Welcome to our new website!
Posted: 22nd May 2009
Welcome to the new City to Longreach website, we are a group of ten Churchie Old Boys with the goal of running to Longreach over 13 days to raise money for two Queensland charities. Please read Monty's Story, check out our teams profiles and click here if you would like to donate and help raise money for youngsters in need.
We’d also like to thank the guys at NBM for donating the site! www.nbm.com.au
Comments (15)
My storyAs a parent, especially the role of a mother is a role as diverse as the hours which make up a day. I have four children, each with differing personalities and each at varying degrees of maturity; add to that mix a husband and you have a collage of abstract designs, one which makes up my beautiful family.
As a woman I work, not just about my home, but I also have a career. Each day I try to achieve my goals, most of which evolve around my family. Like most women I fall into bed at night exhausted, hitting the pillow, hugging it to my breasts as I drift into that unconscious place where I’m generally too tired to dream of things being anything different than the way they are.
I love those unconscious moments, mostly because they are rare.
I sometimes wonder if there are others out there like me. Don’t worry I know I’m not alone. But it would be nice at the end of the day for someone to ask, ‘By the way how was your day?’
The events as they happened;
September the 1st 2006:
I was walking out the door at 5am that morning, on my way to Brisbane for another busy day, Monty, my son, caught me at the door while I was in the midst of having one of those unconscious moments. He had been home since the Monday following his collapse in Tasmania where he had run in the National Cross Country Event. To this day I can still recall that moment; it’s clear in my mind. That agonizing look that depicts my son, one that says he will never give up. A look that defies his body to do more than is possible.
His body, mind and spirit had always driven him to run and unbeknown to us, his body had virtually run out of oxygen.
Monty thought it was a strained groin, one which from time to time had been a nagging problem. When he finally collapsed during the National Cross Country Event we dragged him off to the sports Dr who suggested he hadn’t warmed up properly and proceeded to apply an ice pack.
I guess we simply didn’t notice that he seemed to be continually exhausted. So when he came home after that event we thought it was simply to recuperate.
So that morning as I walked out the door, he briefly mentioned he had coughed up blood, not much, just some mild spotting. It was still early, too early to do anything so I asked him if he would ask his dad to take him to the Dr later that day.
My husband did and it was suggested Monty should go to the emergency dept at Nambour hospital.
While all this was going on I was attending the 1st Athletics meet for the season in Brisbane, a meet which Monty was meant to be running in that day.
His Twin brother Tighe was in training for the 3000.
All of us were concerned about Monty.
The hospital ran tests but like most things that took time.
In the mean time the coach suggested Tighe, (Monty’s twin brother) run Monty’s 800m. Tighe is obliging, and was happy to do that. (It’s a bit shorter than the 3000)
I was watching as Tighe cruised along in the lead during that race. It wasn’t until the last 200mts that another runner began to pass him. I recall Tighe telling me that he became very conscious that someone was overtaking him. Tighe stepped up the pace and won the 800 in under 2 minutes. It was at that precise moment that Monty was diagnosed with Leukemia.
It seemed Tighe knew, and he ran that race for his brother and won. As a family you are all in this together in one way or another
Like the race he ran for his brother, Tighe took on the leadership role in the boarding house at the school the boys’ attended. He also led the Athletics team, running on pure spirit which for me was the most extraordinary thing to witness. Tight went on to win the state 800mtrs event, and came 2nd in the GPS.
Monty had no idea of the full extent of what was about to take place and the first question he asked at the hospital was is there a Gym available? The answer was No. What an ill equipped hospital…….
The Families Response
Charlie, my darling husband was inconsolable when we received the results and like the wonderful father he is, he took on Monty’s fears, threats, pain, and exhaustion. But it was Monty who led the way with his enormous strength and courage.
Jacqui, their sister was in Longreach Pastoral College, not fully comprehending the enormity of the events unfolding until she arrived home later that year. She took on the role of house keeper and career for Sophia, their younger sister, which was wonderful because it kept things as normal as possible for her.
Sophia adores Monty, and is his little soul mate. Sophia is our special needs daughter one who had the simplicity to just be herself. Sophia would be there for Monty creating a peaceful knowing space for him that came from her genuine place of pure love. She always made him smile no matter how bad things were.
