Andy’s stroke recovery a marathon effort

Just minutes after Andy Baker crossed the finish line of South Beach Park Run in first place, he experienced a life changing stroke.  

Three doctors who had also been running with Andy noticed he was experiencing the telltale F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and called an ambulance.  

“My speech was first to go, when I got up I collapsed, it was terrifying. At hospital I was diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke,” Andy said.  

“I was so shocked because I had been training for the Margaret River Ultra Marathon at the time. I was at the peak of my health and fitness journey. Little did I know what was about to come, I would be rebuilding my body, mind and life again. The biggest marathon of my life was about to begin.” 

The stroke left Andy paralyzed on his right side and stole his speech. 

“I threw myself into rehab, as I would if I was conditioning myself for a big run. Thankfully, I have a great team of professionals helping me, and my family are my number one supporters,” Andy said.  

“I repeat exercises every day for endless hours, all with the goal of regaining movement on my right side and to one day run again. But I have quickly learned that without dealing with the emotional side of a stroke, and focusing on my mindset, none of my other goals may be reachable.” 

Andy is among the 44,000 survivors of stroke living in Western Australia. To mark National Stroke Week (August 7-13), Stroke Foundation is encouraging the community to fight stroke together by bringing people together to share knowledge, support and resources to help prevent strokes from occurring and to aid in the recovery process for those who have experienced a stroke. 

Andy said he’s fighting stroke by learning to draw with his left hand, a huge challenge for the former artist.  

“Stroke can steal the dreams you once had but can also give you new ones to enjoy. Some days are tough, really tough as the reality of it all hits, but you learn to get through,” he said.  

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy commended Andy on his fighting spirit.  

“It’s clear Andy is doing everything he can to fight stroke and become the best version of himself,” Dr Murphy said.  

“Everyone’s stroke recovery journey is different and happens at a different rate, but what we do know is the earlier you recognise a stroke and the sooner you seek specialist emergency treatment, the better your chance of recovery.”  

If you suspect a stroke, think F.A.S.T and ask these questions:    

Face – Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?   

Arms – Can they lift both arms?   

Speech – Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?   

Time – Time is critical. If you see any of these signs, call 000 straight away   

National Stroke Week is proudly supported by Major Sponsors: EMVision, AbbVie, and AstraZeneca, and Supporting Sponsors: Precision Group and Rossmax Australia.