- MAY 5, 2014: Mates rally behind Steve Pullen
- JUNE 25, 2014: Rare syndrome is Steve Pullen's biggest fight
NEARLY a year after completely losing all feeling in his feet, Steve Pullen is walking again.
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The former Ironman champion delighted friends and family on Monday when he pulled on a pair of shoes and walked unaided. He was so enamoured of the runners, they stayed on all day.
"I had to have a bit of a play around," Mr Pullen said. "It's all still a bit fresh to me, but everything is a little step."
It marks a remarkable number of months for the former Port Macquarie man.
Earlier this year he was diagnosed with POEMS Syndrome, an extremely rare multi-system disorder.
He survived stem cell treatment and chemotherapy at Royal Brisbane Women's Hospital, and was discharged home to the Sunshine Coast in late July.
Mr Pullen has spent the months since carefully crafting a routine of physical exercise and nutrition.
He's looked after himself, but has also kept his close connection to surf life saving by coaching young people in Junior Ironman and Ironwoman events.
Many of them competed earlier this month at the Wishlist Row for Cancer on the Sunshine Coast.
The September 2 event raised more $25,000 more the accommodation of cancer patients and their families in Brisbane.
Competition was fun but fierce, with some of the most intense racing during the 10 kilometre race.
It was won by the duo of Rob Harney and Mr Pullen, who last paddled the distance the day before beginning chemotherapy in June.
Racing again was always one of the survivor's goals, but one made more special because of the day's fundraising efforts.
"All in all it was a great day, and a great way to show cancer can be beaten and life certainly goes on," he said. "I was a professional athlete and this disease has taken that part of me away, but it's also made me appreciate everything more and say yes to a lot more too."
The next challenge is to find appropriate footwear for work, or at least something he can splash paint on.
"To be honest, though, I'm happy just to be walking like a normal human being again."