4 minute read
Sustaining through adversity: KIRSTY WOODWARD’S JOURNEY HOME
BY SHARI HALL
It’s not every day that a nine-year-old daughter witnesses a catastrophic car crash that nearly kills her mother. Kirsty Woodward, a property manager at NetworkHQ and a single mother of two, experienced a life-altering event that significantly changed the lives of her and her children and could have ended her career. Yet, through resilience, determination, and passion for her career as a property manager, Kirsty has survived and thrived, embodying the true essence of sustainability in her quest to persevere despite severe adversity.
FROM TRAUMA TO TRIUMPH
Before joining Network HQ, Kirsty’s life took a dramatic turn when she was involved in a near-fatal car accident. As the passenger, she sustained 23 fractures, including a severe spinal injury. Her family was told she wouldn’t live more than 24 hours. “My first memory was waking up in ICU the afternoon after the accident. I thought I was dreaming,” she recalls.
Despite the severity of her injuries, Kirsty’s determination to recover was unwavering. The accident left her hospitalised for two months and required 14 operations, including a total hip replacement. She faced a life-threatening blood clot and endured intensive physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and rigorous exercise routines, and had her doctors calling her “the walking miracle.”
THE LONG ROAD HOME
Returning home in a wheelchair, Kirsty’s strength saw her transition to crutches within a day. Her supportive parents and children were beside her throughout her hospital stay and beyond. “They looked after me for a couple of months after I returned home,” she notes.
Kirsty's recovery journey was not just physical but also mental. She worked closely with a psychologist to cope with the trauma and an occupational therapist who guided her through her rehabilitation.
“There were so many times I was told my life could end. My kids have always been the carrot dangling in front of me. They kept me going,” she says, emotionally. “And while every day is still a battle, I survive. I’m here.” Her children witnessed her struggle through the pain, which has significantly influenced their compassion and resilience.
MOTHER, PROPERTY MANAGER, SURVIVOR
Kirsty’s professional journey is equally inspiring. Before the accident, she had nearly ten years of experience with her previous employer, setting up and managing a property management business from scratch. Kirsty was eager to return to work during her recovery. “I wanted to work throughout my healing process, but my medical staff declined,” she says. Eventually, she received clearance to work four hours a day, leading her to apply for a position at Network HQ, the only job she sought.
Her extensive experience of 28 years in property management and her personal trials have made Kirsty a unique asset in the property management industry. “I love the challenge of being a property manager,” she states. Kirsty’s day starts early, juggling responsibilities as a mother and a property manager with meticulous attention to detail. As more and more of her old clients learn of her return to work, they call enquiring about her wellbeing and ask if there’s room on her list again for them, testimony to her dedication to them and providing an exceptional customer service experience.
Kirsty’s empathy and understanding of the struggles faced by tenants in the current market make her stand out. “I’ve had people cry when they finally find a home,” she shares, highlighting her ability to connect with property owners and tenants. “Customer service is my biggest thing, building relationships with both parties,” she emphasises.
Kirsty’s story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the human spirit’s ability to sustain itself through adversity. Her journey from a near-fatal accident to becoming a cornerstone at Network HQ is nothing short of inspiring. This experience has shaped her professionally and given her a renewed perspective on life. “I’ve got a great work-life balance now,” she says, appreciating the importance of personal wellbeing alongside her professional commitments.
As Kirsty prepares for a new chapter in her life, moving to a new home away from the daily reminder of her accident, she remains optimistic and strong. Kirsty Woodward’s story is a testament to the power of resilience. Her ability to sustain and excel in her career as a property manager while navigating personal challenges demonstrates how one can continue, thrive and inspire others regardless of the obstacles faced.
