Local Legend Champions The One Legged Squats

The majority of people who have endured a life-changing traumatic event would likely focus on their personal recovery, but local hero Michelle Wardrope says she feels more inspired to help others than ever before.

Michelle tragically lost her leg last year after a soil-borne bacterial infection entered her bloodstream when she slipped and fell on her driveway following heavy rain.

Initially believing it was nothing more than a deep cut, she left the hospital with several stitches, but woke up that evening in severe pain.

Rushed back to the hospital, within less than 72 hours her leg was amputated, and she spent the next 13 days in a coma.

Eventually returning to her Whitsunday home months later, life had changed forever for Michelle and her family.

With limited NDIS support, Michelle’s husband became her full-time carer, and the family had to adjust to a new way of life.

However, instead of feeling self-pity, Michelle felt deeply grateful to be alive. She embodied an inner strength and positivity that not only helped her through the tough days, but also propelled her into a new and empowered way of living.

She exhibits this strength once again this month as she embarks on a 50-squat-per-day challenge, completing 50 squats each day throughout the month of March.

Most people would balk at the idea of 50 squats a day with two legs, but Michelle is smashing it with just one.

Now, almost halfway through the month, she is ready to share her story.

“I don’t really have the money to help the causes that I’d like to support,” Michelle shared. “So that’s why I wanted to try to do something that would help raise money instead."

“It’s been very, very hard, but it turns out that I’m getting way more out of it than I ever thought I would!”

So far, Michelle has raised just over $1,000, and all proceeds are going to the Royal Flying Doctors, the service that brought Michelle home once she had completed her initial recovery and was able to leave the hospital.

Looking ahead, Michelle invites everyone in the community to come down to an open parkland area in Airlie Beach on Sunday, March 30th.

This will be an opportunity for her to thank those who have supported her journey. There will be prize giveaways, a sausage sizzle, and an abundance of inspiring community spirit shared with all who attend.

Michelle is also issuing a challenge to anyone who would like to join her in completing her penultimate set of 50 squats.

Members of the Whitsunday Life Newspaper will be there to join in, and Michelle is also hoping to get representatives from the local council—perhaps even the Mayor—to participate.

“I’d love it to be like a Flash Mob Squats,” Michelle expressed. “Doing it with other people really uplifts me, and I’d love to share that feeling with others in the community.”

WHAT: Flash Mob Squats and Community Gathering
WHERE: Airlie Beach Foreshore
WHEN: Sunday, March 30th, late afternoon

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Shell Wardrope completing some of her 50 squats earlier this week
Shell with her family when she was in hospital after her leg was amputated

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