Julie’s heart for kids

By Casey Neill
EMERALD’S Julie Hoffmann raised more than $50,000 and claimed one world record during her burpee challenge on Saturday – and almost took out another unwanted title.
The 42-year-old had “the lowest blood pressure for someone still standing” according to the paramedic who administered oxygen and fluids to bring her dangerously low reading – 70/48 – back towards the usual 120/80.
Hoffy had been battling a virus for the past three weeks and it got the better of her in the end, despite words of encouragement from family, friends, and other supporters.
She completed 40 burpees in the first minute of her challenge, smashing the previous world record of 30, but was unable to do 1500 in an hour to set a new women’s benchmark.
Ms Hoffmann reached 959 at the one hour mark, and was rushed backstage at Ferntree Gully Hotel to receive medical attention.
“Normally, I lose myself in the music, but I was so close to passing out that I couldn’t hear it,” she said.
“I couldn’t hear and I couldn’t see.
“I couldn’t figure out which way was up.”
Hoffy knew at the 250 mark that she wouldn’t make the record.
“But I just thought ‘there’s no way I’m stopping’,” she said.
“I’d rested and done everything I could.
“It was the best I could do on the day and you can’t do much else, so I’m okay with it.
“I’m definitely not giving up. I’ll hold it (the record) before you know it.”
Ms Hoffmann said the world record attempts were only a vehicle to bring in cash for HeartKids.
The support group was there for her niece Stacey Pye and her family while she was waiting for a heart transplant. The Cockatoo 13-year-old died in 2007.
She would have turned 18 this year, so Ms Hoffmann devised Hoffy’s Burpee Challenge to honour her memory and lend a hand to HeartKids.
“We just appreciate so much what she does,” HeartKids CEO Terry Hopkins said.
Visit www.everydayhero.com.au/hoffys_burpee_challenge or the Hoffy’s Burpee Challenge for HeartKids Facebook page.