Retiring after a decade of service to stroke

Beaumaris resident Peter Cummins, 75, is set to retire after a decade of volunteering, raising awareness of stroke.

Mr Cummins began volunteering for the Stroke Foundation in 2011 following his wife Margaret’s stroke. Mr Cummins became a StrokeSafe Ambassador educating members of the community about stroke, its signs and how to prevent it.

Mr Cummins delivered more than 100 talks to community groups and workplaces around the Eastern suburbs of Melbourne.

“I saw becoming a StrokeSafe speaker as an opportunity to help others avoid stroke,” Mr Cummins said.

“I’d like to think some of my work has prevented a number of strokes. Creating awareness of stroke and the F.A.S.T. (Face. Arms. Speech. Time.) signs was a message I was more than happy to share.”

Mr Cummins recalled a time when he was told an audience member at one of his StrokeSafe talks had survived a stroke as a result of one of his previous presentations.

“That was a pretty powerful moment,” Mr Cummins said.

“It was also a terrific achievement for the people who learned the F.A.S.T. message and saved a life.”

Stroke Foundation Victoria State Manager Eamonn O’Toole thanked Mr Cummins for his incredible service to Stroke Foundation and the community.

“Peter has given thousands of hours of his time and dedication to raising awareness of stroke and prevention, making life better for others,” Mr O’Toole said.

“We thank Peter for his outstanding commitment and service to Stroke Foundation, which has made a huge difference to the lives of many people and their loved ones.”

Mr Cummins said he was looking forward to seeing more of Australia in his retirement.