Published on Wednesday 3 April, 2019

Confronted with the likelihood of hospitalisation and faced with multiple health problems, Tweed Heads local, Rodney, needed to drastically change his lifestyle.

With the encouragement of Lifestyle Solutions Support Worker, Marliene Williams, Rodney began his long road to recovery. Six years on, he’s shed an incredible 157 kilos.

“When I first started supporting Rodney, he was told by doctors that he would be hospitalised indefinitely if he didn’t change his lifestyle,” said Marliene.

With this knowledge, and her go-getting attitude, Marliene started to help Rodney on his road to a brighter and healthier future.

Rodney underwent two major operations on his leg which helped increase his mobility and he and Marliene began a regular and consistent exercise regime.

“Rodney has gone from being house-bound and very unhappy within himself to a bubbly, bright man who relates well to everyone he meets,” said Marliene.

Marlene and Rodney’s daily routine now includes a 1.5 km walk from home to a community outdoor exercise gym where they complete a workout routine. They then cook breakfast together, complete daily chores and Rodney’s personal hygiene regime.

“Rodney no longer needs a walker, his diabetes is in remission, he’s regaining his independence and is a much happier person,” said Marliene.

Rodney and his family are extremely pleased with his progress and his new lease on life.

Rodney has become an inspiration for many Tweed Heads locals who, seeing him out walking every day, have now set their own weight loss goals.