Maral Loves Walking

I'm walking 131km this May for Stroke Foundation

Hi everyone, 

I'm taking on the challenge of walking 131km in May and raising funds for Stroke Foundation to help create a future with fewer strokes. Every day in Australia, 131 people will have a stroke.

I had a stroke when I was 30 years old, nearly 17 years ago. The whole right side of my body inside and out was suddenly left numb and very heavy - it all felt deeply rattling. I learnt stroke is a traumatic brain injury which can significantly impact a person in many difficult ways. Having a stroke felt terrifying and awfully confusing. The stroke impacted my speech, my vision, my fine motor skills, my memory, my movements, my mental health and my sense of autonomy. As it can and does for many other people. 

Since my stroke, I have had brain scans from some wonderful neurologists, I was told there's no evidence of any scar tissue left which is extraordinary. I'm happy to say I'm now living to the best of my abilities.The healing was slow and steady over the years. I'm beyond grateful to be able to talk, walk, see, breathe, hike, write, read, dance, feel strong and move in amazing ways with having many caring supports along the way. So you may get why this foundation speaks to my heart. 

Stroke is one of Australia's biggest killers and it doesn't discriminate. It affects anyone, anytime. It claims more lives than breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. Sadly, up to 120 babies and 400 children have a stroke in Australia each year.

By supporting my challenge, you’ll be helping Stroke Foundation deliver life-changing programs that focus on:

• Preventing stroke through education, awareness, and encouraging blood pressure checks

• Saving lives by improving recognition and response — including awareness of the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) signs of stroke — and strengthening stroke care

• Supporting recovery with trusted information, StrokeLine, and online communities for survivors and families

Your donation is more than a contribution — it helps people understand their risk, act faster in an emergency, and find support on the road to recovery.

Thanks so much for supporting my walk and the foundation, it's much appreciated!

Maral x