Australians are being urged to make the most of the warmer weather and support Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke next month.
The physical activity fundraiser encourages people to get moving to reduce their own stroke risk all while raising much needed funds to support survivors of stroke and their families, and to improve stroke treatment and care. Registrations are now open for the event which kicks off on Tuesday 1 November.
Stroke Foundation chief executive officer Sharon McGowan said participants could choose any activity, including walking, running, cycling or swimming.
“That’s the beauty of Stride4Stroke! Participants can complete the challenge anywhere, at any time. The aim is to increase your ‘moving minutes’ and raise a sweat which in turn lowers your stroke risk,” Ms McGowan said.
“Stroke is largely a preventable disease. We know more than 3.1 million Australians are not getting enough physical activity on any given week. A simple way we can change that is by keeping healthy and active.”
A stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. Stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and a leading cause of disability.
Every dollar raised from Stride4Stroke will help Stroke Foundation prevent stroke, fund research and support survivors and their families at all stages of their recovery journey.
Brooke Parsons is among those ready to Stride4Stroke this November. She was just 13-years-old when a stroke changed her life.
“I was a fit and healthy pain in the butt kid. The force of the stroke caused me to collapse and fall through a glass door,” she said.
“The doctors told my parents my life would be quite limited. I had to learn how to walk, talk, and dress myself again.
“I’ve since proved them wrong and became a social worker, a teacher’s aide and worked for the Royal Children’s Hospital. I want to use this opportunity to raise awareness of the risks of stroke and change the state of stroke in Australia.”
Register today at stride4stroke.org.au
