Stride4stroke

Stroke Survivor Challenge

Three years ago Paul Fink was not able to walk, but with a lot of hard work, he is set to tackle more than 1000 steps over the Sydney Harbour Bridge next month.

Paul was just 34 when stroke struck. A new dad to Oscar, the stroke turned his life and his wife Lauren's life upside down.

Today, after much rehabilitation and with a lot of determination, Paul can talk again and even run alongside his son. Paul and Lauren are also expecting their second child.

Paul will climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge in aid of the Stroke Foundation's Stride4stroke campaign, reducing his stroke risk and raising vital funds to support stroke survivors in the community.

'I love a challenge and climbing the bridge will be physically demanding for me, but I am confident I can complete it," Paul said.

'I consider myself lucky to be alive. I was a real hands-on dad, but I missed around six months of my son's life while I was in rehab.

'I can't change that, but I can make exercise a key part of my recovery as part of my commitment to live life well with my family after stroke."

Paul encouraged fellow community members to join him in striding for stroke this November.

'Stride4stroke is fun, it's suitable for people of all ages and abilities, it gets you moving and raises money for a good cause. Registrations are open,'' he said.

'All you have to do is pledge your own unique fitness and fundraising goal for the month of November. It can be just a few steps in rehab, a lap of a pool or you could clock up a certain amount of kilometres on foot."

Stroke Foundation Chief Executive Officer Sharon McGowan applauded Paul for his amazing effort saying every step and every dollar makes a difference in preventing, treating and beating stroke.

'Stroke touches too many lives. It kills more men than prostate cancer and more women than breast cancer and leaves thousands more with a disability,'' Ms McGowan said.

'Stroke can happen to anyone of any age – a child, mother, father, grandparent, friend or colleague.

'Every dollar raised through Stride4stroke will have an enormous impact. All funds will go towards Strokeline – the only dedicated national helpline for people affected by stroke and their loved ones."

Get moving and Stride4stroke Australia! Stride4stroke will be held throughout November with hundreds taking part reducing their stroke risk and raising vital funds to support stroke survivors in the community.

Sign up or donate at www.stride4stroke.org.au