In 2013, Marco Pietrowski was in the shape of his life after winning a South African bodybuilding title and earning Professional status, but his health was about to change in an instant. He was a passenger in a car crash in Camps Bay that left him wheelchair-bound as an incomplete quadriplegic.

“After the accident I didn't know what to expect; it was very overwhelming,” he said. “It's a change mentally from being such a strong guy, being active all the time. Being disabled is a whole new world. It was extremely difficult making the transition.”

Lying in a hospital bed and eventually moving on through rehabilitation and physiotherapy, the physique and muscle that he had spent years building, quickly wasted away.

“I stopped training because financially, everything got depleted. I had to sell my car which I was never able to drive, I had plans to attempt to have it adapted and reach the "small" goal of getting my divers license, this is not easy when living with paralysis. This was devastating to me. I stopped training for a year and a half, I lost all the strength and muscle gain I’d developed. I couldn’t stand anymore, let alone walk,” he said. “I went to a dark place.”

Marco has faced many medical challenges due to bladder and kidney stones caused by a permanent catheter, this has caused infections that have taken him through painful hospital emergencies. This causes him to lose strength, laying on a hospital bed and unable to do any physical recovery training.

There is a lot needed to support him, adaptive equipment, a wheelchair van.

His wife often thinks about how she will continue to carry him once she reaches her older age, not only physically, but financially although she will never give up.

Lyndal Pietrowski: "I met the love of my life, my Big injured Lion, the day our eyes met, I knew that God had chosen him as my Husband. I will do everything in my power to love and protect him and to keep his smile on his face - this means the world to me."

If you would like to offer support to this couple in need, please click on the link to DONATE AND SUPPORT.

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I am marco pietrowski

Marco has grown up, and grown through, adversity. Born in South Africa into a mixed-race home during the apartheid years proved challenging for this fair skinned, blue-eyed, blonde-haired boy. He lost both his parents in a space of five years, and then was in a devastating car accident that left him paralised, and his then-fiance broke off the engagement, leaving him to recover alone.

The only way he got through this very difficult time was with the deeply-rooted faith in God that has been with him since a very young age.

Marco has turned his challenges and adversity into fuel. A powerful motivational speaker, his heartfelt story of overcoming emotional, mental and physical hardships inspires youth, teams, and corporates to overcome their own challenges.

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Marco is a passionate communicator who inspires and motivates youth, teams, and corporates with his story of hope, perseverance and faith. Surviving a devastating car accident that left him paralysed, he take his audience on a journey that they can use in their own lives to survive their own challenges.

Please consider helping Marco continue his work by supporting him with a financial contribution, be it once-off, or monthly.

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testimonials

Brandon Beack

WWB (Walking With Brandon foundation)

“Marco’s inspiring story is a clear example of the roller coaster of challenges that life can throw your way. But his tenacity and determination to always seek to better his situation, is a message that anyone can take and apply to their own life.”

Janice Jordan

CEO - colabIT

“Your determination, guts and never give up attitude is something that most of us should really aspire to emulate.

Thank you again and we would highly recommend you to others who have teams that need to remember that we “SHOULD NEVER GIVE UP” with you as our shining example!”

Aniska Heyns

Portland Group

“The Heyns family have come to hear of Marco’s inspiring (and horrific) journey through his wife, Lyndal. The more we came to know, the more we were interested to hear from the man himself.

We decided to book Marco as guest speaker for our management staff at Portland Group and we were not disappointed. His story serves as an amazing reminder of what the human mind and body can be capable of if you just have the right mind set.

It was very inspiring to hear from Marco and we would recommend him for any type of motivational discussion.”

I am marco pietrowski

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testimonials

Brandon Beack

Janice Jordan

Aniska Heyns

get in touch

+27 76 143 7745 - Marco

+27 82 436 8560 - Lyndal

marco@iammarcopietrowski.co.za