Meet our Interplast ambassador, Mike Rolls. In September 2001, at the age of 18, Mike’s life changed forever. He contracted one of the deadliest diseases on the planet, meningococcal septicemia while on an end-of-season football trip. This lethal, fast acting and brutal infection left him with horrific internal and external injuries, including multiple amputations.
Mike’s chances of survival were as little as 5 per cent. His family were told to say goodbye on more than one occasion as he fought for his life. He spent the next six months in hospital where he was given the sobering news that it could take years to achieve even the most basic tasks, such as walking and driving, as well as the devastating realisation that sport may not be a possibility.
Mike’s journey back to health was aided by his positive outlook, an adaptive mindset and his choice to “embrace with open arms” the many challenges that lay ahead. His determination to live a happy, fulfilling life is evident in his accomplishments as a double amputee, such as running again after many years, representing Australia in golf, climbing one of Australia’s tallest buildings and passionately advocating for and supporting other amputees who experience similar circumstances.
Here, we chat to Mike about his life, his involvement with Active Interplast and what motivates him to keep active.
I have done charity events for Interplast over the past few years including the Eureka Climb launch events for the last three years.
I became involved with Interplast after I discovered that five of the surgeons that do volunteer work for Interplast operated directly on me in the past. I understand how much these surgeries have improved my life and I want to give back any way I can to support these amazing humans.
The less I do the more pain I’m in so I make sure I hit the gym regularly. I also play golf regularly and swim also as it’s a low-impact exercise and fantastic for fitness.
I think the functionality benefits are what motivates me. Being a man with no legs, I find being active improves all areas of my life. My walking, my agility, my mind and my self-esteem all benefit.
I’ve always wanted to do the Pier to Pub, it looks like a lot of fun! I have done running events in the past but they are pretty rough on my legs. Swimming for me this year!
These sorts of events reward our souls and help us to grow as humans. Get involved and don’t make excuses!