A fit and healthy personal trainer, 32-year-old Ryan Webber felt “invincible” before stroke changed his life on Easter Sunday. Ryan said it’s a moment he will never forget.
“I was sitting in hospital, and it was like a switch went off. Suddenly I couldn’t move my right side at all. I was told I’d had a significant stroke which caused physical and cognitive deficits, including vision loss,” he said.
“At first, I was devastated. I thought, what’s the point in being here if I can’t see or walk. But then I realised, this isn’t a setback, it’s an opportunity.”
Ryan has thrown everything he can into his recovery. He’s determined to educate others about the signs of stroke and is hosting an event as part of Stroke Foundation’s major annual fundraiser, Stride4Stroke.
The event will see hundreds walking and jogging the Wanda Service Trail at Don Lucas Reserve in Cronulla on Saturday, November 25.
Participants can choose to enter the 2km, 5km or 10km event, with all funds raised supporting Stroke Foundation.
Ryan is among the 145,000 survivors of stroke living in New South Wales. Around 20 strokes a day impact working aged Australians aged between 18 and 65.
“Before my stroke, I felt like nothing could touch me, but now my perspective has shifted. I’ve come to realise the importance of being grateful and appreciating what I do have. It has been a stark reminder that the unexpected can happen to anyone.” he said.
“It’s incredible how much I took for granted before, like the ability to walk and see clearly. The event falls on the weekend of my birthday, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the fact that I’m still here.”
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said an Australian has a stroke every 19 minutes.
“Stroke does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone, at any time. In fact, 24 per cent of strokes are experienced by working aged Australians, just like Ryan,” Dr Murphy said.
“One million strokes a year globally are linked to physical inactivity. This means too many lives are being impacted by stroke unnecessarily, and research tells us just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your stroke risk by 25 per cent.”
