A bush walk to battle stroke
December 12, 2017
It’s been ten years since Hobart resident Jo Cordell-Cooper lost her father Ron to stroke, and she still feels his absence every day.
Ron’s memory has inspired the personal trainer to team up with a group of friends to organise the first ever Tasmanian Iconic Walk to raise funds for the Stroke Foundation.
The Tasmanian Iconic Walk will see 25 groups of four trek 17 kilometres through breathtaking scenery in the Tasman National Park, home of the majestic Three Capes Track.
The seven hour journey, from the Tasman Arch to Fortescue Bay, takes in stunning cliff top views. It will be held in March 2018, registrations now open.
Jo is urging fellow adventurers to sign up and said she was excited to share this special place of natural beauty.
“The walk will be physically challenging, but it will be amazing,” Jo said.
“It’s an opportunity for participants to take steps to reduce their own stroke risk by moving and upping their heart rate.”
“Fitness is important to me. I was shocked to learn physical inactivity is now the second highest risk factor for stroke behind high blood pressure.
“I don’t want other families to go through what we did. That’s why I am encouraging people to do something good for their own health by taking part in the Tasmanian Iconic Walk and supporting the Stroke Foundation,” she said.
Jo witnessed the devastating impact of stroke when her father Ron suffered two strokes two years apart and knows she is not alone.
“I speak to so many people whose lives have been touched by stroke – and frighteningly, that number is growing,” she said.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan thanked Jo for organising the walk, saying every step taken would help to prevent, treat and beat stroke
“There will be 56,000 strokes in Australia this year, including more than 1,500 in Tasmania. Stroke kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer and leaves thousands more with an ongoing disability,” Ms McGowan said.
“It’s not just older people who are suffering. Stroke can strike at any age, changing lives in an instant not only for the individual, but their families too.”
The Tasmanian Iconic Walk will take place on Saturday March 3 2018. For details and to register visit here.
Ron’s memory has inspired the personal trainer to team up with a group of friends to organise the first ever Tasmanian Iconic Walk to raise funds for the Stroke Foundation.
The Tasmanian Iconic Walk will see 25 groups of four trek 17 kilometres through breathtaking scenery in the Tasman National Park, home of the majestic Three Capes Track.
The seven hour journey, from the Tasman Arch to Fortescue Bay, takes in stunning cliff top views. It will be held in March 2018, registrations now open.
Jo is urging fellow adventurers to sign up and said she was excited to share this special place of natural beauty.
“The walk will be physically challenging, but it will be amazing,” Jo said.
“It’s an opportunity for participants to take steps to reduce their own stroke risk by moving and upping their heart rate.”
“Fitness is important to me. I was shocked to learn physical inactivity is now the second highest risk factor for stroke behind high blood pressure.
“I don’t want other families to go through what we did. That’s why I am encouraging people to do something good for their own health by taking part in the Tasmanian Iconic Walk and supporting the Stroke Foundation,” she said.
Jo witnessed the devastating impact of stroke when her father Ron suffered two strokes two years apart and knows she is not alone.
“I speak to so many people whose lives have been touched by stroke – and frighteningly, that number is growing,” she said.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan thanked Jo for organising the walk, saying every step taken would help to prevent, treat and beat stroke
“There will be 56,000 strokes in Australia this year, including more than 1,500 in Tasmania. Stroke kills more women than breast cancer and more men than prostate cancer and leaves thousands more with an ongoing disability,” Ms McGowan said.
“It’s not just older people who are suffering. Stroke can strike at any age, changing lives in an instant not only for the individual, but their families too.”
The Tasmanian Iconic Walk will take place on Saturday March 3 2018. For details and to register visit here.