Extreme endurance challenge for WA stroke survivor
November 21, 2018
Bicton man Rob Goyen could not even walk to the end his driveway after suffering a stroke 10 years ago, but today he has started a gruelling 250 kilometre run from that very spot.
The 44 year old has come a long way physically and mentally since his stroke and he is excited about the challenge ahead.
Rob is running from Bicton to picturesque Dunsborough, which will take around three days. Rob has been joined today for part of the journey by Bicton MP Lisa O’Malley.
Rob said this will be the longest run he has ever attempted, but he is excited and grateful for the opportunity to do it.
“Recovering from stroke is an ongoing challenge and it has taken me ten years to get to this point,” Rob said.
“It all started with taking that first step down my driveway, combined with the endless love and support of my wife and son.”
Bicton MP Lisa O’Malley said she was thrilled to support Rob on his journey.
“Rob’s journey has the power to inspire others to do what you love after stroke. It doesn’t matter what that is - getting back out in the garden, cooking for the family or going for a run,’’ she said.
“One in six people are affected by stroke in their lifetime. It’s an important issue, and Rob’s passion and drive to raise awareness about living an active life after a stoke is truly admirable.”
Stroke attacks the brain – the human control centre. There will be more than 5,000 strokes in Western Australia in 2018 alone, but it can be treated and it can be beaten.
Rob’s run is part of the Stroke Foundation’s Stride4stroke physical activity campaign which being held throughout November.
Hundreds of people across the country have signed up to Stride4stroke. Participants set their own activity goal and ask their family, friends and colleagues to donate to their efforts.
As an added bonus, participants reduce their own stroke risk by being physically active.
Rob encouraged the locals to follow his lead by taking part in Stride4stroke themselves or donating to his campaign.
“Most of the people I know have a personal connection to stroke – whether it be a parent, grandparent, friend or colleague,” he said.
“I ask our community, who will you stride for this November?”
Stroke Foundation Western Australia State Manager Jonine Collins has applauded Rob for his determination to live well after stroke and for using this run to make a difference to other stroke survivors and their families.
“Funds raised through Stride4stroke 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 Collins said.
It’s not too late. Join Rob 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 44 year old has come a long way physically and mentally since his stroke and he is excited about the challenge ahead.
Rob is running from Bicton to picturesque Dunsborough, which will take around three days. Rob has been joined today for part of the journey by Bicton MP Lisa O’Malley.
Rob said this will be the longest run he has ever attempted, but he is excited and grateful for the opportunity to do it.
“Recovering from stroke is an ongoing challenge and it has taken me ten years to get to this point,” Rob said.
“It all started with taking that first step down my driveway, combined with the endless love and support of my wife and son.”
Bicton MP Lisa O’Malley said she was thrilled to support Rob on his journey.
“Rob’s journey has the power to inspire others to do what you love after stroke. It doesn’t matter what that is - getting back out in the garden, cooking for the family or going for a run,’’ she said.
“One in six people are affected by stroke in their lifetime. It’s an important issue, and Rob’s passion and drive to raise awareness about living an active life after a stoke is truly admirable.”
Stroke attacks the brain – the human control centre. There will be more than 5,000 strokes in Western Australia in 2018 alone, but it can be treated and it can be beaten.
Rob’s run is part of the Stroke Foundation’s Stride4stroke physical activity campaign which being held throughout November.
Hundreds of people across the country have signed up to Stride4stroke. Participants set their own activity goal and ask their family, friends and colleagues to donate to their efforts.
As an added bonus, participants reduce their own stroke risk by being physically active.
Rob encouraged the locals to follow his lead by taking part in Stride4stroke themselves or donating to his campaign.
“Most of the people I know have a personal connection to stroke – whether it be a parent, grandparent, friend or colleague,” he said.
“I ask our community, who will you stride for this November?”
Stroke Foundation Western Australia State Manager Jonine Collins has applauded Rob for his determination to live well after stroke and for using this run to make a difference to other stroke survivors and their families.
“Funds raised through Stride4stroke 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 Collins said.
It’s not too late. Join Rob and register for Stride4stroke www.stride4stroke.org.au Do it by yourself or grab some mates and form a team to keep you motivated.