It was the first time Don Williams had taken his new lungs on a 5km run, and he did so with colourful intent.
Mr Williams, 56, of Jimboomba joined 5000 participants in The Color Run Tropicolor Tour staged at the Sleeman Sports Complex on May 1, eager to show his capability since receiving a double lung organ donation in 2007.
Despite being the last across the line, he did so a proud man, hand in hand with two of his grand children, aged 3 and 4. Mr Williams was joined on the run by 10 other family members including his wife Cathy, son Kyle and daughter Amy. He wore a pink tutu.
“It wasn’t easy, but it was something I wanted to do. I want to show to people that donating organs is a worthwhile cause and so important. My family,” he said.
Mr Williams said most of his family had indicated their willingness to donate their organs and that he too would willingly donate his corneas as the only donation he was able to make.
“Of course I would do it. Who wouldn’t if it helps someone else?” he said.
Mr Williams said he was also keen to promote the good work and support of Donatelife, an organisation he said had given support throughout his transplant.
“I know it’s their job. But who gets a phone call from someone after work just asking how I am feeling. Donatelife has supported everything I do,” he said.
Besides the Color Run, Mr Williams has also represented Australia in three World Transplant Games, held in Sweden, South Africa and the Gold Coast. He hopes to compete again in Spain in 2016.
The Color Run Tropicolor Tour was the first to be staged in Brisbane and was designed to capture the exuberant spirit of the tropics. Participants were bathed in a tropical array of colours and balmy island scents as they ran, hopped and danced their way through the shade of palm trees to island-style music. More on www.thecolorrun.com.au
