Passionate surfer back on board after stroke

Jenny Hellyer has an affinity with the ocean, it’s where the avid surfer enjoys spending time with her family but in January this year, a regular family day out at the beach took an expected turn when they got home.
 
“My leg felt like it had turned to rubber. I tried to walk, but it felt like a flag flapping in the breeze then it completely gave way. I also felt a numbness creeping up the right side of my face.”

The 43-year-old was having a stroke. She recognised the signs and called an ambulance immediately. 

“I just knew I had to get to the hospital quickly.”

After a month in hospital undergoing gruelling rehabilitation, the mother-of-two learned how to walk again and was determined to get back on her board.

The former stand up paddleboard state champion’s love for the water drove her recovery.

“I just told myself ‘get out there. I can’t let the stroke beat me.” 
 
And that’s exactly what Jenny did. She’s now back on her board, taking on the waves of New South Wales’ northern beaches.

“ It feels great to be back out there in the lineup and be back doing what I love.”  
 
Jenny is sharing her story to mark National Stroke Week which runs from August 5 to 11 and encourages people to know the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) message to ensure they can save the life of a loved one if they have a stroke.

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Dr Lisa Murphy is urging all Australians to learn the signs of stroke as part of the national awareness week.

“Knowing the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke saves lives. The faster a stroke patient gets to hospital and receives medical treatment, the better their chance of survival and successful rehabilitation.”

National Stroke Week is proudly supported by major sponsor: EMVision and supporting sponsors: AbbVie and Precision Fundraising.