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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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Our 30-20-2 Winter Challenge is just around the corner! 🎉

It kicks off in just over a week, on Monday 18 May and will run for four weeks until Sunday 14 June.

All you need to do is grab a card from Reception, attend PARC 12 times over the four weeks of the challenge and you will go into the draw to win 1 of 50 limited edition PARC winter scarves!

Let`s get moving! 🤩

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Our 30-20-2 Winter Challenge is just around the corner! 🎉 It kicks off in just over a week, on Monday 18 May and will run for four weeks until Sunday 14 June. All you need to do is grab a card from Reception, attend PARC 12 times over the four weeks of the challenge and you will go into the draw to win 1 of 50 limited edition PARC winter scarves! Let's get moving! 🤩

Skate Jam is this Saturday! 🛹

Join the fun at our Family Fun Day this Saturday 9 May. Enjoy free skate clinics, skateboard and equipment hire, plus a community sausage sizzle!

When: Saturday 9 May 2025, 12.00pm – 3.00pm

Where: Frankston Skate Park

Open to all ages and abilities. Bookings for the skate clinics are open via the Skate Park Customer Portal.

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Skate Jam is this Saturday! 🛹 Join the fun at our Family Fun Day this Saturday 9 May. Enjoy free skate clinics, skateboard and equipment hire, plus a community sausage sizzle! When: Saturday 9 May 2025, 12.00pm – 3.00pm Where: Frankston Skate Park Open to all ages and abilities. Bookings for the skate clinics are open via the Skate Park Customer Portal.

Beat the cold with PARC Reformer!

This weather may be cooling down, but we certainly aren’t! Join one of our reformer classes in our state-of-the-art studio, and enjoy a class that’s perfect to get your body moving. Whether it’s led by one of our fabulous instructors, or a virtual session, there’s something for everyone!

#PARCfrankston #reformerpilates #reformerpilatesworkout #reformerfrankston #reformer

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Beat the cold with PARC Reformer! This weather may be cooling down, but we certainly aren’t! Join one of our reformer classes in our state-of-the-art studio, and enjoy a class that’s perfect to get your body moving. Whether it’s led by one of our fabulous instructors, or a virtual session, there’s something for everyone! #PARCfrankston #reformerpilates #reformerpilatesworkout #reformerfrankston #reformer

Are you, or a loved one, having or had a baby this year? 👶🩵

Looking for some Mothers Day gift inspo…
Why not gift a unique keepsake that grows more meaningful every year!

This Mother’s Day gift a timeless tribute of your loved one in the form of a tree and plaque at Rotary Peninsula 2.0’s 2026 Birth Tree. By participating in the Birth Tree, your contribution will go directly to funding Infant Can Swim water safety programs.

Buy your Birth Tree name today via the link in our bio.

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Are you, or a loved one, having or had a baby this year? 👶🩵 Looking for some Mothers Day gift inspo... Why not gift a unique keepsake that grows more meaningful every year! This Mother’s Day gift a timeless tribute of your loved one in the form of a tree and plaque at Rotary Peninsula 2.0’s 2026 Birth Tree. By participating in the Birth Tree, your contribution will go directly to funding Infant Can Swim water safety programs. Buy your Birth Tree name today via the link in our bio.

It`s nearly that time of year again! 👀🥳

Our winter challenge is just around the corner! As the weather gets cooler, finding the motivation to move can be difficult. We want to support you in achieving your 30-20-2 during the winter months!

Join the 30-20-2 Movement Challenge! All you need to do is grab a card from Reception, attend PARC 12 times over the four weeks of the challenge and you will go into the draw to win 1 of 50 limited edition PARC winter scarves.

Click the link in our bio to learn more.

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Open
It's nearly that time of year again! 👀🥳 Our winter challenge is just around the corner! As the weather gets cooler, finding the motivation to move can be difficult. We want to support you in achieving your 30-20-2 during the winter months! Join the 30-20-2 Movement Challenge! All you need to do is grab a card from Reception, attend PARC 12 times over the four weeks of the challenge and you will go into the draw to win 1 of 50 limited edition PARC winter scarves. Click the link in our bio to learn more.

Roll into action at Frankston Skate Park! 🛹

Come on down for a fun filled afternoon at our Family Fun Day on Saturday 9 May. Enjoy free skate clinics, skateboard and equipment hire, plus a community sausage sizzle!

When: Saturday 9 May 2025, 12.00pm – 3.00pm

Where: Frankston Skate Park

Open to all ages and abilities. Bookings for the skate clinics will be open via the Skate Park Customer Portal.

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Open
Roll into action at Frankston Skate Park! 🛹 Come on down for a fun filled afternoon at our Family Fun Day on Saturday 9 May. Enjoy free skate clinics, skateboard and equipment hire, plus a community sausage sizzle! When: Saturday 9 May 2025, 12.00pm – 3.00pm Where: Frankston Skate Park Open to all ages and abilities. Bookings for the skate clinics will be open via the Skate Park Customer Portal.

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