Pushing Past Limits: My Life-Changing Outward Bound Experience

July 28, 2025 | Life with MS, My Story, News

When I first signed up for Outward Bound, I didn’t know exactly why I was doing it. But somewhere deep inside, I think I wanted my daughters, Casey (31) and Zahna (29), to be proud of me. I wanted them to one day say,

Our mum was amazing. She had MS, but she never let it hold her back.

I live with relapsing-remitting MS, so choosing the right course was important. I found one in the South Island that sounded achievable, especially because Outward Bound goes the extra mile to accommodate all kinds of abilities. The best part? It was fully funded for people on a benefit. That was the sign I needed.

The course promised eight days of personal challenge, confidence-building, and goal setting. It sounded intense, but also perfect. So, after scouring op shops and gathering donated gear (because I didn’t own a single pair of trackpants!), I packed my bag and headed to the airport.

A Team Like No Other

At Nelson Airport, I was picked up by an Outward Bound van and introduced to the first of my new companions, a woman with cystic fibrosis. We soon learned we’d be sharing a room, and the adventure, together.

Our group included seven women and two men, aged between 19 and 56, each with different disabilities. One woman had lost the use of her legs in an accident and used a wheelchair. Another needed crutches and dragged her feet due to a lifelong condition. Others lived with chronic pain or fatigue. We were all incredibly different, but united by one goal: to push ourselves.

Waka Rowing, Singing Sea Chants, and Weka Friends

Despite my symptoms – including what I think was trigeminal neuralgia – I joined in everything I could. I helped row a waka, sailed a yacht, and even belted out sea shanties hoping to attract dolphins (spoiler: it didn’t work, but the joy was real!).

On our solo night in the forest, I was joined by a curious pair of weka who tried to steal my pack of nuts. Outward Bound had catered to my keto diet, which meant I could keep my health on track without worry whilst on the adventure. The food was genuinely restaurant-quality, thanks to their amazing chef team. No one ever went hungry!

On the way back from sailing one day, the sun beat down, and I started overheating. The staff—who now felt like true friends—gently scooped and poured water over me to keep me cool. They treated me like royalty, checking in constantly to make sure I was okay.

The High Ropes: Flying Fox Dreams

The day we tackled the High Ropes course, I was in pain and ready to skip it. But then I saw a young woman—who relied on a walking frame—rise to the challenge. That was it. I had to try.

I called out, “Can I go?” The team adjusted everything so I could. And there I was, up in the treetops, following 19-year-old Miss Determined across the course. I don’t remember every obstacle, but I’ll never forget finishing with the flying fox. A 56-year-old woman with MS, zooming through the trees. It was exhilarating.

Nana can do anything.

Making Fire and Finding Strength

Later, with the help of walking poles and kind teammates, I ventured into the forest to learn how to carve spoons and build fires. We foraged for materials—soft fibres under trees like candyfloss—to start our own flames. And we did it. Together, we made something from nothing. I’d never felt more empowered.

Each day started with movement adapted to everyone’s abilities. Then came a freezing South Island swim for the able-bodied group, and always a warm shower and a hot meal waiting. We were welcomed into every space as equals, no matter our limitations.

A Journey That Changed Everything

If you’d told me I’d complete an Outward Bound course—while managing MS flare-ups and intense brain pain—I wouldn’t have believed you. But I did it. And I was surrounded by kindness, care, and courage every step of the way.

There were moments I wanted to pull out. But thanks to my incredible friends, Philippa Pollock and Julie Quinn, I stayed the course. They reminded me: “How would you feel if you didn’t do it?” and “What are the possibilities if you do?”

Now I know. Anything is possible.

I signed up for Outward Bound with one hope in my hear – that someday, my daughters would look back and feel proud of who I was and what I’d pushed myself to do. Life is busy for my daughters. One works full-time and is raising two beautiful children, and the other also works full-time while carving out a vibrant place for herself in the music scene – first as a DJ, and now organising venues and international DJs visiting New Zealand. So while I didn’t expect fanfare, the words I did get from them meant the world: “Superwoman.” That one stuck with me – and gave me a good laugh too!

A couple of years ago, I bungy jumped. That was back in September 2022. It was a rush, absolutely – but it lasted all of ten seconds. Outward Bound was different. It wasn’t one big leap; it was eight days of waking up and saying, “Yes, I can do this,” even when it hurt, even when I wanted to go home, even when it would’ve been easier not to try.

That’s what I hope they’ll remember. Not just that I once jumped off a ledge – but that I kept showing up for myself, over and over again.

Because this journey didn’t just teach me what I’m capable of. It reminded me that I am still becoming the woman I want to be – strong, brave, and fiercely alive.