Kyneton local Jo Hudgson will hit the tracks this month to walk 100 kilometres in support of stroke survivors like her own mother Maureen Green.
She is stepping up for Stride4Stroke, which encourages people to get moving to reduce their risk of stroke and raise funds for vital Stroke Foundation programs.
At 85 years old, Maureen can no longer walk, has memory issues and has little control over the left side of her body after suffering a stroke at her home earlier this year.
Maureen now lives in an aged-care facility and Jo has found it incredibly difficult to see her lose her independence.
“I am lucky that mum is still with us, but I miss her incredibly. I miss who she was and the relationship we had,” Jo said.
“Stroke can affect anyone, any age, any gender and the ripple effects can be devastating. I am taking part in Stride4stroke to raise funds to help prevent, treat and beat stroke.”
Stroke strikes the brain and can change lives in an instant, yet more than 80 per cent of strokes can be prevented, and being active can reduce stroke risk.
Stroke Foundation Victoria state manager Eamonn O’Toole is right behind Jo’s Stride4Stroke goal, and said it was great to see the campaign being used as an incentive by many participants to get moving again.
“The coronavirus pandemic had many of us putting exercise on the back-burner, Stride4stroke provides an incentive for all of us to get moving, while keeping safe in line with COVID-19 advice,” Mr O’Toole said.
“I encourage everyone in Victoria to follow Jo’s lead. There are so many benefits from moving your body including improved physical health and mood.”
Stride4Stroke is open to everyone – stroke survivors, their families and friends and anyone in the community who would like to get active.
Goals can be any shape or form, from running, walking, riding or swimming a set distance, to taking a desired number of steps in rehabilitation. It can be a personal or a group challenge.
Funds raised through Stride4Stroke will go towards Stroke Foundation programs like free telephone advice service StrokeLine (1800 787 653) and EnableMe, online support services that help survivors and their families transition to life back home after stroke and throughout the recovery journey.
Those wishing to support Jo can do so at stride4stroke.org.au/fundraisers/johudgson or have a go themselves and register at www.stride4stroke.org.au
