Newsmaker: Megan Guthrie

Megan Guthrie, organister of the Heart Stopper Challenge. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

This week's Rotorua Daily Post Newsmaker is Megan Guthrie, the chairwoman of @Heart, a support group for children and the families of children with heart defects. She recently organised the Rotorua Heart Stopper Challenge.

Tell us about yourself:

I was a single mum for many years. I've recently remarried. I have lived in Rotorua for 43 years apart from a few years in Kaitaia and Tokoroa. I have two adult children and I am a passionate sewer with a wee bit of a fabric hoarding issue (according to my husband).

I love to read and always have a book nearby. I am also a regular stall holder at Rave for their markets with my crafts. Following events in my life and the help I have received, I now look for ways that I can give back to my community.

How did you get involved with @Heart?

I got involved when I was a member of Roto Whenua Kiwanis Club and then the chairwoman of Rotorua Heart kids came and spoke to us about their organisation. I then went along to help with several Heart Stopper Challenges and then after a couple of years became involved at committee level.

What do you love about your role?

I am still learning my role but love having the ability to help our families and children who need it most and having the ability to make more people aware of Heart Kids NZ and the role we play.

What have been your biggest achievements?

So far my biggest achievement was the recent heart stopper.

What do you love about Rotorua?

That no matter how big it grows it still has a small-town feel. Community spirit.

Tell us three things about yourself most people wouldn't know:

I trained and became a registered nurse and worked for two years in Kaitaia on the children's ward.

I have been sewing since I was old enough to hold a needle and making dolls' clothes before I started school.

My first husband was murdered when my children were toddlers and this has had a lifelong effect on how we as a family live our lives.

It has made me more aware at how inept society is in dealing with horrible situations and how these reactions can impact on others.