Simon’s fighting spirit shone bright after stroke

Simon Fairbrother was in peak physique at the time of his stroke just 12 months ago. It was a huge shock to the father of three who had just completed the Busselton 100 Triathlon at the time.  

“I was at work and my stress levels were heightened because a few of my colleagues were away, so I was managing the extra workload,” Simon said.  

“I was sitting at my desk when I began having a few dizzy spells. I called my wife and a colleague, and then lost sensation on my left-hand side and slumped off my chair and onto the floor.” 

Simon was experiencing the telltale F.A.S.T. signs of stroke. His colleagues rushed into action, bundling him into the car and rushing him to Busselton Hospital. A CT scan revealed Simon had a clot in his brain. 

“I was having a conversation with a neurologist in Perth through the Telestroke service. He talked me through what was happening and said clot-busting drugs could be used because I had arrived at hospital within the golden hour of treatment,” Simon said. 

“I asked the doctor for his advice, he said if you were my brother, I’d want to you to take the drug, so I did. The staff at Busselton Hospital were amazing, and I guess that’s one of the benefits of living in a small town. I knew many of the nursing staff and the people who attended to me.”  

Following that, Simon completed six weeks of intensive physiotherapy and occupational therapy at Fiona Stanley Hospital.  

“At first, I needed the help of two physios to walk me down the hallway. But after six weeks I was able to walk 30 metres unassisted,” he said.  

“I completely embraced therapy and never relaxed. Even while sitting at my desk, I am doing exercises and making sure I can be the best version of myself. I’m always doing my best to create new neural pathways, neuroplasticity is incredible. 

Simon 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.  

Simon says his strong Christian faith helped him fight back after stroke.  

“The more I pray, the less anxious I am. I know God had a plan for me, and that really helped with my recovery.” he said. 

"I would have been lost without my family and friends, especially my wife who never treated me any differently and didn’t allow me to feel sorry for myself.  

“My employer was also really supportive. They kept my job and then allowed me to come back for just four hours a week at first. To be a part of a team and have that support network was amazing.” 

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy said regional Australians are 17 per cent more likely to experience a stroke than their metropolitan counterparts.   

“Stroke is always a medical emergency. Getting fast treatment for stroke can be the difference between death, disability, and a good recovery so it’s important to know the F.A.S.T signs and identify a stroke as soon as possible,” Dr Murphy said.  

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.