A stroke can happen to anyone any age and anytime

Meet young stroke survivor Anna Bradley. Last year Anna suffered a stroke, something she never contemplated experiencing at age 27.   

“Having a stroke was the last thing I ever thought could happen to me.”

8 months after the stroke, Anna joined Team Stroke in Melbourne Marathon. Not only was the run an opportunity for Anna to challenge herself and return to running after stroke, Anna says it was also a chance to raise awareness and give back to the Stroke Foundation.

“I wanted to use this run as an opportunity to show how grateful I was to the Stroke Foundation for their support throughout such a difficult time in my life and to raise awareness that stroke can happy to anyone, any age, anytime.”

Anna completed her half marathon and raised over $3,700!

“At the 18km mark mentally I began to struggle but knowing how much money I raised for the Stroke Foundation gave me strength to continue to fight and go the whole way… I was so proud of myself”.

Anna hopes the funds she has raised can help other stroke survivors and fund Stroke Foundation services that made a real difference to her recovery.

“With help from [Stroke Foundation support services] EnableMe and My Stroke Journey, I have come to realise that what I feel some days is completely normal and there are people out there and of similar ages that feel the same”

After her run Anna is now encouraging others in the community to follow her lead by taking part in Team Stroke.

“I love seeing people fundraise for the Stroke Foundation as I know firsthand how important it is that awareness is made to the public… it’s a cause that’s so close to my heart and always will be.” 

If you would like to join Team Stroke in one of the fun runs click here.

Left to right: Anna, Chris and Sophie