Running with purpose: one athlete's mission to inspire others

WHEN THE WHISTLE BLEW on his football season, goalkeeper Callum Massey had more than just goals on his mind.

For every ball that got past him, he promised to run a kilometre for himself and for others living with asthma –a condition he has managed since childhood.

On Saturday 13 September, the 23-year-old from the North Shore completed a 21km run from Silo Park in Wynyard Quarter, raising almost $1400 for the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation NZ.

Callum – who plays for Metro FC’s Under-23 and First Team squads –knows first hand how challenging it can be to grow up struggling to breathe.

“When I was younger, my asthma meant hospital visits, sleepless nights, and missed school and sporting events,” he says.

“The house I lived in didn’t have insulation, which made it even harder.

"My own struggles were tough, but I know many people face much worse.”

Over the years, careful management with his doctors has helped, and while he still experiences flare-ups – especially when sick – running has become an important outlet.

What started as a hobby quickly grew into a passion, with Callum now regularly completing half and full marathons. But he wanted to ensure this run was more meaningful, he says.

“Being asthmatic myself, I wanted to show it’s possible to keep doing the things you love – and at the same time help others living with asthma and respiratory conditions.”

Callum’s 21 km route was made up of 6 km loops around Auckland's Wynyard Quarter, with the final stretch bringing him to the finish line back at Silo Park.

Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding says we are so grateful to Callum for turning his personal challenge into something that will inspire and support others.

“His determination shows that even with asthma, you can push boundaries and achieve incredible things.”