My role was keeping it all together. I kept everyone informed of things as they unfolded, especially remaining in touch with loved ones, friends and relatives as well as taking care of all the everyday basics tasks.
I felt the most important role of all was not to get totally absorbed by the medical paraphernalia. I have a fear of everything clinical so I changed the name of the disease A.L.L, Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia to A-L-L, my meaning Attitude, Laughter and Love. A friend was good enough to make up a huge sign which we stuck on the door in the hospital
All of this was an interesting experience; especially as we watched the medical staff undergo a change in their attitude. The sign created more understanding of the disease and what we as a family were dealing with on a day to day basis as we sat with Monty in that room. Our A-L-L took that edge off the seriousness we were facing and helped to bring a clearer perception about this person suffering from leukemia. This wasn’t a seriously ill person anymore, this was a young man with attitude and a family who laughed with him through the tragedy and loved him unconditionally.
So that was the beginning of this extraordinary journey we now share as we support his cause to help others. Just seeing him run with his brother and mates again is such a privilege. Maybe this will help bring closure as he finally runs this marathon. There will be other challenges ahead for him and hopefully many more races to run, for you never know what roads await you on your journey through life.
In finishing this I just want to say that Monty has this inner drive to give to those who gave him back his life. Monty knows what he has to do and there is a lesson in this we can all share. Even though life is sometimes tough, there comes a time when everyone has their own path to travel.
I’m still not sure why Monty chose to run from Brisbane to Longreach. But he is and his family is behind him 100% all the way. He is committed to raising $100,000 to donate to the Leukemia Foundation and other medically diagnosed illnesses, especially those families who come from regional areas. Families from these areas have to travel hundreds of kilometers to receive treatment and that often means spending time away from loved ones. It can be very heart wrenching and expensive.
While the Leukemic Foundation does provide accommodation and offers many other support systems it is often not enough. With the money this run will raise Monty and his friends are hoping that their efforts will help provide better health services to regional areas.
Monty’s Dr has a child who suffers from Autism. He hopes some of the funds raised will also go toward helping the Autistic Foundation. Autism effects thousands of lives around Australia and this money will also benefit new programs to assist these children in regional areas.
I admire my son’s dedication and leadership in this role. For a young man to have such a depth of character and a committed lot of friends who are willing sacrifice their time and energy to run a race such as this, says a lot about them. What great young Australians they are. From this one experience we have grown as a family and I thank each of these young men for sharing this event with us. The memories this run will inspire will see them through a lifetime. As a family we wish them every success.
It has been a massive effort on their behalf and we appreciate those who have offered their support. These foundations are there to assist everyone and you may never know when you may be the one you needs them.
Posted by Robby Summers at 08:17 PM July 04 2009
A RUNNERS PRAYER
Our Father,
Accept our thanks for the opportunity to participate in this contest and in the larger race of life. As running brings pleasure to our lives so may our efforts bring pleasure to You our Creator.
We give thanks for physical bodies wonderfully made.
Give us the strength to endure and the passion to perservere.Protect us from injury and illness.
Grant each of us the integrity to do our best in the quest to finish well. We can do no more and desire no less.
Remind us on this day and through all of life that we NEVER run alone.
Amen.
Bless you Monty and your whole team. Di
Posted by Di Churchill at 11:11 AM July 02 2009
Hey Monty I thought you were a LUVELY human being when I picked nectarines with you in stanthorpe last year, but this proves your special. I feel privileged to have met someone so thoughtfull and dedicated.
Good luck and best wishes
Pam and David
Posted by Pam ( pink gumboots ) and David Stevens at 08:38 PM June 27 2009
Monty, you are 'the wind beneath my wings'- you two tie Tighe
Posted by flemo at 10:43 AM June 27 2009
It's great to see that our youths of today are doing things for a great cause.I want to wish you all the very best and have a safe run.
Posted by STANLEY NARAYAN at 06:27 AM June 26 2009
Your story like many others has had an extremely powerful affect on me. I think you are very brave Monty and I hope people can draw courage, strength and inspiration from your story. I wish you all the best in your run and in your life. You have wonderful friends which is an obvious credit to your cheerful and selfless personality. I hope to raise sufficient funds throughout my office and from my friends for your great run. Thankyou for inspiring!
Posted by Emily Chandler at 10:02 AM June 18 2009
