Kalimna West resident Brian Neal, by his own admission, is lucky to be alive.
Diagnosed with both prostate cancer and a rare blood disease, the real tipping point came just over a year ago when Brian went into cardiac arrest.
Thanks to a volunteer responding within two minutes from the moment a Triple Zero (000) call was made, Brian has many people to thank. Today, he is working out three times a week after completing a cancer exercise program run by Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH).
He’s aiming to swim 50 metres and continue improving his time on the gym rowing machine. Brian says the alternative is a quick descent into needing a wheely walker to get around.
It was a bee sting that initially plunged Brian’s body into crisis, causing him to lose consciousness and his heart to stop.
A volunteer registered with Ambulance Victoria’s GoodSAM app received an alert that someone nearby was going into cardiac arrest and arrived at the property within two minutes.
“I wouldn’t be here otherwise. The local Lakes ambulance crew arrived six minutes later, and they got me stabilised,” Brian said.
He was transported to Bairnsdale before
being airlifted by helicopter to The Alfred
Hospital in Melbourne.
He is extremely thankful to the GoodSAM volunteer, who he knows only as Christine from Mirboo North, along with the local paramedics and staff at The Alfred Hospital.
Once a hobby beekeeper, the hives have now been removed from the property. While the incident initially appeared to be an allergic reaction, further blood tests revealed a rare blood disorder called mastocytosis, which triggered an anaphylactic reaction to the bee sting.
Brian’s medical reality is complicated, with both his conditions, and their treatment, affecting his physical strength.
“I have this dual aspect of losing bone strength and muscle strength,” he said.
Brian came across GLCH’s Energise program, an exercise program for people with a cancer diagnosis, while reading the Lakes Post. He contacted GLCH, met exercise physiologist Zach O’Rourke, and has been back in the gym ever since, later progressing to the Lakes Entrance Aquadome once his confidence grew.
In 1972, Brian was a junior Victorian champion runner in the 400 metre and 800m events. While his fitness goals are more modest today, the
determination is the same.
“I’m now starting another chain in my life in getting fit past 70,” Brian said.
“I’m happy to be alive, and I’ve got a lot of people to thank for that. My friend who dialled 000. Christine from Mirboo North who was the GoodSAM. The Lakes ambulance crew were wonderful, the Alfred Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Zach down at the community health centre. There’s a lot of people in the chain who have made it all possible.”
The Energise program focuses on helping people recovering from or undergoing cancer treatment.
“From a clinical point of view, Brian’s progress shows how safe, structured exercise can
make a real difference, even after complex health events,” Zach said.
“We tailor every program to the individual — their capability, their interests, and what
they want to return to. No matter where someone starts, if they begin an exercise program, they
will improve.”
Zach said the Energise program is unique to GLCH and open to anyone in East Gippsland currently managing or recovering from a
cancer diagnosis.
“No referral is required,” he said.
“If you think this might benefit you, or someone you know, contact GLCH to schedule an initial assessment. We also offer home exercise programs for those who prefer not to join a group.”
Energise is the only dedicated exercise and cancer recovery program in East Gippsland.
