A Werribee father of three with a passion for living life to the fullest is fighting for his own survival.
Ian “Chalky” Thomas worked as an adventure trainer with the Australian Air Force for 36 years until a debilitating disease forced him to retire last month.
His job required him to push air force recruits to their physical and emotional limits.
In November last year his own limits were tested when he was diagnosed with motor neurone disease after three months of medical tests.
Six weeks ago he lost the ability to walk.
“All I had was a weakness in my left fingers, and having always been right-handed it didn’t even bother me at first,” Sergeant Thomas said.
“Initially when I was told it was motor neurone disease I was, of course, in disbelief. I was hoping for something else because a lot of other diseases have better prognoses than this.
“Then I just felt acceptance that this is what I’ve got and it’s no good whingeing about it.”
Sergeant Thomas once installed a rock-climbing wall in his own home but now relies on his wife Carolyne to feed him.
But his disease is not hampering his adventurous spirit and optimism.
Using off-the-shelf components, he has created a battery-assisted four-wheel bike that allows him to remain active.
The bike has a tube that Sergeant Thomas blows in to apply the brakes and he is working on installing power steering that will react to his head movements.
His attitude through his ordeal has inspired his friends and family to keep things in perspective. “Anybody can be miserable, but if I am miserable then people won’t want to come and see me, will they?” he said.
“Why would I be sad about the things I can’t do any more? I can only be thankful for the things I have done and the things I can still do now. All my life I’ve been trying to get people over their personal cliff edge.
“Now I’m at my own cliff edge and I just hope I’m courageous as I go over it.”
