Para-Athlete's Powerful Pursuit: Darwin Survivor Scales Great Wall

Local university administrator and para-athlete Alison Reidy is proving that life after stroke has no boundaries as she prepares to tackle the Great Wall of China Trek in 2025 to raise funds for Stroke Foundation. 

At 41, Alison is embracing what she calls "a new adventure" despite the ongoing challenges she faces as a survivor of stroke. Three years post-stroke, Alison lives with invisible disabilities that require careful daily energy management. 

"Each day I need to plan my activities to maximise my energy and delay fatigue for as long as possible," Alison explains. "When I fatigue, I experience mobility, speech and cognitive difficulties." 

Despite these challenges, Alison has reinvented herself as a para-athlete and now advocates for sport as a recovery pathway for survivors of stroke. Her decision to take on the Great Wall of China Trek solo demonstrates her remarkable determination. 

"This opportunity came up and I thought 'What’s stopping me?'" says Alison. "It's also a fantastic opportunity to promote awareness and raise funds for Stroke Foundation." 

Stroke Foundation CEO Dr Lisa Murphy praised Alison's incredible journey. "Alison's remarkable determination and grit embody why our work at Stroke Foundation matters so deeply. She inspires us all by showing that with the right support, survivors of stroke can not only recover but thrive and take on extraordinary challenges." 

Alison's message to fellow survivors of stroke is powerful: "A stroke can be an opportunity to reinvent yourself - have a think about what you can do, and what activities you may like to try. Take time and be kind to yourself, neuroplasticity is constant so ongoing recovery is possible." 

About the Great Wall of China Trek 

The Stroke Foundation Great Wall of China Trek 2025 is a week-long adventure that challenges participants while supporting the Foundation's mission to prevent stroke, save lives, and enhance recovery for survivors. 

Participants will conquer the heart-pounding Sky Ladder section of the Jinshanling Great Wall, take Tai Chi classes amidst ancient city relics, and experience a memorable homestay near the Great Wall area. 

Every 11 minutes, someone in Australia experiences a stroke. By participating in fundraising events like the Great Wall Trek where participants are committed to raising $3,000 for the foundation, supporters help sustain vital programs including StrokeSafe Talks, F.A.S.T. awareness campaigns, and recovery resources like StrokeLine and the EnableMe website for survivors.