Kylie, a Water Warrior
In Kylie’s words:
“My name is Kylie, I am 49 years old and identify as a deaf/blind person. Whilst this provides many complex challenges, I had always tried to soldier on.
I am a full-time trauma wildlife carer working 24/7 for the last 13 years to rescue, rehabilitate, care for and release some of our smallest and most vulnerable native wildlife. This certainly comes with its own challenges with constant feeds, cleaning, tending to injuries, lack of sleep, answering phone calls and unavoidably the passing away of animals.
In 2019, things took a turn for the worse with bushfires which saw my whole property burnt out with my house and wildlife yards barely saved.Since then, I had done a reasonable job fulfilling the day-to-day chores, but in January 2023, I knew something had to change.
My disabilities were getting worse, new health challenges were arising, I was becoming socially disconnected and emotionally burnt out. It was time for a drastic and dramatic change and Metaqua swimming program and Amanda Rudge was exactly what I needed.
What began as one class a week, quickly turned into 2, and then 3. When Winter came, we simply packed our bags and went to the heated pool in Warwick. On top of the Metaqua class, I quickly got back to my lap swimming days as I was feeling good.
Soon, I was keenly looking for other sports and activities to either try or get back into. My confidence had greatly improved, physically I felt better, and emotionally I felt great. I quickly picked up kayaking and can now be seen most weeks in one of our local dams doing around 10 kms a trip.
I also splurged out and bought myself, my very first mountain bike. Whilst injuries have prevented me from getting on it much yet, it is certainly at the forefront of my mind every day to get on the bike. I have quickly learnt the value of work and life balance and being able to recharge ones' own batteries. That one small step to attend a swim program, has now opened many new and exciting things for me including going to the coast and the beach and some holidays away. It has well and truly given me the confidence and the ability to try new things and not be so scared.
I can honestly say that Metaqua and Amanda Rudge probably saved my life. Amanda has played a huge role with her encouragement, support, keen interest in your wellbeing, making you feel important and special, and the occasional tough love thrown in there too.
Thank you Metaqua and Amanda.”
The Water Warrior Project is a joint project of inspiration between Amanda, Metaqua Instructor from @swimminginthefield, and Lara Flanagan, Photographer from My Notes From Gallery, Studio & Store.
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