Keen runner Tim Roadley has taken inspiration from the F.A.S.T. test, which highlights the signs of stroke, to create his own fundraising challenge for the Stroke Foundation.
The 52 year old from Yarrawonga will tackle four runs in July and has called the challenge the FAST 4.
Tim will start with a 42 kilometre marathon at Vic Park on Saturday July 4, followed by a different distance each weekend – 5km, 10 km and a half marathon.
Tim said he was passionate about raising awareness of stroke in the local community along with funds for programs to support stroke survivors and their families.
“I was shocked to learn there is one stroke every nine minutes in Australia,” Tim said.
“The disease strikes the brain, the human control centre, and can happen to anyone at any age.
“Each minute you wait for treatment, around 1.9 million brain cells die. This is why I want to share the F.A.S.T. (Face. Arms. Speech. Time.) signs of stroke. They could save a life.”
If you suspect a stroke, ask these questions:
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
Stroke Foundation Victorian State Manager Eamonn O’Toole applauded Tim’s mission and thanked him for raising awareness of stroke and the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke test.
“Stroke is always a medical emergency, but the faster it is treated the greater the chance of survival and avoiding stroke-related brain damage,” Mr O’Toole said
“In fact, with timely access to treatment, many people are able to make a good recovery.
“I also commend Tim for reducing his own stroke risk by staying fit and healthy.”
There will be more than 420 strokes in the Murray region in 2020 and almost 3,500 stroke survivors live in the community.
Tim will be running a 1km loop around the cricket ovals next to the Showgrounds 42 times on Saturday starting at 9am with the goal to finish within 4 hours and has encouraged Yarrawonga and Mulwala locals to support him.
