Christchurch Woman Receives Premier Award

A Christchurch personal trainer has received the top award at a ceremony marking Arthritis New Zealand’s 50th Anniversary.

Cate Grace, founder of LEAP Fitness & Motivation Ltd, was presented with the Premier Award by Governor General Sir Jerry Mateparae at Government House on Thursday night (11 February).

Grace received the award for being an inspiration and role model to others living with arthritis. She was first diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis at the age of 23, and has gone on to be a top 10 finalist in the 2013 Life Fitness Personal Trainers to Watch competition and, in 2014, was a finalist in the Women of Influence Awards. Grace founded LEAP, a company dedicated to helping people with chronic conditions ‘leap back into life’.

“This award is personal. It reminds me how far treatment has come since my Mum, Nana and Great-Nana were diagnosed with their forms of arthritis. My nana was offered an aspirin and bed rest. Fifty years on and I am on biological infusions and prescribed exercise,” says Cate Grace.

“And despite a gloomy prognosis for a good life, 20 years ago I continued to battle the ups and downs and learnt to take ownership of my condition. It has ended up being one of the best things that ever happened to me, because I know my body and what is important in life!

“I now live a positive and fulfilled life and get to do what I love; supporting others like me to learn how to manage their adversity, and discover and share their good news,” she says.

The Premier Award was established to recognise those who have been diagnosed as having arthritis and have been able to adjust and achieve realistic goals in their chosen field of endeavour.

The recipient will be an outstanding, inspirational person who, in spite of setbacks created by the development of arthritis, has, by example encouraged others to live a creative and fulfilled lifestyle.

ENDS

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