Longtime local Rob Parr has celebrated his recent journey to health by returning to Bundaberg parkrun to raise awareness around organ donation.
Rob was diagnosed with a rare liver disease known as Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis which required him to undergo a liver transplant at Brisbane Princess Alexandra Hospital.
Following a long and tough recovery, Rob was able to recently return to his favourite pastime of taking part in Bundaberg parkrun alongside his wife Kelli and supported by a crew of advocates for DonateLife Queensland.
Bundaberg’s DonateLife Donation Specialist Karen Jenner said her volunteers chatted to around 73 parkrun participants about the need to talk to their families about their organ and tissue donation decision.
“Most people don’t realise it takes less than one minute and your Medicare card to register your decision to become an organ and tissue donor online,” Karen said.
“Head to donatelife.gov.au or just three taps of your Medicare Express App to register your decision on the Australian Organ Donor Register.”
Outreach Ambassador and a Bundaberg parkrun Run Director Therese Ryan said she was thrilled to combine her passion for parkrun with the life-saving organ donation message and to welcome Rob back in to the parkrun fold.
“Exercise is an evidence-based treatment for many conditions as well as playing an important role in disease prevention,” Therese said.
“It is a vital part of the social prescribing toolbox of health professionals.
“parkrun is a free weekly event that can introduce people to physical activity in a supportive, encouraging outdoor setting.
“It can help with forming regular habits of physical activity and gives participants a purpose for engaging in exercise and something to look forward to each week.
“Walking, running, spectating and volunteering are all encouraged at parkrun.”
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