Central Coast Survivor of Stroke Shares Life-Saving Message After Missing Crucial Signs

When Niagara Park local Dan Preston, then 44, he collapsed on his balcony in the rain, he had no idea he was having a stroke and neither did his husband, Will.

“I couldn’t stand. My arms and legs weren’t working. I felt pins and needles everywhere, and nothing made sense,” Dan said. “But we didn’t realise it was a stroke, the F.A.S.T signs were there, but we didn’t know them at the time.”

The delay in recognising the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke and calling for help meant critical time was lost. By the time the ambulance had arrived, the damage was done.

Dan, now 48, lives with the ongoing effects of stroke, including fatigue, aphasia (difficulty with speech), cognitive challenges, chronic pain, and blindness. But instead of letting it define him, Dan is using his experience to raise awareness, so others don’t miss the signs the way he did.

“Dan’s story is a powerful reminder that recognising the F.A.S.T signs early can be the difference between life and death,” Dr Murphy said.

“There are over 440,000 Australians living with the effects of stroke, and increasingly we are seeing strokes in people under the age of 65. That’s why awareness campaigns like National Stroke Week are so important.”

He now runs a small business, Tinka & Co, from his home on the Central Coast. Named after his rescue dog Tinka, the business sells handmade pet accessories and natural dog treats, and it also shares stroke awareness flyers with every order. A portion of profits from the Stroke Awareness Dog Biscuit range is donated to Stroke Foundation.

“I started sewing as part of my rehab. It gave me something to focus on, and over time it became a way to connect with people and share my story,” Dan said. “Tinka & Co has helped me heal, and it’s helping others learn the signs I wish I’d known.”

Stroke Foundation CEO, Dr Lisa Murphy, praised Dan’s courage and determination to use his personal health crisis to raise awareness about stroke.

With National Stroke Week (4–10 August) approaching, Dan is encouraging Central Coast residents, especially men, to learn F.A.S.T and take stroke seriously.

“If you spot the signs early, you can save a life. I just wish we had known then what we know now.”

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