Age no barrier in the fight against stroke

A 92 year-old Burwood East man is set to embark on something that’s in the too hard basket for most of us – Run Melbourne! 

Ken Lyons will be the oldest competitor in Run Melbourne this Sunday, taking on the six kilometre course and raising funds for the Stroke Foundation. 

The charity is close to his heart after he lost his beloved wife Jill to stroke eight years ago. They were married for more than 60 years. 

“I miss Jill every single day,” Ken said. 

“Sadly I witnessed the debilitating impact of stroke on someone I loved first-hand and don’t want others to go through that.

“I want to save as many lives as possible by raising much needed funds and awareness.”

There’s no slowing down this retired pharmacist and World War two veteran, who is also a father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ken hosts his own radio show on community station 3WBC, and regularly talks about stroke. 

“Many people don’t realise stroke is one of Australia’s biggest killers and leading causes of disability. There is one stroke every nine minutes,” he said.

“It kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer, but stroke can be largely prevented.

“I am very interested in the work of the Stroke Foundation, in supporting survivors and their families and facilitating research.”

Ken’s daughter Sandra will join him in taking on Run Melbourne, along with Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan and a number of stroke survivors.  

“This is the first time I’ve ever taken part in anything like this. I’m probably crazy,” Ken said. 

“I don’t know whether I’ll finish, but I will have plenty of support and will do the best I can.”

Ken has raised almost $1000 so far to help the Stroke Foundation prevent, treat and beat stroke.

If you would like to support Ken click here.