After Vision Loss Athlete Raising Low Vision Awareness

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$1,170 raised of 

After Vision Loss Athlete Raising Low Vision Awareness

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Two years ago, nutrient deficiencies left me legally blind and at my lowest weight of 42kg. I never thought I’d rebuild my life — but step by step, I regained strength, balance, and confidence. Now, I’m training to compete in HYROX Melbourne 2025, and I’m asking for your support to make this possible.

Your donation helps me compete, raise awareness about nutrient deficiencies, and inspire others facing life-changing health setbacks. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.


Hi, I’m Jules, a 47-year-old legally blind single mum, neurodivergent, and adaptive athlete. Two years ago, my life changed dramatically due to severe nutrient deficiencies. Long-term deficiencies in B12, iron, and copper caused extreme malnutrition, weight loss, and ultimately permanent optic nerve damage, leaving me legally blind. At my lowest, I weighed just 42kg, and my body and health were at serious risk.

I’m currently on a disability pension and unable to work while I focus on retraining and rebuilding my life after the impact of my vision loss. Losing my ability to drive and adapting to life as a legally blind single mother has been incredibly challenging. Returning to sport has given me strength, balance, confidence, and purpose, I recently competed in HYROX Sydney 2025, my first athletic event in 27 years — and my first as a legally blind competitor. I completed it in 1:58:43, and the experience has given me the confidence and motivation to keep pushing myself further. and now I’m training to compete in HYROX Melbourne 2025.

Competing in HYROX is more than a race — it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about nutrient deficiencies, support neurodivergent and vision-impaired communities, and inspire others facing life-changing health setbacks.

Fundraising Update

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, I’ve raised $910 so far. This has allowed me to purchase my HYROX ticket ($325), and I’ve now booked accommodation for 2 people, 2 nights, at $1,245. I’m about to book flights for myself and my Support Worker, who is also my guide runner.

I’m fundraising to cover the remaining costs:
• ✈️ Flights (Sydney to Melbourne return for 2 people): around $650
• Transfers (Central Coast to Sydney return for 2 people): $180– $300
• Local transport in Melbourne (public transport + rideshare): $100–$150
• ️ Support Worker/Guide Runner meals and support expenses ($50/day): $100

Total estimated remaining cost: $1,030–$1,200

Any extra funds will go toward future competitions and events:
• HYROX Brisbane (Regional Championship 2026)
• HYROX Phoenix, USA (Major 2026)
• HYROX London, UK (Regional Championship 2026)
• HYROX World Championships – Stockholm, Sweden, June 2026


Every donation helps me compete, continue rebuilding my health, and share my story to inspire others. Your support doesn’t just help me — it spreads a message that hardship doesn’t mean defeat.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing in me. ❤️

Organizer

Julia Heckenberg
Organizer
The Entrance North, NSW

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