Invalid Beneficiary Looking For An Out!

In 2009 I was diagnosed as having a large brain tumour and, due to complications from the surgery to try and deal with it in 2010, I have been unwell ever since. I'm really looking forward to being able to work again.

I have good days and bad; with my 'bad' days meaning I find it hard to leave bed (let alone the house), I need to set up the equipment necessary to exercise even at a most basic level. Long-term Invalid beneficiary status has left me fairly fund-less.

I am currently in line for gastric bypass surgery at Greenlane Hospital (Auckland), but I am trying to avoid it. My doctor and other specialists have also advised that if I can do this without surgery, it will be best.

When I was younger I had quite expansive dreams; now they have been reduced to being able to go to work and support myself like a 'normal' person.

A huge part of this goal is an urgent need to lose 70kg, and keep it off (on instructions from my surgeon).

My main need at this point is a quality treadmill that can handle my weight (160+ kg). Depending on where I look, these can run from $2, 500 up. In addition, a basic weight bench and weights which can probably be obtained for about $500.

In the last 3 years both my parents died (most recently, my mother, shortly after a surprise diagnosis of cancer), and these were traumatic experiences for me. I'm motivated more than ever now to get off the benefit, get well, get to work, and make a life my parents can be proud of.

I very much appreciate you taking the time to read this.