Townsville sisters unite to Stride4stroke
October 23, 2018
Townsville local Rachael Urquhart understands the reality of stroke after suffering one herself last year at the age of 24.
The stroke happened in an instant, causing the left side of Rachael’s body to become paralysed.
Rachael was terrified, but her father (a former paramedic) recognised the F.A.S.T signs of stroke and dialed triple zero (000). As a result, Rachael accessed time-critical stroke treatment and regained movement that night.
In celebration of Rachael’s recovery, Rachael, her sister Megan and friends have formed a team to take part in the Stroke Foundation’s Stride4stroke physical activity campaign this November.
The team wants to raise awareness that stroke can happen to anyone at any age, with Rachael admitting weight and inactivity were risk factors for her. The team also wants to raise funds for the Stroke Foundation.
“I am passionate about giving back to the Stroke Foundation because the charity gave me so much support, including follow up calls, after my stroke,” Rachael said.
“The beauty of Stride4stroke is you can set your own physical activity goal. I have chosen to walk 200 kilometres in 31 days with the aim of raising $500.”
Stroke attacks the brain – the human control centre – and it is more common than many realise. This year alone almost 600 strokes will be experienced in the Dawson and Herbert regions combined. However, stroke can be treated and it can be beaten.
Rachael is encouraging the Townsville community to follow their lead by taking part in Stride4stroke or donating to their team, Strong Striders.
“Most of the people I know have a personal connection to stroke like I do – whether it be a parent, grandparent, friend or colleague,’’ Rachael said.
“I ask our community, who will you stride for this November?”
Stride4stroke is open to all ages and abilities and participants have the added bonus of reducing their own stroke risk by being physically active.
Stroke Foundation Queensland State Manager Andrea Sanders said every dollar raised through Stride4stroke would have an impact.
“Funds raised will go towards vital Stroke Foundation programs like StrokeLine (1800 787 653) and follow up services to help survivors and their families transition to life after stroke,” Ms Sanders said.
“This November, join Rachael, Megan and friends and register for Stride4stroke www.stride4stroke.org.au Do it by yourself or grab some mates and form a team to keep you motivated.”
The stroke happened in an instant, causing the left side of Rachael’s body to become paralysed.
Rachael was terrified, but her father (a former paramedic) recognised the F.A.S.T signs of stroke and dialed triple zero (000). As a result, Rachael accessed time-critical stroke treatment and regained movement that night.
In celebration of Rachael’s recovery, Rachael, her sister Megan and friends have formed a team to take part in the Stroke Foundation’s Stride4stroke physical activity campaign this November.
The team wants to raise awareness that stroke can happen to anyone at any age, with Rachael admitting weight and inactivity were risk factors for her. The team also wants to raise funds for the Stroke Foundation.
“I am passionate about giving back to the Stroke Foundation because the charity gave me so much support, including follow up calls, after my stroke,” Rachael said.
“The beauty of Stride4stroke is you can set your own physical activity goal. I have chosen to walk 200 kilometres in 31 days with the aim of raising $500.”
Stroke attacks the brain – the human control centre – and it is more common than many realise. This year alone almost 600 strokes will be experienced in the Dawson and Herbert regions combined. However, stroke can be treated and it can be beaten.
Rachael is encouraging the Townsville community to follow their lead by taking part in Stride4stroke or donating to their team, Strong Striders.
“Most of the people I know have a personal connection to stroke like I do – whether it be a parent, grandparent, friend or colleague,’’ Rachael said.
“I ask our community, who will you stride for this November?”
Stride4stroke is open to all ages and abilities and participants have the added bonus of reducing their own stroke risk by being physically active.
Stroke Foundation Queensland State Manager Andrea Sanders said every dollar raised through Stride4stroke would have an impact.
“Funds raised will go towards vital Stroke Foundation programs like StrokeLine (1800 787 653) and follow up services to help survivors and their families transition to life after stroke,” Ms Sanders said.
“This November, join Rachael, Megan and friends and register for Stride4stroke www.stride4stroke.org.au Do it by yourself or grab some mates and form a team to keep you motivated.”