Epic endurance adventure awaits young stroke survivor

There is no stopping Tommy Quick.  

The 27-year-old university student, who had a stroke at the age of 12, has made defying the odds his specialty.  

Tommy is in the process of planning his grandest challenge to date – riding a three-wheel bicycle, called a recumbent trike, to the four furthest points of mainland Australia.  

Setting off in August 2021, Tommy will tackle the 9,000 kilometre journey from Steep Point in Western Australia to Cape York in Far North Queensland.  

As Tommy travels around Australia, he wants people to know that stroke can happen at any age, but it does not mean your life is over. 

“When I first had a stroke, I was just a school kid. I spent five weeks in an induced coma, which was pretty frightening for my family,” Tommy said. 

"I had to re-learn the basics, like how to swallow and to talk. I was told I would not be able to walk or run again, but I proved the doctors wrong.  

“While my life had changed dramatically, I adopted a positive mindset and looked at my situation like my life was just beginning.” 

The sports lover has limited movement in his right arm and mobility challenges. However, Tommy played table tennis in high school, is a qualified personal trainer and completed the gruelling Kokoda Track in 2014.  

Tommy said next year’s Four Points of Australia adventure may be his toughest yet. 

“This is not a quick ride to the shops. This is an epic adventure and a test of my resilience," Tommy said.  

"I don’t believe anyone has completed this challenge before and I am keen to be the first.  

“I don’t like the word disabled. Anyone can set themselves a goal to do something – no matter how big or small it seems. I would like to empower other stroke survivors to strive to do something they love.” 

Tommy plans to ride up to 80 kilometres a day and hopes other riders, joggers and ultra-marathon runners will join him along the journey. 

As well as increasing awareness of stroke, Tommy will raise funds for Stroke Foundation. 

“I plan to stop along the way, wherever people will listen – in towns and at schools and community groups to share my story and break-down preconceived ideas about what disability looks like,” he said. 

For more on Tommy’s journey and how you can support his fundraising click here.