Running the path to belonging
At an age when most would hang up their sneakers, 87-year-old Morland Smith, who developed vision impairment later in life, continues to run three times a week.
Beside him is his daughter, Cathy Middleton, guiding him through potential hazards as they cover six kilometres around Churchlands.
“He’s always run, very determined and very stubborn; you couldn’t say don’t go running, so just whatever I can do to help keep that going, I’m happy to do,” Cathy said.
Their story highlights what belonging in the City of Stirling means to them.
The retired exploration geologist has run almost his entire life, developing a passion in high school and persisting even as his sight faded in his seventies.
By his senior years, the grandfather of eight had only peripheral vision. Still, he achieved his greatest running successes, including five gold medals at the 2018 Oceania Championships in New Zealand and completing two half marathons in Perth in recent years.
His determination plays a significant role in his achievements, but they wouldn’t have been possible without Cathy, who grew concerned about him running alone. She even accompanies him on cross-country courses.
“My biggest problem when I’m running is tripping, so Cathy’s able to warn me to be particularly careful,” Morland said.
“I keep succeeding with my competition, and it’s good for my health as well. I don’t have any problems, no ailments, no medications.”
Thanks to Cathy’s help, Morland has avoided any serious falls or injuries, but she is in awe of him.
“It’s just if there’s a kid coming the other way on a bike, it’s ‘keep left’ or ‘watch out’ or ‘there’s something on the track’ that sort of thing,” she said.
“He’s amazing. Even with his vision impairment, it hasn’t stopped him from doing anything, all the chores around the house. He does his gardening, is very independent, and is great with technology.”
So what’s Morland’s advice?
“Get out and have a go,” he insists.
“If you’ve never done any running, just start initially by walking, maybe jogging a bit and walking in between, and you get to the stage where you jog all the way and increase speed and increase distance, but just get out and have a go.”
The City is inviting all residents to have a go by providing input to the Everyone Belongs community engagement.
Your ideas will help remove barriers to belonging by informing the new Access and Inclusion Plan, Public Health Plan, and the role of local bowling clubs as gathering places.
Join the City’s Belonging journey by visiting www.stirling.wa.gov.au/everyonebelongs.
