For avid runner Kristina Cameron, there's no greater sense of satisfaction than crossing a marathon finish line. Each time, the 42km feat means all the more as she knows what it's like to be bed-bound and paralysed battling rare illness GuillainBarré syndrome.
"I was just about crying at the end of my first marathon in Queenstown in 2019," recalls the 38-year-old. "To think there was a time I couldn't even walk and now I've done this! It's a huge sense of achievement.
“I don’t think I would have the slightest interest in running if I hadn’t been paralysed. Something about losing the use of your legs makes you want to use them.”
It was 15 years ago when Kristina, then 23, woke up dizzy with tingling in her fingertips. She’d been out the night before, so initially assumed it was an odd hangover symptom.
“I got a friend to take me to the doctor and was diagnosed with vertigo. But the following day, the pins and needles were up to my elbows and I couldn’t move without holding on to something. By the third day, I couldn’t walk at all, and pins and needles were in my face and feet.”
Admitted to hospital, doctors were initially baffled.
Denne historien er fra June 12, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra June 12, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK