Walk, run, strive – Madi’s story

Earlier this year, the short documentary Walk, Run, Strive, produced by a group of Edith Cowan University film students, was nominated for a prestigious BAFTA award. The film was the only finalist in the southern hemisphere nominated for a 2022 student BAFTA award and was nominated in the documentary category.
  
Produced by Sarah Williams, who has cerebral palsy (CP), and written and directed by Emma Jackson, the film follows WA athlete Madison (Madi) Heady, who was born with ataxic cerebral palsy and told she would never walk, let alone find such a strong passion for athletics, in particular, middle to distance running.
 
“Having ataxic CP means that my brain signals are slightly delayed, this means that just about every physical task can be draining, even typing or tying my own shoelaces. I said my first words when I was 4 years old and used a walking frame until I was 8 years old. I’ve always loved movement and I think that’s because I didn’t have that freedom as a young child. Sometimes having CP can be so frustrating, not being able to do things that others can do very easily, but I have to remember how far I’ve come, what my journey has been like, and looking back at all of this, I’m extremely grateful for what I have today,” says Madi.

Walk, Run, Strive was originally not only going to be about Madi’s athletics journey but also the story of a strongly determined young girl despite her battle with her CP. During film production, Madi was flying over to Sydney to compete in the 2020/2021 National Athletics Championships, the outcome of these championships was to be the highlight of the film. Madi returned home with a National Silver Medal for the 1500m T36/Para race. 

However, production took a sharp turn 

Just after Madi arrived home she was hit and severely injured by a motor vehicle whilst riding her bike. The film production team then followed Madi on this insanely scary journey. Throughout Walk, Run, Strive, viewers follow Madi through her accident recovery process, and how at times, keeping hope and motivation for running was difficult.

“The accident shifted everything, I was so scared of not being able to walk and having to go through that journey all over again. Mentally, I was so worried that I would never be able to run and being able to experience that feeling of freedom again.” 

Although doubting her ability, Madi slowly began to pick herself up and after 12 months of recovery, Madi is slowly returning to the running track.

“It is important to show the world that nothing is impossible for anyone, if you’re willing to put in the hard work and be patient, success will follow,” she says. 

“I’m so very proud of this incredible documentary piece. It certainly takes viewers on an emotional journey and gives everybody who watches it a new perspective on things and how life is so precious. I wanted to be a part of this project to show people that yes, sometimes not so great things happen, but if you don’t ‘try’ then you’ll never know.

“I wouldn’t have been truly happy if I didn’t ‘try’ to get back up on my feet and wasted my opportunity to get myself healthy and strong again. Now that I’ve been so persistent I finally get that chance to get back to living my best life. 

“So my words of encouragement to everyone is to never give up trying. There will always be a light at the of the end tunnel for those who try.”

Film producer Sarah and Madi continue to be long-life friends and now have BAFTA nominations to celebrate their friendship.

If you’d like to watch the trailer for Walk Run Strive you can view it here. 

At My CP Guide, we are always thrilled to read amazing stories like this one! If you have your own story to share, get in touch at info@cerebralpalsyaustralia.com, and let’s talk about sharing your life experiences.