Ascot Vale stroke survivor leads the nation in Stride4Stroke fundraising
Ascot Vale resident Mark Waldron knows better than most how devastating stroke can be – and now he is channelling that experience into action! Mark is currently leading Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke fundraising campaign and has already raised more than $11,000 before the September fundraising challenge has even officially begun.
Mark was just 53 when his life changed forever in February 2023. After suffering a severe headache for four days, he asked a friend to drive him to hospital. What he thought was a lingering knock from footy training turned out to be a stroke.
“I left hospital eight-and-a-half months later, in a wheelchair,” Mark said.
“I had no idea a headache could be a stroke. I don’t think people realise how common stroke is, or the impact it can have on people and their families.”
Before his stroke, Mark led an active, busy life. He played footy for his local masters club, the Ascot Vale Panthers, and enjoyed walking his dogs and gardening. Today, his left side remains weakened, and Mark relies heavily on support workers, his partner Angelina, and his best friend Rob. Despite the challenges, Mark continues intensive physiotherapy with a determined mindset. “What I put in; I’ll hopefully get back out.”
Now, Mark is determined to give back by taking part in Stride4Stroke 2025, Stroke Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser. From 1–30 September, Australians are encouraged to set a personal Moving Minutes goal – walking, running, swimming, dancing or moving in any way they choose – to raise funds and awareness for stroke prevention, treatment and recovery.
Mark has set himself an ambitious target of 4,020 moving minutes, the equivalent of walking two-and-a-half hours every day throughout September.
“I want to pay something forward in return for all the support I’ve been given – and to raise awareness of stroke and its impacts,” Mark said.
Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Murphy, said Mark’s story is both inspiring and a critical reminder.
“Mark’s determination to stride on, while raising more than $11,000 already, shows just how powerful this campaign can be,” Dr Murphy said.
“Stroke strikes the young, the old and everyone in between – one every 11 minutes in Australia. Mark is helping shine a light on prevention and supporting the 440,000 stroke survivors in our community.”
Australians are encouraged to join Mark and register at www.stride4stroke.org.au
About Stride4Stroke
Stride4Stroke is Stroke Foundation’s biggest annual fundraiser, challenging Australians to set a personal ‘Moving Minutes’ goal and get active their own way throughout September — walking, running, swimming, dancing or riding — to help prevent stroke, save lives and support the 440,000 stroke survivors in our community.
Stride4Stroke 2025 is proudly supported by: Australian Physiotherapy Association, Compassion Care Network and Precision Group.
