Letters

Stride4Stroke reaches new highs

Ed,
Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke challenge has concluded for 2019. It was an incredible effort by all who took part. 
I want to take this opportunity to thank the almost 1000 people from across Australia who participated and their generous supporters. During November, striders got moving, walking in rehab, running, cycling, swimming, some participants even jumped out of a plane!
Participants reduced their risk of stroke by boosting their exercise, meanwhile raising funds for the Stroke Foundation.
Through this amazing effort, $200,000 was raised for Stroke Foundation. Every dollar raised through Stride4Stroke will have an enormous impact. It will go towards vital Stroke Foundation programs like free telephone advice service StrokeLine (1800 787 653) and follow up services which help survivors and their families transition to life back home after stroke and throughout the recovery journey.
Stroke strikes in Australia every nine minutes. It attacks the brain, the human control centre, changing lives in an instant.
Yet this disease can mainly be prevented, it can be treated and it can be beaten.
Being physically active is an important step towards stopping this disease. Just 30 minutes of exercise, five times a week reduces your stroke risk by up to 25 percent.
I encourage all local residents to keep up their efforts and keep moving.
Together we can reduce stroke’s impact on our community.

Sharon McGowan
Chief Executive Officer
Stroke Foundation