some time to relax, unwind and create that mind-body connection you deserve ✨

When your Cycle bestie surprises you for your birthday! 🎈🥳

Eve got a lovely surprise when she arrived to her Cycle class this week, and found that her bike had been decorated! Shoutout to Sheryl for making her day so special!

It`s moments like these that show how wonderful our PARC community is 💙

#PARC #PARCFrankston

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When your Cycle bestie surprises you for your birthday! 🎈🥳 Eve got a lovely surprise when she arrived to her Cycle class this week, and found that her bike had been decorated! Shoutout to Sheryl for making her day so special! It's moments like these that show how wonderful our PARC community is 💙 #PARC #PARCFrankston

It`s Men`s Health Week! 🏋️‍♂️

We wanted to take a moment, and share some ideas on how to incorporate more movement into your day:
🚶 Go for a walk after a meal
⚡️Use the stairs instead of the elevator
💼 If you work at a desk, try and get up and move or stretch every 30 minutes
💪 Aim to do two strength sessions per week
😄 Exercise with friends!

#PARC #PARCFrankston #menshealth #menshealthweek2026

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Open post by parcfrankston with ID 17922778239364067
It's Men's Health Week! 🏋️‍♂️ We wanted to take a moment, and share some ideas on how to incorporate more movement into your day: 🚶 Go for a walk after a meal ⚡️Use the stairs instead of the elevator 💼 If you work at a desk, try and get up and move or stretch every 30 minutes 💪 Aim to do two strength sessions per week 😄 Exercise with friends! #PARC #PARCFrankston #menshealth #menshealthweek2026

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