Stroke survivor goes for gold at Invictus Games
September 18, 2017
Richard Wassell is one determined man as he prepares to head to Canada to compete in the Invictus Games, 23 years after suffering a stroke deep in the ocean.
The Perth man was in the navy when he suffered a life-threatening stroke in a submarine.
Richard said it was frightening – and due to the circumstances – there was a lengthy delay in accessing medical treatment. The submarine had to surface in rough seas, Richard then had to be transferred to a naval ship and then to hospital in Sydney via helicopter.
“I just fell over and I couldn’t get up. I lost my speech, so I couldn’t articulate what was happening,” Richard said.
“I didn’t know I was having a stroke. I thought a stroke was something that happened to older people, not people in their 20s.
“I think there’s still a misconception in the community about that.”
While recovering Richard suffered a second stroke. This stroke left Richard paralysed on his right side and took his speech.
Richard’s recovery has been a long journey. It took months to learn to walk again and he still has no use of his right arm from the elbow down. The stroke forced Richard to give up the military career he loved.
In this challenging time, Richard turned to sport, starting with running.
“For me, sport has always been an important motivator in my rehabilitation and recovery, which is why I am so excited about competing in the Invictus Games,’’ Richard said.
“I was 28 years old when I had my stroke and could have just given up on life, but through sport I have managed to set goals and stay fit and healthy. It’s been crucial for my mental health.
“I want to inspire other former members of the military, along with stroke survivors and other people who have suffered some sort of disability to keep active and never give up.”
The father of four will compete in the rowing and in the 100m, 200m and 400m sprint in Toronto. Richard has been training intensively two or three times a day for 12 months.
“I’m very driven and competitive and I love the idea or competing for my country, but once I’m there the most important thing will be about taking part,” he said.
Stroke Foundation Western Australian State Manager Jonine Collins said around 30 percent of stroke survivors were of working age, many of them living with an ongoing disability.
“Richard is an inspiration and I wish him luck in Toronto,’’ Ms Collins said.
“Already a winner, Richard is proof you can thrive and live well after stroke with determination, good care and support.
The Invictus Games are on in Toronto from September 23-30. Richard will leave Australia for Canada on Wednesday September 20.
The Perth man was in the navy when he suffered a life-threatening stroke in a submarine.
Richard said it was frightening – and due to the circumstances – there was a lengthy delay in accessing medical treatment. The submarine had to surface in rough seas, Richard then had to be transferred to a naval ship and then to hospital in Sydney via helicopter.
“I just fell over and I couldn’t get up. I lost my speech, so I couldn’t articulate what was happening,” Richard said.
“I didn’t know I was having a stroke. I thought a stroke was something that happened to older people, not people in their 20s.
“I think there’s still a misconception in the community about that.”
While recovering Richard suffered a second stroke. This stroke left Richard paralysed on his right side and took his speech.
Richard’s recovery has been a long journey. It took months to learn to walk again and he still has no use of his right arm from the elbow down. The stroke forced Richard to give up the military career he loved.
In this challenging time, Richard turned to sport, starting with running.
“For me, sport has always been an important motivator in my rehabilitation and recovery, which is why I am so excited about competing in the Invictus Games,’’ Richard said.
“I was 28 years old when I had my stroke and could have just given up on life, but through sport I have managed to set goals and stay fit and healthy. It’s been crucial for my mental health.
“I want to inspire other former members of the military, along with stroke survivors and other people who have suffered some sort of disability to keep active and never give up.”
The father of four will compete in the rowing and in the 100m, 200m and 400m sprint in Toronto. Richard has been training intensively two or three times a day for 12 months.
“I’m very driven and competitive and I love the idea or competing for my country, but once I’m there the most important thing will be about taking part,” he said.
Stroke Foundation Western Australian State Manager Jonine Collins said around 30 percent of stroke survivors were of working age, many of them living with an ongoing disability.
“Richard is an inspiration and I wish him luck in Toronto,’’ Ms Collins said.
“Already a winner, Richard is proof you can thrive and live well after stroke with determination, good care and support.
The Invictus Games are on in Toronto from September 23-30. Richard will leave Australia for Canada on Wednesday September 20.