The Mitcham Cricket club has honoured life-member Bill Howell, who sadly died in November at the age of 84 after battling ill health caused by a stroke.
The club has held a charity day in Bill’s memory, raising more than $4,000 for the Stroke Foundation.
President Alan Fairbairn said Bill had been heavily involved with the club for almost four decades and they wanted to do something meaningful to remember him.
“Bill was a club legend. Throughout the years he played and coached and served as a president and treasurer,” Alan said.
“When Bill had a stroke three years ago, his life changed dramatically. It impacted his speech, mobility and independence.
“Sadly, we know Bill is not alone. There is one stroke every 19 minutes in Australia, so we wanted to do something to help support other survivors and their families.”
The money raised by the Mitcham Cricket Club raffle and auction will go towards Stroke Foundation programs that support stroke research and assist families and their loved ones on the recovery journey.
Stroke Foundation Victoria State Manager Eamonn O’Toole offered his condolences and thanked the cricket club for supporting the Stroke Foundation.
“Stroke can happen to anyone at any time,” Mr O’Toole said.
“It is heartening to see current players, past players and their families joining together to reflect on Bill’s life and support Stroke Foundation.
“Generous donations like this help us continue our mission to prevent stroke, save lives and enhance recovery.”
Stroke strikes the brain and can change lives in an instant. It’s estimated more than 7000 first-time strokes will be experienced in Victoria this year, while there are more than 113,000 survivors of stroke in the community.
Stroke Foundation urges the local community in Mitcham and surrounds to learn and share the most common signs of stroke, known as F.A.S.T.
Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms – Can they lift both arms?
Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away
Image: the late Bill Howell.
