Cath’s journey with football began back when she was 14 years old. Over the years, she developed a passion for the sport, staying active and fit through rigorous training and playing until she was 52.
“After I turned 53, I transitioned to Walking Football,” Cath says. “It’s a safer, non-contact version of the real game, played with one foot on the ground at all times, on a smaller pitch, and with no heading. It’s a great way to utilise my football skills without impacting my body and especially my knees.”
Keen to embrace this new form of football, Cath joined the Walking Football initiative when one of her friends associated with the Berowra Football Club introduced it to New South Wales. Cath now actively organizes the Walking Football group in Berowra, in the northern part of Sydney, where they gather to play every Monday evening.
“Walking Football has been fantastic for both ex-players and beginners. We have many women who have never played, and they enjoy it. It’s an inclusive and fun way to stay active and connected with the community.”
Cath, 57, emphasises the importance of an active lifestyle in managing Cystic Fibrosis (CF). “Being proactive with treatment is crucial, and finding activities that suit you personally can significantly contribute to your physical and mental well-being.”
While living with CF can be demanding, Cath, a mother of two, has remained resilient. She appreciates the advancements in medical care since her diagnosis at 11 years old, and highlights the significance of regular communication with CF medical teams.
“I have no regrets about my journey; occasionally, I may have pushed myself too far, and I would pay for it by being out of action for longer than I thought. Sometimes I would not take antibiotics on time, but I realised this is important for our condition. I have certainly learnt from these mistakes.”
At 50, Cath’s lungs began to fail, and she needed a double lung transplant. Thanks to the generosity of a donor and their family, Cath received a life-saving transplant. “Fortunately, I am here 6 years later to tell the tale. So blessed and thankful for my donor and their family.”
For Cath, Walking Football has been a key contributor to her overall well-being. “In an hour of playing, you can do 6000+ steps, so it keeps you active and fit,” she says. “But it’s not just about physical health; the camaraderie, banter, and laughter make it all worthwhile. It has positive outcomes for the participants both physically and mentally.”
Cath’s dedication to an active lifestyle extends beyond football. She avidly enjoys various outdoor activities such as gardening and bushwalking. Additionally, she enjoys attending Mariners Football matches and Sydney Swans games, cherishing music, attending concerts, socializing over coffee and meals with friends, and engaging in Pilates and Boot Camp whenever possible.
For others living with CF who are worried about being active, Cath says, “There are many ways and different degrees of activities out there; we are all different, but there’s a sport or activity out there that suits you. Of course, talk to your medical team to help point you in the right direction.”
(Images – Source: ABC)
The views, experiences or comments shared on this website are not medical advice and may not reflect opinions or beliefs of Cystic Fibrosis Community Care. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health.
