Mother of three Ripeka Patuwairua’s incredible physical achievement

After suffering two strokes, Ripeka Patuwairua has achieved what many people would believe is the impossible. Read her inspiring story.

A Mackay woman’s addiction to exercising at 5am has helped her recover from two strokes that left her paralysed on her left side.

Ripeka Patuwairua described her routine as an addiction that started when she suffered her second stroke that left her with paralysis in her left arm and leg.

It has been a long journey for the mother of three who suffered her first stroke when she was pregnant with her eldest child in 1996.

“The progression of the stroke got progressively worse from seven months to nine months,” Ms Patuwairua said.

“I was in hospital for five days and it was on the fifth day they told me I had a stroke, and there was nothing they could do.

“So I had physio for about three and a half months and it got me back to what you would class as ‘normal’, so no signs of another stroke.”

Stroke survivor Ripeka Patuwairua at Mackay’s F45. Picture: Madeleine Graham

She had another stroke in 2006, leaving her with a paralysis of the left arm and leg.

“I figured two is enough, I don’t need anymore,” she said.

“I went into denial for a little while and then I got over myself and you just get on with life.

“I have three beautiful children, so there is no use for me to feel sorry for myself and hide in the corner.

“It doesn’t get you anywhere.”

Ripeka Patuwairua was announced the winner of an F45 six week challenge on December 18, 2021. Picture: Madeleine Graham

Ms Patuwairua has little movement in her left arm and leg, but this has not stopped her exercise addiction.

“There is movement but no grip,” she said.

“Obviously doing F45 I have to use this (right) hand to help this hand to grab stuff.

“But I just do it anyway.”

She has spent five years challenging her physical capabilities at several F45 training centres across Australia.

She joined Mackay City F45 in August 2020 and said the F45 community was more of a family than just a gym.

“F45 has helped my physical and mental health,” she said.

“I came to F45 to get my balance back.

“F45 is a community and family in one, no matter which studio you go to they are always helpful and accommodating.

“Some people call it a cult, it probably is but it is a really awesome cult.”

Ripeka Patuwairua at F45 in Mackay. Picture: Madeleine Graham

She won a six week challenge in December last year and was judged on muscle gain, losing weight and diet.

“I said it in my mind I wanted to win and vocalised it a couple of times,” she said.

“I wanted it but did not expect it because there are so many people here that have awesome results.

“To be plucked out from there, I’m very proud of myself.”

Ripeka Patuwairua's six week transition. Picture: F45 Training Mackay City

She also completed the Mackay Marina half marathon and plans to do it again in 2022.

“I had a goal in mind for three and half hours and I trained all year,” she said.

“My time came in at three hours and 25 minutes, I was pretty chuffed.

“Your only limitation is yourself.”

Ms Patuwairua said her three children, aged 24, 20 and 12, fuelled her drive and strength, in particular her oldest son who was born shortly after her second stroke.

“I have always said that he was my right arm and he has been a huge part of my life, he’s 24 this year,” she said.

“I always say that he was my strength.

“They are all beautiful kids and my heart and soul.”