A Marton woman who was told she would never walk again but went on to complete two Ironman events will give a public talk this Friday evening.
Erica Green's talk will be recorded live and later broadcast on YouTube as part of Ngā Tai o te Awa's RealTalk project.
Ms Green was in a car accident in Foxton 18 years ago. She was in surgery for 12 hours and required a wheelchair for the next two years.
The former gym trainer was told she would never be able to walk again. But she did.
In 2014, she started to lose her taste and hearing in one ear. She had a brain tumour that needed to be removed - and, again, she was told she wouldn't be able to walk.
But Ms Green only saw these predictions as challenges. After the car accident, she completed two Ironmans; after the brain tumour she finished yet another.
Alaska Dodds from Ngā Tai o te Awa said the RealTalk project was about sharing stories of resilience from local people.
"We want to inspire people and help people going through a tough time to get through."
Ms Green was the third speaker for the RealTalk project, but the first one to be recorded in front of an audience. A RealTalk YouTube channel has been set up, and Ms Dodds said she hoped the first of the stories would be broadcast from there soon.
+All are welcome to Erica Green's talk at 6pm on Friday, August 18 at Ngā Tai o te Awa, 142 Guyton St. Entry is free.