Walking has changed my life - By Arthur Shaw
Arthur completed his 18th ironman a few months before stroke changed his life.
It was October 2022 when he began to feel unwell while going for a walk. His wife, Sharine, recognised the crucial F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) signs and called for help. Arthur arrived at the hospital within 20 minutes and received lifesaving clot-dissolving treatment.
“I like to call it my ‘stroke of luck’. I was told by the health professionals that I was very lucky that I got treatment quickly, and it was my level of health and fitness that prevented the stroke from being catastrophic.
“I didn’t find out until afterwards, but I had experienced six TIA’s before the bigger stroke. In hindsight, there were a lot of little signs that were indicating something was wrong.”
“Eventually it was discovered that I was living with undiagnosed high blood pressure due to a genetic condition. I was a walking time bomb.”
Arthur began his long road to recovery. He was unable to drive for a month after his stroke and started walking every day.
This month, he’s taking part in Stroke Foundation’s 76km in May, which helps support the 76 Australians who will experience their first stroke today, and every day.
“At first, I really hated walking, but the more I did it, the more I enjoyed it. Now I see the health benefits of walking and go every day.”
“Now I have a passion for it and walk for my mental health. I am even working on a target to compete next year’s Ironman.”
So far over $88,000 has been raised by over 600 fundraisers. #76for76
See more about exercising after a stroke.