How paddle boarding funded by dry july helped cancer survivor find her feet again

See The Post June 2025

How paddleboarding helped cancer survivor find her feet again

After a shock cancer diagnosis, Judy Armstrong has nothing but praise for how a rehabilitation charity helped her find her feet again.

At the age of 64, Armstrong was diagnosed with bowel cancer and was confronted with the need to undergo radiation, chemotherapy and surgery in short order, and then wear a stoma bag for eight months.

The diagnosis came out of the blue for the Waitara woman, who had none of the usual symptoms associated with the disease.

The only inkling something was amiss was the desperate urge she had to go to the toilet while out training one day for a marathon.

While she navigated her intensive treatment thanks to the support of family, friends and the comfort she drew from her faith, the toll it had on her body and mind was something she struggled with afterwards.

Prior to the cancer treatment, the physically fit Armstrong had enjoyed kayaking but found her core strength had been compromised by surgery.

But it wasn’t until she sought physio treatment after experiencing neck cramps while out walking that she first heard about PINC & STEEL and its programmes, which included a group paddleboard class. At first, Armstrong wasn’t keen. “I said ‘no way, it’s not my thing’.”

The benefits of jumping on the back of a board changed her mind. Not only did it help strengthen her core but the camaraderie shared between the group, who had all been affected by cancer, was also a blessing. “It’s almost like a community.”

While Armstrong felt “incredibly lucky” regarding her recovery, the mental toll it had on her was “huge”.

So conquering the challenge of learning how to paddleboard, despite her reservations, helped her regain her confidence, giving her the strength to return to teaching and get back out on the kayak.

PINC & STEEL began in 2006 and in the past 12 months has helped 4500 cancer patients across the country.

Founder Lou James worked as a physiotherapist prior to setting up the charitable foundation.

At work, she saw how people injured playing sports were able to get subsidised therapy, but not those recovering after cancer treatment.

She wanted to change that, as helping people get stronger and more physically capable after cancer treatment resulted in a “massive shift mentally as well”.

The benefits were not just for the cancer survivor either. It also helped family members watching their loved one take on a new challenge see them in a different light too, James said.

“That sign of someone getting well is so important when someone’s had a cancer diagnosis.”

James said the paddleboarding programme was primarily funded with the support of donations raised by those taking part in Dry July.

Those who participate in Dry July go alcohol-free for the month in a bid to raise money for three charities which help people with cancer. Along with PINC & STEEL, the two others that benefit are Look Good Feel Better and Prostate Cancer Foundation New Zealand.

Last Year, Dry July raised more than $900,000.

Since it started in 2006, more than 61,000 people have taken part and raised more than $10 million.

Sign up or donate at dryjuly.co.nz for cancer support services across Aotearoa. You'll be proud you did.