Ms McArthur said her family became part of the Burwood Hospital community in Christchurch and, during his rehabilitation, she pledged to raise $20,000 for the New Zealand Spinal Trust by tackling some of New Zealand's toughest events, including the Motatapu off-road marathon and the Kepler Challenge.
Wanting to demonstrate her "deep appreciation" for the support her father received at Burwood and through the trust, Ms McArthur believed she could help by taking on her own physical challenges, raising money and awareness for the work done by the hospital and the trust, while encouraging others to "get fit and stay fit".
"My father's accident and ongoing rehabilitation has been a life-changing experience for the whole family. We've become part of the wonderful community at Burwood and I'm determined to repay at least some of their kindness."
Ms McArthur made a pact with her father on his first birthday after the accident - if he worked hard at rehab and was able to attend a reunion, then she would run the Motatapu.
Lakes Leisure sponsored her with membership to Alpine Health & Fitness, at the Queenstown Events Centre, and personal trainer Karl Dennis donated his coaching time.
"I used to exercise regularly, but after I became a mum my regime gradually got left behind.
"Karl designed a training programme that took me from virtually nothing fitness-wise to being able to run 42km over mountains and through rivers."
This year Ms McArthur completed the Motatapu - in part due to her father's support.
"He never doubted me and that belief helped keep me going through to the finish line."
She is now back in training for the 60km Kepler Challenge in December and is determined to beat her time on the Motatapu next year on her way to her fundraising target.
"It's already been an incredible journey with my mind as well as my body.
"Dad's accident has been a huge factor in my life, but setting my own big personal goal has helped me deal with it."
At the Central Otago Sports Awards last month, Mr McArthur (70) was presented with the John Fitzharris Memorial Trophy for services to sport for his service to rugby, curling and rowing.
