As a speech pathologist, Darwin’s Amy Southwood has had years of experience working with survivors of stroke.
But nothing could have prepared her for watching her own dad recover from stroke earlier this year. Steven spent two months recovering in hospital.
“I was in shock when I found out. It’s hard to see the wood for the trees. I was traversing between being the daughter and being the speech pathologist,” Amy said.
“When you’re working with stroke patients you do carry that fear of it happening to someone in your own family, but it’s different being on the other side of it.”
Amy has been participating in Stroke Foundation’s major annual fundraiser, Stride4Stroke, for the past five years.
This year, in honour of Northern Territorians who have experienced stroke, Amy has been running most days. She has already surpassed her fundraising goal, raising more than $4,700 to help prevent, treat and beat stroke.
“I want all survivors of stroke in the Territory to know they are not alone. The impacts of stroke are often invisible and long-lasting,” she said.
“Having people donate to my Stride4Stroke page just motivates me to keep on running. The Darwin community has been so supportive and generous.”
Stride4Stroke encourages Australians to get active to reduce their risk of stroke. Participants set an activity goal to increase their daily ‘moving minutes’ by walking, running, swimming, or cycling.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy applauded Amy for her efforts and urged all Territorians to follow in her footsteps.
“Research has shown that just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your stroke risk by 25 per cent,” Dr Murphy said.
“Stride4Stroke is a great starting point to make the changes that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes which are all modifiable risk factors of stroke.”
Stride4Stroke runs throughout November. Every dollar raised will have an enormous impact by helping Stroke Foundation fight stroke, fund research and support survivors and their families at all stages of the recovery journey.
Donate to Amy via the website.
