Sisters do it for stroke
June 10, 2015
Alex Hall will draw inspiration from her sister Paula as she pushes herself to her physical and mental edge to take on Ironman Cairns, raising much-needed funds for the National Stroke Foundation.
Paula was just 20 years-old in 2013 when she suffered a devastating stroke as a result of unexpected complications from surgery. The stroke left her completely paralysed on one side of her body and unable to speak or walk.
After months of rehabilitation Paula has made significant progress in her recovery – just 15 months after her stroke, she is walking, driving again and is even back at university.
“When Paula had her stroke it was devastating, she had to learn to speak, drink, eat and walk again. The National Stroke Foundation was a huge help – providing support for not just Paula but our whole family,’’ Alex said.
Alex hopes to channel her sister’s courage and determination as she prepares to take on the mammoth Ironman Cairns this Sunday. Alex will tackle a 3.8 kilometre (km) swim, 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run – she is expecting to compete for a gruelling 11 hours.
“Tackling the Ironman Challenge to raise funds is my way of giving back to the Foundation that gave so much to us when we needed it most,” Alex said.
“I’ve always been a keen swimmer and cyclist which led me to compete in my first half Ironman last year. It might seem a little crazy taking on the full length after only one half-distance but Paula’s stroke has spurred me on to ‘seize the day’,” she said.
Alex said the Ironman would be tough, but it was nothing compared to what her sister and fellow stroke survivors go through.
“Paula has shown so much strength and has made an incredible recovery, however her stroke continues to impact her life,’’ Alex said.
“As a young stroke survivor Paula is sometimes isolated and withdrawn. I hope the event raises awareness that stroke can happen to young people.
“Many strokes can be prevented. You don’t have to race an Ironman, but I would like people to get out and be more active to help reduce the rate of stroke in Australia.
“I’ve set a challenge to raise $5,000 for the National Stroke Foundation to help them educate the community about how to prevent strokes so others don’t have to go through what Paula did.”
Find out more about Alex’s efforts and donate to Sisters Against Stroke
Paula was just 20 years-old in 2013 when she suffered a devastating stroke as a result of unexpected complications from surgery. The stroke left her completely paralysed on one side of her body and unable to speak or walk.
After months of rehabilitation Paula has made significant progress in her recovery – just 15 months after her stroke, she is walking, driving again and is even back at university.
“When Paula had her stroke it was devastating, she had to learn to speak, drink, eat and walk again. The National Stroke Foundation was a huge help – providing support for not just Paula but our whole family,’’ Alex said.
Alex hopes to channel her sister’s courage and determination as she prepares to take on the mammoth Ironman Cairns this Sunday. Alex will tackle a 3.8 kilometre (km) swim, 180km bike ride and a 42.2km run – she is expecting to compete for a gruelling 11 hours.
“Tackling the Ironman Challenge to raise funds is my way of giving back to the Foundation that gave so much to us when we needed it most,” Alex said.
“I’ve always been a keen swimmer and cyclist which led me to compete in my first half Ironman last year. It might seem a little crazy taking on the full length after only one half-distance but Paula’s stroke has spurred me on to ‘seize the day’,” she said.
Alex said the Ironman would be tough, but it was nothing compared to what her sister and fellow stroke survivors go through.
“Paula has shown so much strength and has made an incredible recovery, however her stroke continues to impact her life,’’ Alex said.
“As a young stroke survivor Paula is sometimes isolated and withdrawn. I hope the event raises awareness that stroke can happen to young people.
“Many strokes can be prevented. You don’t have to race an Ironman, but I would like people to get out and be more active to help reduce the rate of stroke in Australia.
“I’ve set a challenge to raise $5,000 for the National Stroke Foundation to help them educate the community about how to prevent strokes so others don’t have to go through what Paula did.”
Find out more about Alex’s efforts and donate to Sisters Against Stroke