A marathon effort after stroke
July 20, 2017
When it comes to determination, it’s impossible to look beyond Point Cook father-of-four and stroke survivor Bill Deering.
The 45-year-old is training for the 21.1 kilometre Run Melbourne half-marathon at the end of this month. Bill survived a second stroke just weeks ago.
On 2 June, Bill collapsed at home in the shower. The stroke left Bill unable to communicate, however his wife Ayumi heard Bill fall and ran to his aid.
A nurse, Ayumi immediately recognised the signs of a stroke and called 000.
Only days earlier, Bill and his family had celebrated the 13 year anniversary of his survival and recovery from his initial stroke. Interestingly, Bill also had his first stroke whilst in the shower.
“Seeing me like that, again, was a big shock for my wife,’’ Bill said.
“I actually died twice on the way to hospital, but was given thrombolysis – or blood clot busting drugs within an hour.
“This prompt treatment turned my situation around and saved my life.
“I started feeling better and got my speech back within hours,’’ he said.
A stroke attacks the brain, the human control centre. When a stroke occurs, brain cells die at a rate of 1.9 million a minute, impacting a person’s mental and physical abilities. However, with quick access to treatment, this damage can be stopped.
“I am very lucky,” Bill said.
“When I suffered my first stroke I went to bed instead of going to hospital and didn’t get treatment for 20 hours, which left me with permanent disabilities.
“I couldn’t walk unaided for two-years following my stroke, suffered cognitive problems along with weight gain and depression.”
As a result of his experiences and his love for running, Bill is taking part in Run Melbourne to increase awareness of the signs.of stroke, the importance of treating it quickly and raising funds for the Stroke Foundation.
Joining Bill on the run will be Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan.
“Bill’s story is remarkable and highlights the impact that timely access to appropriate stroke treatment can have,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“Stroke is a time critical medical emergency and Stroke Foundation is committed to ensuring every Australian household has someone who knows the signs of stroke and to call 000.
“Bill’s case highlights the need for a greater awareness of the FAST test, which is the easy way to recognise and remember the signs of a stroke.”
To help the Stroke Foundation continue its work to prevent, treat and beat stroke, you can donate to Bill and Sharon’s run via Team Stroke Foundation.
The 45-year-old is training for the 21.1 kilometre Run Melbourne half-marathon at the end of this month. Bill survived a second stroke just weeks ago.
On 2 June, Bill collapsed at home in the shower. The stroke left Bill unable to communicate, however his wife Ayumi heard Bill fall and ran to his aid.
A nurse, Ayumi immediately recognised the signs of a stroke and called 000.
Only days earlier, Bill and his family had celebrated the 13 year anniversary of his survival and recovery from his initial stroke. Interestingly, Bill also had his first stroke whilst in the shower.
“Seeing me like that, again, was a big shock for my wife,’’ Bill said.
“I actually died twice on the way to hospital, but was given thrombolysis – or blood clot busting drugs within an hour.
“This prompt treatment turned my situation around and saved my life.
“I started feeling better and got my speech back within hours,’’ he said.
A stroke attacks the brain, the human control centre. When a stroke occurs, brain cells die at a rate of 1.9 million a minute, impacting a person’s mental and physical abilities. However, with quick access to treatment, this damage can be stopped.
“I am very lucky,” Bill said.
“When I suffered my first stroke I went to bed instead of going to hospital and didn’t get treatment for 20 hours, which left me with permanent disabilities.
“I couldn’t walk unaided for two-years following my stroke, suffered cognitive problems along with weight gain and depression.”
As a result of his experiences and his love for running, Bill is taking part in Run Melbourne to increase awareness of the signs.of stroke, the importance of treating it quickly and raising funds for the Stroke Foundation.
Joining Bill on the run will be Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan.
“Bill’s story is remarkable and highlights the impact that timely access to appropriate stroke treatment can have,’’ Ms McGowan said.
“Stroke is a time critical medical emergency and Stroke Foundation is committed to ensuring every Australian household has someone who knows the signs of stroke and to call 000.
“Bill’s case highlights the need for a greater awareness of the FAST test, which is the easy way to recognise and remember the signs of a stroke.”
To help the Stroke Foundation continue its work to prevent, treat and beat stroke, you can donate to Bill and Sharon’s run via Team Stroke Foundation.